Royal Porthcawl Golf Club

Royal Porthcawls entitlement to an honored place among the worlds best golf courses is usually confirmed by playing the first three holes that run alongside, and in places seem part of, the scalloped edge of Rest Bay. The beach can appear all rock and pebbles until the surfers sea recedes to reveal 300 yards of firm sand across which the prevailing westerly whips. It is by no means a course of fearsome length it doesnt have a fancy lighthouse, high dunes or deep ditches. It doesn't even have a tree. But it is never out of sight of the sea or blocked from the majestic view of Swansea Bay or out of reach of a wind that is particularly troublesome on the first three and last four holes. The 18th is played directly towards the sea, the prevailing wind and the setting sun. When all those are in their glory, there are few finer finishes. This is the quality that made it a worthy arena for the 1995 Walker Cup. It has been the venue for the Amateur Championships on six occasions since 1951, the sixth being in 2002 -- the year it was also chosen to stage the WPGA Championship of Europe, the third most lucrative tournament on the ladies' tour, for the second consecutive year. This Championship Links course has a magnificent setting on the seashore between Cardiff and Swansea with memorable views south to Somerset and northwest to the Gower Peninsula. With holes facing into every point of the compass. The player is tested by the wind and an undulating course and will probably need every club in the bag. The Club has hosted many amateur and professional events including 6 amateur championships and the Walker Cup. The Ryder Cup Wales Semors Open will be held here in 2010. The on site dormy offers comfortable accommodation for twelve.