Golf courses in South Wales have two main power bases – one based around Cardiff and one centred around the even more well-endowed Swansea.
It was this part of the country that further raised the its golfing profile in 2010, when one of our featured courses staged the Ryder Cup.
Celtic Manor is the only new course among the top-end of the ranking, with the rest having a long history…
20. Whitchurch
Designed by Hubert Walker, there are great views of the capital as well as Penarth Head, the Somerset Coast and Bristol Channel from this 1914 parkland.
It sits on elevated ground and is overlooked by historic 13th Century Castell Coch.
‘Cardiff’ golf club sits north of the city and is sheltered from the north by the Wenallt Hills.
19. Cradoc
Designed by CK Cotton, this parkland course from 1967 on the side of the Usk valley is defined by mature trees.
Cradoc enjoys tranquil natural surroundings inhabited by lots of wildlife while the views on front nine particularly are breathtaking.
18. Newport
This club dates back to 1903, so the birch, beech and oaks in Llwyni Wood through which it winds are patently mature.
The nines are separated by the wood and while mature timber is present throughout, the playing areas are suitably wide to allow you to enjoy your game.
17. Celtic Manor (Roman Road)
The ‘third’ course at the world-famous resort is a championship venue designed by the world-famous architect Robert Trent Jones Snr.
It was the first of the famed resort’s courses to open in 1995, with the feted designer routing it between trees and across streams.
16. Radyr
Radyr is a 1902 parkland renowned for its excellent putting surfaces and which offers views of the capital and Bristol Channel.
It has has been described as ‘One of Harry Colt’s Little Jewels’ and enjoys an idyllic setting in rural parkland.
15. Clyne
This is another Harry Colt design, routed among gorse and bracken in two loops of nine which return to the clubhouse.
It sits at the entrance to the spectacular Gower Peninsula in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
14. Cardigan
Located around the Tei Estuary, Fred Hawtree included blind shots to add entertainment to the visual spender that comes with it having panoramic views of Cardigan Bay from every hole.
A mix of links and parkland, Cardigan is noted for its excellent year-round condition.
13. Celtic Manor (Montgomerie)
Designed by the man who captained Europe at this five-star resort in 2010, you get spectacular views with dramatic tee shots over valleys and downhill shots.
Expect trademark Colin Montgomerie deep bunkering as well as big bold greens and a scenic backdrop.
12. The Vale (National)
This muscular modern course is a serious test no matter whether it is in its woodland phase or holes that are parkland in character.
A notably long course among mature trees, what it may lack in charm it makes up for in challenge.
11. Machynys Peninsula
This is a relatively new Jack Nicklaus design that is located on the outskirts of Llanelli near the River Loughor.
Machynys is an impressive effort by Jack and his team given they were given unremarkable, open land near to the coast to work with.
So which golf courses in South Wales make it into our top 10? Find out on the next page…