(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
- Location: Porthcawl, Glamorgan, Wales
- Founded: 1891
- Designed by: Charles Gibson and Ramsay Hunter
- Green fee: £145-£195
- 23/24 ranking: Up 1
There’s a special feeling as you drive out of town towards Rest Bay and catch your first glimpse of the Porthcawl clubhouse.
The terrain slopes gently up and away from the shore, so one of the very best things is the sea views from every hole. The start is pretty tough as you hug the beach over a challenging opening trio. You then turn back for the long par-3 4th, with its brand new tee complex, where a vast undulating green adds to the test. There are so many good holes, with the short but extensively bunkered 7th living proof that even the shortest of par 3s can more than hold its own.
– Royal Porthcawl Golf Club review and key info
(Image credit: Getty Images)
- Location: Waterville, County Kerry, Ireland
- Founded: 1973
- Designed by: Eddie Hackett and Claude Harmon
- Green fee: €300 (off-season rates on application)
- 23/24 ranking: Down 2
Although golf was played here a long time ago, it petered out until the land was taken under new ownership in the 1960s. The links opened for play in 1973 and is therefore celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023.
It is almost completely surrounded by water and also has wonderful views of the nearby mountains. Tom Fazio has been involved in more recent years making a number of improvements. The opening two holes lead you down to the shore before the next two hug the edge of the dunes and beach.
Great closing stretches are perfect to leave you wanting more, and Waterville delivers as you head back to the shoreline at the 15th for a thrilling finish.
– Waterville Golf Links review and key info
(Image credit: Steve Carr)
- Location: Ballybunion, County Kerry, Ireland
- Founded: 1893
- Designed by: Robert Trent Jones Sr
- Green fee: €300
- 23/24 ranking: Up 2
Ballybunion justifiably enjoys a worldwide reputation for its imperious setting on Ireland’s wild, west coast.
The club dates back to 1893, and following a very enjoyable limbering up over the opening six holes, the Old Course shifts into overdrive as you reach the rugged cliffs at the 7th. From then on, you work your way though spectacular dunes where it is all too easy to be distracted by the visual feast that awaits.
Golfing legend Tom Watson has been singing its praises for more than 40 years and even served as the club’s captain in 2000. Named after the great man, the 11th is a superb par 4 that slaloms its way…
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