Royal St David's Key Information
A strong but very fair links watched over by Harlech Castle and defined by some stretching par 4s. The dormy house is very comfortable and there are some terrific packages for golf and accommodation that make this one of the best value golf venues in the Top 100.
Reasons To Play Royal St David’s
– Consistently strong throughout with a very tough finish
– Sublime views up to the mountains and of the castle
– The dormy accommodation makes it ideal for a well-priced golfing trip
Rankings
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 49
The very strong, traditional links at Royal St David’s has hosted a great many championships in its long history and is high up on the list of the best golf courses in Wales. There is still frequently plenty of wind with which to contend, adding to the challenge at this major-league test of golf. The terrain is mainly level linksland but the course has one of the more demanding pars in the Top 100 Golf Courses UK & Ireland.
The club dates back to 1894, and it was given its royal status by Edward VII. The Duke of Windsor (later, Edward VIII), captained the club in 1935 while he was Prince of Wales. The course enjoys a somewhat protected setting for a true links as it is sandwiched between the dunes that border the beach and some higher ground to the east, on top of which sits impressive 13th-century Harlech Castle. I have stayed in the dormy house a couple of times and absolutely love it.
There are just two par 5s - the 7th and 8th - and each is potentially reachable. However, they run in opposite directions, so unless the wind does something very odd, you are not going to get lucky with both.
These two are countered by some monstrous par 4s, although a real joy here is the frequently fast-running fairways. This means that they are mainly manageable and even I can hope to reach a good number in two.
Dotted along the way are five attractive and varied par 3s. The shortest of these is the 11th which is played over bunkers to a narrow green, while the longest is three holes later where it’s 221 yards to a green that needs no sand for protection and will frequently require driver into the wind.
The viewing steps high up behind the 16th tee provide a rare glimpse of the sea and an elevated view of a seemingly modest par 4. Here, there are clusters of pot bunkers up at the green which add to the test.
The club is continuing to work on improving both the playing conditions and the visitor experience, and this is a strong links that places demands on good positional play. This is very much a golfer’s golf course, and it also has one of the most welcoming Top 100 green fees in the UK. Royal St David's makes for a superb location for a golfing break and I always look forward to returning.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said...
Good routing and subtle fall off areas make approach shots just that little more challenging. A strong course and an excellent test on the back nine. Lacks the view of the sea from the course which would be a huge bonus if this was possible.
The closing holes from 15 in are all gems.
Royal St David’s is one of those courses that I love. Everything about the experience is unpretentious and understated, it let’s the golf course do all the talking and it’s an absolute gem.
Set in a wonderfully scenic part of the country with Top 100 hospitality, well-priced dormy house accommodation and with Aberdovey just down the railway track, this is the perfect place to enjoy a short UK&I golfing break.
Royal St David's Location
Royal St David's Scorecard
Best Courses Near To Royal St David’s
Places To Stay Near Royal St David's
Royal St David's Golf Club - Book now via the club
The very comfortable and convenient dormy house at Royal St David's is the perfect place to stay for a golfing break in this area.
Castle Cottage Inn - Book now via Booking.com
Castle Cottage Inn features accommodation with a restaurant and a bar. Continental and full English/Irish breakfast options are available each morning at the inn.
Victoria Inn, Llanbedr - Book now via Booking.com
Surrounded by the Snowdonia National Park, the 4-star Victoria Inn is a lovely place to stay. An original stove, flag-stone floor and antique furniture feature in the traditional, lively bar. Delicious, homemade food is served, made using local ingredients.
Royal St David's Gallery
Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I
- 2025/26 - 49
- 2023/24 - 49
- 2021/22 - 45
- 2019/20 - 46
- 2017/18 - 44
- 2015/16 - 44
- 2013/14 - 46
- 2011/12 - 49
- 2009/10 - 45
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Royal St David’s the best course in Wales?
Almost! It is actually second in the Golf Monthly rankings - the highest-placed in the north, while down on the south coast, Royal Porthcawl is our highest-rated in the country.
How tough to play is Royal St David’s?
Way more so that its modest slope rating would suggest! This will be especially the case if the wind is up, which it often is! This is a proper championship golf course, but despite that still very playable for all.
