Courses
The Facts
Founded:1892.
Architect:
Charles Gibson.
Vital statistics:
6,303-7,068-yards,
par 72.
Star hole: So
many to choose
from but the par-4
18th is simply
sensational with
the second shot
played to an
undulating green
running from front
to back next to the
clubhouse and sea.
Famous for:
Staging GB&I’s
Walker Cup defeat
of USA in 1995,
the highlight
being Gary
Wolstenholme’s
singles defeat of a
highly promising
Tiger Woods.
Green fees:
Winter (Nov-Feb)
midweek rate - £75,
includes coffee &
bacon roll & £145 at
weekends. There’s
also a fourball
special at £250
(£62. 50 pp).
Contact:
01656 782251,
http://www.
royalporthcawl.
comTees demand a variety of shots to leave yourself best
placed for your approach to onger holes. The par-3s
require accurate club selection, especially in the wind.
Greens are tough, undulating and take some reading.
For the end of the summer season the course was in
excellent condition. The rough is to be avoided at all
costs with any rain making it very thick. Bunkers were
of a high standard also.
The club accommodates those just looking for a quick
post-round drink to reflect. But the dining is an
experience in itself, with great views across the bay and
fine food.
The coastal views provide a stunning backdrop to a
challenging course. There is a selection of both long
holes needing well-struck shots, to shorter holes
requiring pinpoint accuracy.
The clubhouse reflected the nature of the course –
well-kept with nods to the club’s history. We were
made to feel welcome by members and staff and the
changing facilities were clean and tidy.
In great condition. The ideal
environment to prepare. Nice to have
such a large chipping area and two
practice bunkers.
The green fees are top end but reflect the club’s history
and the course’s condition. Should be saved for golf
pilgrimages where you can enjoy the day and take
home some memories.
Ideal, as not far from the motorway,
but close to town. Being close to the
sea, the weather can change quickly, from calm
and sunny one minute to wind and rain the next.
Would highly recommend. It’s a tough test but in
fantastic condition meaning good shots are rewarded.
The success of the Senior Open here shows the course
could be on the Open rota one day.
David Larkby Chris Larkby
I expected it to be in good condition with the Senior
Open recently held here and I wasn’t disappointed.
Tee boxes and greens very good. Enormous elevation
changes mean you’re often in three-putt territory.A Major venue has to have a special feel to it and for
me that comes from it being constantly maintained
throughout. The bunkers were really well groomed,
fairways were cut well and it had dense rough.From my favourite (a quick beer and a sandwich) to a
full menu if you’re settling in for the afternoon.With gusting and changeable winds the challenge
starts there. Bunkers guard the approaches to some
long par-4s and 3s, like the 7th – it only requires a
wedge or 9-iron but stray a little and bunkers await.As you’d expect at such an historic venue, an array of
photos and memorabilia line the walls. It wasn’t the
best of weather for us but I imagine sitting on the
balcony and reflecting on the day would be fantastic.A little way away from the first tee, but
you can drive there and I’d recommend
it. You need your A-game if it’s blowing
a gale!Put this on your bucket list irrespective of how much it
is. It’s a day you will never forget and therefore worth
every penny.Truly stunning. The backdrop of the
Bristol Channel even made me feel
better after a few missed putts!Loved every moment from the first tee with its
stunning views of the Channel to the downhill 18th
back towards the coast. Club staff were excellent too.Wales no.1
Porthcawl is a must-play,
for the views alone.Choose wisely
The par-3s leave little
room for error.Tiger Woods
tasted defeat
at Porthcawl.