Aberdovey: An enchanting Welsh links set in Snowdonia
Why we would rather be playing this gem of a links on the west coast of Wales
A classical and romantic links, Aberdovey is set enchantingly within Snowdonia National Park and at the mouth of the Dovey estuary.
There are an abundance of quirky features including wooden railway sleepers courtesy of the railway line which skirts the inland section of the course. You need every club in your bag at Aberdovey as the conditions and the variety of holes present a diverse range of challenges.
History
Aberdovey emanates history. “If one dare write about Aberdovey at all, one must begin by letting Bernard Darwin through on the way to the first tee”, wrote Patric Dickinson in his book, A ‘Round of Golf Courses’. For this links is ‘his’, and is all and more than one would expect from a writer and golfer of such style; for it is both a ‘classical’ and ‘romantic’ links”.
It was here that Ian Woosnam honed his trade and the club has played host to a number of top tournaments such as The Welsh Seniors’ Championship. When the wind blows it becomes an even greater challenge with its numerous and sometimes hidden hazards.
What makes it special
In the modern clubhouse, relics of bygone eras can still be discovered, including a set of clubs used on the course in around 1882.
Another esteemed former member Bernard Darwin described the course as the one that his “soul loved best of all the courses in the world” and it is not difficult to see why.
Where is it?
Aberdovey is located on the west coast of Wales in the town of Aberdyfi, just off the A493.
Where does it rank?
3rd in Wales, 79th in GB&I, 3rd in Value
Get in touch with Aberdovey
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 01654 767 493.
Have you played Aberdovey before? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us.
- Related: NCG Top 100s: Aberdovey Golf Club review
- Related: NCG Top 100s: Register to play Aberdovey now!
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Ben Outhwaite
Ben is National Club Golfer's Marketing Editor and the latest addition to our golf equipment review team.
He specialises in testing golf bags, beginner golf club sets, apparel and golf accessories. He also collates our buying guides so you know which are the latest and greatest bits of golf equipment on the market.
Ben picked up his first golf club when he was five years old – which was in fact a left-handed set of clubs!
He is a member at Rudding Park Golf Club and has a handicap of fifteen.
