Royal Porthcawl Golf Club Key Information
Royal Porthcawl presents a superb and, at times, dramatic test, setting its stall out from the start with a fine trio of holes flanking the boardwalk and beach on the left.
Perhaps one of the very best things about Royal Porthcawl is that with no towering dunes in the way and a wonderful tract of land that slopes gently down towards the beach, there are great sea views to be savoured from almost every part of the course.
REASONS TO PLAY ROYAL PORTHCAWL
- It's almost universally regarded as the finest golf course in Wales
- If you like your links golf with sea views aplenty (not always the case) Porthcawl scores highly in that regard
- Staying in the dormy house and waking up to glorious views sets you up perfectly for a great day's golf
RANKINGS
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 21
This three-time Senior Open venue on the South Wales coast is, for many, the undisputed star of Welsh links golf. It's also a permanent fixture towards the upper echelons of the Golf Monthly Top 100 Golf Courses UK & Ireland rankings.
I make no secret of the fact that this is one of my very favourite places on Planet Golf and it has become a real go-to place for me whenever I feel the need to re-energise, reset or just get away from it all.
Staying in the dormy rooms and wandering out early morning, steaming coffee in hand, to gaze out over the links is the perfect way to soak it all in and set the mood for the day ahead.
There are many great - and many testing - holes but I've always had a soft spot for the heavily bunkered short par-3 7th, with its fascinating green - proof that Royal Troon's Postage Stamp doesn't have it all is own way in any 'testing tiddlers' contest.
Porthcawl presents a superb, and at times, dramatic test, setting its stall out from the start with a fine trio of holes flanking the boardwalk and beach on the left. Exceedingly closely in the case of the 2nd where the OOB fence sits worryingly close to the green.
You then turn back via a dauntingly long par 3 with a thought-provoking green and a fine par 5 where the final approach plays steeply up to a narrow target.
The golfing treats come thick and fast, from that tiny but well-defended par-3 7th to the exhilarating slingshot 9th.
With holes heading in multiple directions, there’s superb variety throughout. The back nine can be particularly challenging with a number of demanding par 4s. Among them are the back and forth duo at 15 and 16, both blessed with devious cross bunkers and uphill approaches.
Perhaps one of the very best things about Royal Porthcawl is that with no towering dunes in the way and a wonderful tract of land that slopes gently down towards the beach, there are great sea views to be savoured from almost every part of the course.
The 18th sweeps back down to the clubhouse. Its 50-yard-long green means that merely finding the putting surface will not always be enough.
Harry Colt, J.H. Taylor and Tom Simpson are among those to have helped shape the layout over the years. Martin Ebert has overseen further recent improvements to keep Porthcawl in the thoughts of those organising golf’s premier events.
Bernhard Langer won the Senior Open here in 2014 and 2017, which perhaps tells you all you need to know about the strategic test. The fact that his winning scores were 14 shots apart – 18-under and then just 4-under – tells you just how stiff that test can be when conditions dictate.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said…
One of the highlights at Porthcawl is the sea views wherever you are on the course. With the addition of new bunkers this gives every hole strong visuals. The only negative is the steelworks in the distance but that really is a minor point. Once you get to the greens, there are not many flat putts. Most greens have either lumps and bumps or a gentle slope in one direction. Quite a few also have subtle run-off areas and if the flags are placed close to the edges (which they were on several holes) it makes things both interesting and tricky. A trip to Porthcawl is always something to look forward to. High-class traditional golf with a warm welcome. One of my personal favourites and a course that grows on me every time I visit.
Without a doubt the best course in Wales. A superb links that will challenge you from the first shot to the last and an incredible test of golf throughout. 13 through 16 are mammoth holes to battle through, and the back nine in general is one of the more difficult I’ve played. The greens were probably the best I’ve ever played on, which was even more impressive given it was October. Unbelievable for the time of year.
Royal Porthcawl Golf Club location
How to book a tee-time at Royal Porthcawl
Royal Porthcawl Golf Club Scorecard
Best Courses Near Royal Porthcawl
Best Places To Stay Near Royal Porthcawl
Royal Porthcawl Dormy - Book now at royalporthcawl.com
The club has its own accommodation on site and it's a great place to wake up in the morning with the 1st tee just yards away. There are six single and three twin rooms. Each room is furnished with an en-suite bathroom, TV and wireless internet as well as tea- and coffee-making facilities, which are replenished daily.
Rose And Crown, Nottage - Book now at Booking.com
The Rose And Crown is a classic inn situated in the charming village of Nottage in Porthcawl. It has free WiFi, free parking, a bar and a restaurant. The restaurant provides quality food in informal surroundings. A full English breakfast is served every morning. All bedrooms have their own bathroom, some with a bath.
Royal Porthcawl Gallery
ROYAL PORTHCAWL HISTORICAL TOP 100 RANKING UK&I
- 2025/26 - 21
- 2023/24 - 21
- 2021/22 - 22
- 2019/20 - 23
- 2017/18 - 23
- 2015/16 - 22
- 2013/14 - 28
- 2011/12 - 29
- 2009/10 - 31
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Royal Porthcawl the best golf course in Wales?
Yes, according to most golfers and observers. Wales is a small golfing country with just 143 clubs affiliated to its national governing body. Its top-rated courses are generally those found around its coastline. In Golf Monthly's Top 100 UK&I course rankings there have typically been three or four Welsh clubs over the years, which may sound a small number but is actually proportionally about right given the nation's modest number of clubs. In our latest rankings, Royal Porthcawl (21st) is comfortably the highest-ranked, with Royal St David's (49th) and Aberdovey (82nd) also featuring further down.
What is the cheapest way to play Royal Porthcawl?
In the main season, the cheapest way is to take advantage of the twilight rate of £185 after 3pm on a Sunday against the full fee of £250. Out of season, from November to February, the midweek green fee reduces to £125 and includes coffee and bacon roll on arrival.
