148 Golf WorldAugust 2017
TOP 50 COURSES IN WALES
timescrazy,atothersbewildering,
onethingiscertain,theOldlayout
here is a ‘must play’ at least once.12 Porthmadog (1)
Porthmadog, Gwynedd. J Braid.
GW VERDICTAnother of the
courses(alongwithPwllheliand
Abersoch) that offers clearly
defined splits in character; this time
a heathland-parkland front nine
then a really, really good links
section after the turn.11 Southerndown(1)
Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan.
Fernie, Fowler, Park, Colt, Steel.
GW VERDICTStoried architectural
pastforadownlandcourse
characterised by elevation change,
gorse, bracken and firm turf. A
breezy, invigorating experience
with splendid panoramic views.10 Borth&Ynyslas(2)
Aer- Y- Mor, Ceredigion. H Colt.
GW VERDICTBorth enters the top
10 for the first time having
progressed steadily up the list in
thepastfouryears.Ticksallthe
boxesofthecliched‘hiddengem’
butwehopewe’veplayedapartin
makingitoneofWales’must-play
linksratherthanaremote,low-
profile jewel. It is enjoyably raw.9 Conwy()
Morfa,Conwy.JHarris,FPennink.
GW VERDICTEnjoys a notable
location yet owes its prominence to
its unremitting challenge than its
sparklingscenery.Outwitha
relatively modest start and finish,
this is high-calibre fare.8 Te n by()
Tenby, Pembrokeshire. J Braid.
GW VERDICTBlind shots, bouncy
fairways, and green complexes that
makeyousmile.Setinalovely
seaside town, this is a quintessential
links experience enhanced by the
touch of a great designer.7 Pyle & Kenfig()
Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan.
Mackenzie Ross.
GW VERDICTEveryone knows by
nowthatthefrontnineisthewarm-
upfortheawesomebacknine.The
best holes are immense, the more
modest ones perfectly adequate.6 Celtic Manor 2010( )
Caerleon, Newport.
Ross McMurray.
GW VERDICT More than just the‘experience’ factor at the host of
the 2010 Ryder Cup. It is an
excellent modern course in its own
right, and even links enthusiasts will
enjoy this experience away from
the shore to take on the risk-reward
holes and the variety of challenge.5 Ashburnham()
Burry Port, Carmarthenshire.
JH Taylor.
GW VERDICTMaintains this top-
fiveslotafterrisinginthe2015
ranking, we are certain ‘The Ash’ is
thebestofWales’coursesthat
aren’t currently in our GB&I Top- In fact, but for a modest
opening and climax – which are not
quiteuptothecalibreoftherest–
itwoulddbe in the GB&I ranking.
Even so, that could easily change,
becausethe15holesinbetween
are, trust us, sensationally good.
4 Pennard()
Swansea, West Glamorgan.
James Braid/CK Cotton.
GW VERDICTEntered our GB&I
Top 100 last year and its mix of
linksy turf on clifftop terrain is
slatedtorisefurtherupthatelite
ranking. If you don’t have fun here,
youaredoingsomethingwrong.3 Aberdovey()
Aberdovey, Gwynedd.
HColt,JBraidandHFowler.
GW VERDICTStarts and finishes
withholesofararequality.It’strue
thereisaquietmiddlesectionthat
holdsitbackfromchallenging
higherintheGB&ITop100ofwhich
itisafixture,butitsgoodholesare
majestic, and you will not be let
down by this beguiling links, as a
glanceatitsdesigninputsuggests.2 Royal St David’s()
Harlech, Gwynedd.
Finch-Hatton/Henry More.
GW VERDICT A links that has class
and pedigree. The club is working
admirably hard to progressively
improve its course further and it is
closer to the No.1 spot than it was
six years ago. Traditionalists and
connoisseurs will especially love
this unremitting examination and
visitors will relish the splendid turf. Royal Porthcawl( )
Rest Bay, Mid Glamorgan.
Ramsay Hunter.
GW VERDICTNo change at the
topanddespiteaverystrong
topthree,itishardtoseeit
being much different going
forward. Strong enough to
once again host the finest
Seniorsintheworldthis
summer,italsoappealsto
those who cherish expansive
sea views. An immaculately-
conditioned, high-calibre links.Pennard.