World stars ready themselves for Porthcawl test

This post is adapted from an article which originally appeared in Golf News magazine

Ask the famous amateur Gary Wolstenholme – and many have done – the site of his finest hour and the name of Royal Porthcawl will immediately be proffered. For it was on this venerable South Wales links that the veteran amateur claimed the ultimate scalp in the 1995 Walker Cup, taking down a promising youngster by the name of Woods, winning 1-up. Just 18 months before Woods won the Masters by 12.

That we should have to wait almost 20 years for names of that calibre to grace the rumpled fairways of this superb course is a real shame. But thankfully, this summer it will happen as the Senior Open Championship, presented by Rolex, rolls into town, bringing with it some of the legendary names that only this Spring graced the leaderboard at Augusta National.

That means players of the calibre of Jimenez, Watson, Langer and Couples, plus home favourites like Woosnam and Montgomerie, will all be taking on this fearsome links on the Glamorgan coast in what is Wales’ first hosting of a Major. One of the few courses in the world where the sea is visible from every hole, this is seaside golf in its purest form that professionals and amateurs alike can savour. On such a challenging course, it should be quite a week.

Of course, Wales can already look back with pride at the hosting of the 2010 Ryder Cup at the magnificent Celtic Manor Resort. Built specifically for the event, the 2010 is a stadium course that builds steadily to a closing stretch of epic risk-reward proportions, culminating in the par-5 18th to a raised green over water. As finishing holes go, it’s worthy of settling any contest, from Ryder Cup to society bragging rights!

Elsewhere, Wales can boast an amazing collection of links courses to rival anything in world golf, with cracking layouts – all at great value prices - running all the way along its coastline. Top billing goes to the stunning Royal St David’s.

Standing in the imposing shadow of Harlech Castle, this is possibly the hardest Par 69 in the world. Rumour has it that the links land was originally used by one of the founders for boomerang practice - given the strong winds, heavily curved shots are still a very common occurrence today. And then there’s Nefyn, Wales’ answer to Pebble Beach, and Pennard – the links in the sky – with its famous pub, the Ty Coch Inn, down on the beach next to the 15th.

If you want a true hidden gem, try Aberdovey – it’s probably the best links you’ve never heard of. The handiwork of Messrs Braid, Colt and Fowler, this is ‘old school’ golf, right down to the railway line that skirts the course and can drop you just yards from the clubhouse. Add in the likes of Asburnham, Southerndown, Pyle & Kenfig and Machynys Peninsula, and there’s a course for every golfer and every budget in Wales.

Enjoy a golfing trip to Wales

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