Porthmadog is a course that mixes links and inland holes and it?s all the better for that. The club was formed in the early 1900s and, as with so many courses in the area, James Braid shouldered the responsibility for designing the layout. The first nine holes are the more inland and the sandy sub soil here makes it feel almost like heathland golf especially as water hazards come into play on five holes. At the turn you head for the sea and the character of the course changes completely.
From here on in, you are on the purest links land. Sand dunes line the firm tight fairways, wild wiry grasses hug whatever they can and small fast greens nestle in between hummocks. Widely regarded as perhaps the most natural stretch of holes in all of Wales it?s easy to see how favourable comparisons are drawn with the venue for the 2004 Open Championship, Royal Troon. The signature hole on the course comes midway through the inward nine, which winds its way around the headland around the picturesque Samson?s Bay. The 378-yard 14th is known as the Himalayas and here golfers must drive over a huge natural bunker to a hidden fairway beyond. A classic old links hole if ever there was one.
In Porthmadog there?s the excellent Ship pub and the Station Inn and just north of the town is the Golden Fleece in Tremadog all serving a good pint and decent bar food.
Best Hole: Having a beer in the clubhouse the signature 14th hole always stands out. If you can find the hidden fairway you should be ok.
Green Fees:£25 Mon-Fri, £30 Sat-Sun
Location: Morfa Bychan, Gwynedd
Tel: 01766 512037
Web: www.porthmadog-gol-club.co.uk
Looking to get away to North Wales? Click here for our ultimate guide to the area
