The "must play" course for anyone after a game in the Harlech area is Royal St David?s Golf Club. No one really knows who was responsible for the original layout of the course but whoever it was had a remarkable canvass on which to work. The course sits on a slim strip of pure linksland (much of it's an area of special scientific interest) bounded on one side by the Irish Sea and the dark, brooding Harlech Castle on the other.
The course itself is as tough an examination as you?re likely to find. An SSS of 73 against a par of 69 gives you a clue of what?s in store and right from the first tee shot the quality of the holes and the severity of the test hits you, and doesn?t let up until you?ve negotiated the full 18.
Unlike a lot of the other historic links courses, St David?s doesn?t follow the traditional out and back format, instead it snakes its way across the land with no hole playing in the same direction as its predecessor. And, with the wind whipping off Tremadog Bay, there?s an added premium on accurate iron play. Walking off the 18th green and into the whitewashed clubhouse you just know you?ve played a round on one of the finest courses available in the UK.
Best Hole: The 432 yard par 4 15th might not have any bunkers but the semi-blind approach towards the coast will really test your iron game.
Green Fees: £34-40 per round, £40-£46 per day
Location: Harlech, Gwynedd
Tel: 01766 78036
Web: www.royalstdavids.co.uk
Looking to get away to North Wales? Click here for our ultimate guide to the area
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