Builth Wells is located in the heart of mid-Wales, and is a short, but challenging gem of a golf course.  

 

Founded in 1923 as a 9-hole course, it was more than six decades before Builth Wells was extended into a full 18-hole layout. 

 

Today, the course is just 5,500 yards, but with no par 5s and playing as a Par 66, it is still a challenge even for the best of golfers.  

 

  

Visit the Builth Wells website here.  

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Builth Wells Golf Club was founded in 1923, and recently celebrated its centenary year.  

 

The parkland course was originally opened as a 9-hole layout and remained this way until 1986 when the course was extended to the full 18 holes. 

  

The club has staged many Golf Union of Wales events in the past, including the Welsh Ladies Team Championships. The club has also hosted the Ryder Cup Wales in 2010 and the PGA Young Professionals Championship in 2005. 

Builth Wells is possibly the shortest course that you will find on the NCG Top 100s: Wales list, but it is also one with attractive scenery. Small greens are well protected, and there is plenty of water around. The course measures less than 5,500 yards and play as a Par 66 with no par 5s and six par 3s.  

 

The opening hole at Builth Wells is a short par 4, but one where players must hit an accurate drive between two large trees standing on either side of the fairway. The 2nd is even shorter at just 324 yards and plays as a slight dog-leg right. Tall trees down the right will stop the longest hitters from going for the green with their tee shots. 3 is a straight away par 4 that plays slightly uphill towards the green, while the 4th is the first hole at Builth Wells that pushes past 400 yards. The fairway is quite wide, but out of bounds is down the left side and at the back of the green. 

 

The 5th is the opening par 3, playing 155 yards from the tips. Three greenside bunkers are there for anything mishit. The 441-yard par 4 6th hole is generally considered to be the toughest on the course. A cluster of trees make for an awkward tee shot, while another tree blocks your path to the green if your drive drifts too far to the left. The 7th is the longest par 3 on the card at more than 240 yards from the back tees. Two large trees sit in front of the green and they must be avoided. 8 is another tough par 4, while the final hole on the front side is a glorious par 3. Playing 160 yards and over water, club selection is crucial. 

 

The back nine at Builth Wells begins with a tee shot over water to a diagonally facing fairway. The hole turns to the right, and anything on the left side of the green will roll down to the centre. 11 is the first short hole on the back side at just 150 yards, but with out of bounds right and a sharp slope off the green left, accuracy is key. At just 300 yards, the par 4 12th is drivable for the bigger hitters, but it requires an incredible accurate shot. The safe play is out to the left to open up the angle to the green. 13 is the longest hole on the course at 450 yards, and one of the toughest on the course. 

 

The closing stretch begins with 14, a 375-yard par 4. It is a straight away hole with plenty of space for those hitting driver. 15 is just 136 yards, and it plays downhill as well. No bunkers, and just a few trees on the right side of the green, this should be an easy par. The jewel in the crown is the signature 16th hole. The 307-yard par 4 features a dogleg fairway that is split into two by a river. To make matters trickier, the green is also protected by four bunkers. The 17th is only 117 yards long but plays uphill to a sloping green. Anything right and short will require a delicate chip up the hill. The final hole at Builth Wells is a 400-yard par 4 which is wide open and can be attacked.  

Where is Builth Wells located?  
Builth Wells Golf Club is in the heart of mid-Wales, just outside the town of Builth Wells itself. The Welsh border with England is just under 20 miles to the east by road, while the River Wye winds its way to the north of the course. The club sits at the corner of the A483 and A470, providing great transport links to both north and west Wales, along with through into England to the east as well.  

 

Cilmeri and Builth Road Stations are both within three miles of Builth Wells Golf Club. Both stations are on the Heart of Wales line, which runs trains from Craven Arms in Shropshire, England, through to Llanelli in Wales. For international travellers to the United Kingdom, there are four airports within a two-hour drive from Builth Wells. Swansea and Cardiff Airport are both based in south Wales, while the two English airports of Birmingham International and Bristol are also within the same distance.  

What golf facilities does Builth Wells offer?  
Along with the 18-hole golf course, Builth Wells is also home to a putting green and short game area for golfers to hone their skills on before taking to the course. There is also a practice area, which can be used for wedge and short iron practice, in between the 1st and 18th holes.  

What are the green fees at Builth Wells?  
The price of a green fee at Builth Wells changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.  

 

For more information on current green fees at Builth Wells, visit their website here. 

 

  

Visit the Builth Wells website here. 

Go Back To NCG's Top 100s Homepage.