South Wales

pusb365 · March 13, 2019

Hi guys.

Looking at arranging a last minute short trip to South Wales in early/mid April.

Probably looking at 3-4 rounds and just wondered what people's favourites are in the area?

Royal Porthcawl is the obvious one but apart from that they all look similarly ranked.

Preference is for links golf but considering a round on the 2010 course at Celtic Manor as well, though I understand that can be quite wet at this time of year.

Thanks!

El Gringo · March 13, 2019

You may want to consider Pennard and Southerndown first. Further afield in Pembrokeshire there is Tenby if you don't mind the extra drive. Otherwise Ashburnham and Pyle & Kenfig are more convenient than Tenby...if less exciting courses. There is also often forgotten Clyne (on the way to Pennard on the edge of the Gower)...a lovely Colt Moorland type course. They also have good lodgings if you want to do a one nighter with Pennard instead the driving back and forth to Porthcawl/Southerndown.

I would avoid Celtic Manor at that time of the year. Its not worth the risk of playing in slop.

If you do choose P&K, check to make sure the proper course is open instead of the winter version. That said, its early in the year so even if the proper course is open it could get wet.

Ciao

milesgiles · March 13, 2019

I was a little underwhelmed by Ashburnham, it’s a lovely setting but a lot of weak holes. Machynis is the only other one I played, perfectly good modern links very fair if not likely to over excite. Next time I’m down there Pennard is top of my list, P and K has a good reputation as well

El Gringo · March 14, 2019

Truth be told, I am not big on Ashburnham or P&K. That said, each course has a handful of very good holes. Regardless I would take nearby Southerndown over both everyday of the week.

Ciao