The Golf Courses of North and Mid Wales: Discovering Fairways Near Gwynfryn House (and St David's)

When it comes to golf courses in Wales, nowhere quite captures the imagination like the spectacular fairways of North and Mid Wales. Whether you're staying at our luxury holiday rental and dreaming of a morning round with mountain views, or you're planning a golfing break that combines championship links with pristine beaches and Snowdonia adventures, this corner of Wales offers something truly extraordinary.

From the world-renowned Royal St. David's nestled beneath Harlech Castle to hidden gems tucked away in the Welsh countryside, these courses don't just offer exceptional golf: they provide an experience that stays with you long after the final putt drops.

Royal St. David's: Where Championship Golf Meets Medieval Magic

"It's simply breathtaking," visitors often say about Royal St. David's Golf Club, and it's easy to see why. Established in 1894 on the dramatic dune land between the imposing Harlech Castle and the Irish Sea, this championship links consistently ranks among the top 50 courses in Britain and holds the coveted second position among Wales' finest golf courses.

The setting alone is worth the journey: imagine teeing off with the forbidding medieval walls of Harlech Castle watching over your shoulder, while towering sand dunes and the wild Welsh coast stretch endlessly before you. Located in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, Royal St. David's combines world-class links golf with a glorious setting that marries beauty and romance with a serious test of your golfing skills.

The Atlantic winds here sculpt every shot, adding that authentic element of challenge that makes links golf so thrilling. "For me, it's one of the best championship courses in Wales," local golf enthusiasts often remark, and once you've played these fairways, you'll understand exactly what they mean.

Conwy: Wales' Premier Tournament Venue

Just a scenic drive along the North Wales coast brings you to Conwy Golf Club, which holds the distinguished honour of being Wales' only Open qualifying venue. With spectacular views bordered by the dramatic Snowdonia hills, this superb links layout has hosted major tournaments, including the memorable 1970 Martini tournament where legends Peter Thomson and Doug Sewell tied on 268.

The course provides championship-level golf that challenges seasoned players while still being accessible enough for improving golfers. It's the kind of venue where you can genuinely feel the history of Welsh golf beneath your feet, surrounded by some of the most stunning coastal scenery you'll find anywhere in Britain.

Nefyn: Golf on the Edge of the World

If you're seeking the most stunning setting for golf in Wales, look no further than Nefyn Golf Club on the breathtaking Llyn Peninsula. Local golfers describe this as "golf on the edge of the world," and the cliff-edge holes here make your adrenaline pump like few other courses can manage.

The Old Course at Nefyn delivers thrills that rival Scotland's most famous cliff-top holes, but with a distinctly Welsh character that feels both wild and welcoming. Whether you're a scratch golfer or playing off a higher handicap, these dramatic fairways provide an unforgettable experience that perfectly captures the untamed beauty of North Wales.

Historic Links and Parkland Gems

Aberdovey Golf Club sits enchantingly within Snowdonia National Park at the mouth of the Dovey Estuary, where golf has been played since 1886. Over the years, this stunning course has hosted numerous national championships and serves as the spiritual home of Welsh golf. "It's got everything you want in a links course," regular visitors say, "challenging golf in an absolutely beautiful setting."

Porthmadog Golf Club offers something delightfully different: an exciting hybrid mix of parkland and links holes designed by the legendary James Braid in the early 1900s. The two distinct halves of this course provide variety that keeps every round interesting, while the backdrop of Snowdonia peaks adds drama to every shot.

For those seeking a more relaxed round, Caernarfon Golf Club provides gentle parkland golf that's perfect for families or those looking to enjoy the scenery as much as the sport. The course offers a welcome contrast to the challenging links, with tree-lined fairways and forgiving greens that let you focus on the stunning Welsh countryside.

Bull Bay and the Northern Treasures

Bull Bay Golf Club, proudly holding the title of the most northerly course in Wales, was designed by the esteemed architect Herbert Fowler and offers a delightful heathland experience. The course provides that perfect combination of challenge and beauty that makes Welsh golf so special, while the peaceful setting ensures you can truly unwind from the stresses of daily life.

North Wales Golf Club at Llandudno allows golfers to enjoy what locals describe as "exhilarating air and magnificent coastal scenery." The course perfectly captures the essence of seaside golf, with holes that take full advantage of the dramatic North Wales coastline.

Don't miss Holyhead Golf Club, designed by five-time Open Champion James Braid in 1912. This delightful heathland course is tucked away on Holy Island in the very northwest corner of Wales, offering a true hidden gem experience that feels wonderfully remote yet accessible.

Mid Wales: Tranquil Fairways and Hidden Gems

Mid Wales presents a serene and picturesque setting with courses that rival their northern neighbours in both beauty and challenge. Llandrindod Wells Golf Club stands as the region's premier venue, designed by none other than six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon and five-time Open Champion James Braid. The undulating fairways and fast greens set amid breathtaking scenery provide a formidable challenge that rewards good golf while punishing wayward shots.

Builth Wells Golf Club earns its nickname as the "Jewel in the Crown of Mid Wales golf" through its perfect mix of par 3s and par 4s that challenge both scratch golfers and high handicappers alike. The course exemplifies everything wonderful about Mid Wales golf: beautiful, challenging, and blissfully peaceful.

Machynlleth Golf Club offers a unique experience as a private heathland course with an 18-hole, par 68 layout that combines genuine challenge with natural beauty and that precious Welsh tranquillity. "It's one of our favourite courses," members often say, "because it never feels crowded and the setting is absolutely stunning."

Planning Your Perfect Golf Break

With over 60 courses in North Wales alone and numerous gems scattered throughout Mid Wales, you're spoilt for choice when planning your golfing adventure. Many of these championship venues are within an hour's reach, making it perfectly possible to experience several different courses during your stay.

The beauty of staying near these courses is that golf becomes just one part of your Welsh adventure. Between rounds, you can explore the best beaches in North Wales, discover the picturesque charm of villages like Beddgelert, or tackle the hiking trails of Snowdonia.

For families where not everyone shares the golf passion, the region offers endless alternatives. While the golfers in your group enjoy their morning rounds, others can explore ancient castles, stroll along pristine beaches, or discover the many wonderful places to visit locally.

Why Choose North and Mid Wales for Golf?

What sets these Welsh courses apart isn't just their stunning settings or challenging layouts: it's the authentic experience they provide. Unlike more commercialised golfing destinations, these courses retain their character and charm. You'll find friendly clubhouses where locals share stories and recommendations, courses that aren't overcrowded, and green fees that offer exceptional value for championship-quality golf.

The combination of world-class links courses like Royal St. David's and Conwy, dramatic cliff-edge holes at Nefyn, peaceful parkland at Caernarfon, and the tranquil gems of Mid Wales creates a golfing region that truly offers something for everyone.

Whether you're planning a dedicated golf break or simply hoping to squeeze in a few rounds during your North Wales holiday, these courses provide the perfect blend of challenge, beauty, and that special Welsh welcome that makes every visit memorable. From championship links to gentle parkland, from dramatic coastal settings to peaceful countryside, the golf courses of North and Mid Wales offer experiences that will keep drawing you back, round after unforgettable round.