SOUTHERN WALES GOLF COURSES

Llanishen Golf Club, Holes: 18, Length: 5,301 yards, Par 68: This parkland course on the hillside in north Cardiff enjoys spectacular views overlooking the city, Bristol Channel and the coast line of Somerset. While not overly long, it does nevertheless present a challenge to golfers of all handicaps with the back nine regarded by many as the hardest part of the course. There is a pleasant variety of left-to-right and rightto- left shaped holes combined with small target areas from tee to fairway and fairway to green. The clubhouse offers all the usual facilities including a club bar, lounge bar, restaurant with magnificent views, fully stocked professional shop and full sized snooker table. A warm welcome is assured.

Cardiff Golf Club, Holes: 18, Length: 6,099 yards, Par 70: Cardiff Golf Club is a 6,000 yard parkland course with a variety of mature trees and so requires accurate tee shots. The small to medium sized greens also demand a high standard of approach shots. The course is well bunkered and an added hazard is a small stream meandering through. Golf here is a most pleasurable experience, especially as it is difficult to imagine you are in the environs of the capital city of Wales. The clubhouse provides spacious and comfortable facilities and includes bars, restaurant and a lounge. In the pro's golf shop there is a wide range of equipment and high quality advice and tuition from professional Terry Hanson and his staff.

Newport Golf Club, Holes: 18, Length: 6,500 yards, Par 72: Situated on the outskirts of Newport, some six miles to the west of Celtic Manor, this is undoubtedly one of the premier golf courses in South Wales having recently hosted a number of prestigious Welsh and National Amateur events. The course itself, standing 300 feet above sea level and extending to more than 6,500 yards, is in the magnificent setting of the ancient oak woodland of Llwyni Wood and is surrounded by rolling parkland which contributes to the overall charm of the course. Unquestionably a Welsh golfing must and an obvious choice for those wishing to enjoy a beautiful yet challenging course and experience the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional well established members club.

Ashburnham Golf Club, Holes: 18, Length: 6,624 yards, Par 72: Ashburnham, the demanding seaside venue where the great Welshman and winning Ryder Cup captain Dai Rees won the PGA title in 1959, has long been regarded as one of the best links courses in Britain. Indeed it won that rating from no less authority than the immortal Harry Vardon. He twice played the course, enjoying himself immensely and was compelled to record soon afterwards that "the course I like best in Wales is Ashburnham." If this is your first visit to Ashburnham, ahead of you stretches a pleasurable test of shot making ability. The clubhouse, with wonderful views across the course, offers extensive facilities for food and drink for members and guests.

Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club, Holes: 18, Length: 6,733 yards, Par 72: This hidden treasure is set in superb countryside with spectacular views of the Welsh hills and is rightly regarded as one of the most outstanding golf courses in the UK. The championship course is 6,733 yards and is designed in two halves which are separated by a large wooded hill area. The course demands a wide range of shots and each hole has been designed to challenge each aspect of the golfer's game. It is superbly manicured with water, huge oak trees and undulating greens. The Manor House - now the clubhouse - is the former home of Charles Stewart Rolls, co-founder of the world famous Rolls-Royce, and provides a stunning backdrop on a number of holes.

Southerndown Golf Club, Holes: 18, Length: 6,449 yards, Par 70: Just 30 miles west of Celtic Manor, Southerndown is the nearest of the South Wales coastal gems to the Ryder Cup venue. Set on a limestone outcrop 70 metres above the Bristol Channel, Southerndown enjoys stunning panoramic views of the hills and valleys of South Wales, across the channel to the North Devon moors and down the Ogmore River towards Porthcawl. The course architects used this unique natural landscape to design some memorable holes. No trees or water hazards - just gorse, bracken and the ever-changing wind to make the golfer think. From the first hole, "one of the most difficult opening holes in golf " ( Henry Cotton), to the 18th signature hole with its split-level fairways, Southerndown provides an unforgettable experience not to be missed.

Machynys Peninsula Golf Club, Holes: 18, Length: 7,051 yards, Par 72: Proud of its boast as the first Nicklaus-design golf course in Wales and described by ex-Ryder Cup Captain Brian Huggett "as a modern links golf course." It is designed to challenge the best players in championship conditions, and yet still be enjoyable for the higher handicapper, by utilising up to five tees per hole. Home to the European Tour 'S4C Wales Ladies Championship of Europe' between 2004 and 2008, Machynys Peninsula has already earned itself an enviable reputation as the best new links in Britain by Ryder Cup 2010 and golf publication, Golf World. Machynys recently hosted the Welsh open strokeplay Championship and the Royal & Ancient Boys Home Internationals and in doing so, became the youngest club ever to be recognised as an R & A Championship venue.

Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club, Holes: 18, Length: 6,588 yards, Par 71: Pyle and Kenfig, which is affectionately known as 'P & K' with its lofty sand dunes hugging the South Wales coast of Porthcawl, is situated in a wonderful stretch of golfing country. Glorious views and historic associations adorn this undulating course with its natural hazard of hillocks, valleys and towering dunes. However serious the game, time must be made to appreciate the panoramic views. The Bristol Channel, the Gower Peninsula, Sker Farm and the magnificent Welsh Mountains can all be seen from various points. The course is a wonderful examination for all standards of golfers and from the back tees a true championship test. The well appointed and comfortable clubhouse complements this magnificent course and visitors will always find a warm and friendly welcome.

Cottrell Park Golf Resort, Holes: 18, Length: 6,529 yards, Par 72: Cottrell is a 36-hole Championship golf facility, located near Cardiff, and sits beautifully in the Vale of Glamorgan awash with sightseeing places to visit. The beautiful parkland covers over 400 acres and offers breathtaking views sweeping across the Brecon Beacons to the Mendips over the Bristol Channel. There are two magnificent championship courses, the Mackintosh, (6,529 yards off the blue tees), and the Button Gwinnett, (6123 yards off the white tees), as well as an all weather floodlit driving range, putting greens and golf practice areas. The clubhouse, with its exposed beams and flagstones, has a rustic but cosy feel to it. The friendly and comfortable atmosphere helps you to relax and there is an extensive bar menu available throughout the day.