Pyle and Kenfig, affectionately known as ‘P & K’ with its lofty sand dunes hugging the South Wales coast of Porthcawl, is situated in a wonderful stretch of golfing country.
Glorious views and historic associations adorn this undulating course with its natural hazard of hillocks, valleys and towering dunes. However serious the game, time must be made to appreciate the panoramic views. The Bristol Channel, the Gower Peninsula, Sker House and the magnificent Welsh Mountains can all be seen from various points.
Good shot making will be rewarded at P&K – it’s a fair golf course without any unforeseen tricks up its sleeve. The holes routed through the dunes alone are worthy of the green fee.
History
Originally designed in the early 1920s by Harry Colt, the more inland front nine that stands today is his work.
But with nine holes commandeered by the military in the Second World War, Philip Mackenzie Ross was called in to replace them with new holes shortly afterwards. And what a job he made.
Having made the decision to cross the road (it was then a path) and construct them in the duneland, they are now undoubtedly the highlight of a round here.
P&K has co-hosted the Men’s Amateur Championship on three occasions with neighbour Royal Porthcawl and has also hosted the Ladies’ Amateur Championship, the Senior Ladies British Open Amateur Championship and over 20 major Welsh amateur championships, cementing its reputation as a tough but fair test of golf suited to hosting elite competitions.
What makes Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club special?
Unusually for a links course, Pyle and Kenfig is laid out in two loops of nine. The original front nine is where to make a score because the back nine is a very stiff test, especially when the wind is up.
The last three holes (all long par fours) are amongst the best closing holes in golf. They will severely test the mettle of the very best golfers.
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No golf trip to South Wales is complete without visiting P&K.
Where is it?
Pyle & Kenfig is situated on the south coast of Wales, just half a mile inland from Sker Beach, and south of the Kenfig National Nature Reserve. For road users, it is a couple of miles from Junction 37 of the M4, which runs between London and Cardiff and then further into South Wales.
Where does it rank?
Get in touch with Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 01656 783 093.
Now have your say
Have you played Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club before? Let us know in the comments, or send us a post on X/Twitter.
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