Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club Review

Following his unforgettable round at the incredible Royal Porthcawl, Golfshake's Andy Picken continued his tour around Bridgend in Wales by paying a visit to Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club.

After experiencing Royal Porthcawl, which was one of the great golfing days of my life, the following morning, our hosts at Pyle & Kenfig had arranged an afternoon tee time that perfectly suited my previous night's imbibing. 

We had the joyous experience of playing with the Club President, Captain and Vice Captain. They were all justifiably proud of an excellent golf course that has been a qualifying venue for some important international events. 

This is an aspirational venue that is already of a very high quality and wishes to be better. A waiting list is in place for membership such is the local demand. It is at the heart of the local community. Recently becoming a limited company, this is unlikely to affect its current management style. The clubhouse is excellent with sensible rules regarding the use of phones and manner of dress.

Formed in 1919, a nine-hole layout was opened in 1922. This was extended to 18 by 1925. Its great potential and location were recognised with Harry Colt tasked to enhance the course. After WW2 and several changes around its perimeter, Mackenzie Ross was asked to create the current back nine.

There are six "A" additional holes in addition to the usual 18-hole layout. These are used to promote junior golf, and in winter they allow the championship holes to rest in rotation. This is a busy venue with qualifying for the Senior Open held here in 2014 and 2017. It has hosted several prestigious amateur events in recent memory. It feels like there are two distinct styles of courses, but they complement each other perfectly.

The Golf Course

As usual with Colt courses, there is a gentle opener to ease you into the round.

Back in the day, few venues had anywhere to warm up, so he eased players steadily into the round. At P&K, excellent facilities exist for a warm-up, including golf simulators, nets and practice range.

There was therefore no excuse for my topped opening drive, in front of a gallery of interested observers. The first has trouble and OOB along its entire length left forcing a tee shot towards fairway bunkers.

The next hole requires a fade off the tee towards a pinched fairway and a trio of bunkers at the shoulder of the dogleg. All the greens at P&K are excellent and true. They had benefitted from ironing on the morning prior to our tee time and were marble-fast compared to some courses I have played recently. Once I adapted to the pace of the greens, they were exceptional. The short holes are excellent and demand a focused approach linked with an accurate tee shot.

The weather during our visit was pleasant and warm enough for jumpers. A negligible wind was in play, but I can only imagine what havoc could be caused as the wind draws off the sea. The longer holes offer the chance for adventurous golf but be mindful of the craft of the designer with his bunker placements.

The double-tiered 6th green is another delight, ringed by bunkers. I played a conservative shot past the flag to be met by a rollercoaster of a putt back to the pin. 

The 7th is another excellent par 4 of 348 yards at its maximum. This is a perfect dogleg offering chances to cut the corner supported equally by hazardous bunkering and gorse for those who fail. A classic risk and reward golf hole. The 9th is another good par 5 of 566 yards at its maximum length. The entire length of the hole to its left is out-of-bounds and is joined by the same on the opposite side of the fairway from around 150 yards out.

For the next loop of holes, we walk across the road towards a hole that is protected by water hazards along both flanks. 

The next few holes are of a style that is reminiscent of some of the best Irish links played within the deeply ruffled dunes and sand scrapes of Portmarnock or Royal Portrush. I love this style of golf. It can feel claustrophobic and tight plotting around the deep valleys and natural dunes, but it was sheer golfing pleasure to experience it.

The 10th has a range of water hazards requiring accurate play supported by a well-protected green complex. I really enjoyed the challenges offered by the next group of holes as they were so different from the front nine in style and layout. The short holes were nothing short of superb. 

The 13th is a short par 4 dogleg right of only 369 yards, but it is also a delight to play. 14 is another gorgeous golf hole as it wends its way through the towering dunes. No bunkers are needed on this fairway as the layout itself provides all the protection the hole needs to defend itself against par. Two bunkers short of the green offer a visual deterrent for the overly ambitious.

The 15th is another testing but beautiful short hole, visually intimidating due to the ring of bunkers ready, willing and able to capture anything played short. Please take a moment to enjoy and appreciate your surroundings on this tee box.

The pressure tightens with the closing holes as they become progressively more difficult. We were playing in benign weather conditions, and I can only imagine how difficult these could be if the weather is adverse. 

The 17th is a blind tee shot but the line of attack is very clearly marked by the fairway marker post. Go left of the post if possible. This gives the best chance for a second to another well-guarded green.

Finally, the closing hole is tight and needs accuracy from all shots played. OOB its entire length left with water hazards in the form of drainage ditches patrolling the right side. The green complex is then additionally protected by bunkers left, right and short.

The course has areas of common ground within it that are publicly accessible walkways and bridleways. I was surprised to see a young lady riding her horse at full gallop along one of these paths parallel to the golfing grounds. A majestic sight and sound as horse and rider thundered along.

Final Thoughts

This is a magnificent golf course and club that delivers a premium product with great value for money. A stay and play short break starts from £79 and that is superb value given the quality of the food, accommodation and golf course.

This has the feel of a club for the members by its members and if I lived nearer, I would certainly be adding my name to its waiting list. We decided to eat at P&K that night so we could experience the full club experience. An excellent range of beer and food with access to Sky Sports TV and a clubhouse packed with fellow golfers. A great way to spend an evening.

This is a golfers' club with the previous season recording success by all sections at all levels in local and regional competitions. A considerable achievement given the number of excellent courses within the area.

This is a "proper" golf club.

If you want to follow Andy's complete journey around in the courses near Bridgend, please click here!