Tenby Golf Club is one of the finest and least well-known golf courses in the whole of the British Isles. Here, you will find links golf at its most natural.
At the risk of generalisation, it is probably fair to say that there is no finer course about which less is commonly known than Tenby and those who find their way to Pembrokeshire will be richly rewarded by its quixotic and idiosyncratic delights.
It is a destination only for those who will truly appreciate it, although in Tenby’s favour access by road is relatively good and the seaside town is a delight in season with its long, golden beach.
History
Tenby Golf Club lays claim to the oldest course in Wales, originally as a nine-holer in 1888. James Braid was commissioned to extend the course and 18 holes opened for play in 1907.
It was formally established in 1888, but by most accounts, there were enthusiasts knocking balls around the links and sand dunes long before then. In any event, experts agree that Tenby stands out as the birthplace of Welsh golf and was one of the founding members of the Welsh Golfing Union.
During this time the club acquired a certain prestige, attracting a cluster of celebrities – including Prime Minister, David Lloyd George who became a regular on the links.
In its more recent history, the course has been re-shaped and extended into the Par 72 championship track it is today. Much of the re-shaping of the course was down to coastal erosion, along with the extensions to the layout’s yardage.
Why is Tenby Golf Club special?
It has a bit of everything that makes links golf the quintessential form of the game.
Many shots are blind, cruel pot bunkers gather any ball coming within 20 yards of them, and the par 3s call for anything between a sand wedge and a 3-wood. This is golf free from modern convention. It isn’t always fair, and luck undoubtedly plays a part.
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So be prepared to drive one par 4, but be unable to reach the next in two. Or to find a way of caressing a chip between two bunkers, over a hog’s back and then stopping it before it rolls off the far side of the green.
Where does it rank?
133rd in GB&I, 6th in Wales, 3rd in South Wales
Where is Tenby Golf Club?
Tenby Golf Club is in the southwestern corner of Wales. Thanks to its coastal location, with Tenby South Beach neighbouring the golf course, there are views over the water to Caldey Island. It is just south of the town of Tenby, and just over 50 miles east of Swansea by road. Cardiff Airport – which is only 30 miles further to the east – is the biggest airport in Wales.
Get in touch with Tenby Golf Club
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 01834 842978.
You can play at Tenby on the NCG Top 100s Tour this year!
- Book your spot to play at Tenby on the NCG Top 100s Tour on August 24th, 2026 here.
- You can also play at Machynys Peninsula, Ashburnham and Pyle & Kenfig in our South Wales Summer Swing – check that out here.
Now have your say
Have you ever had the pleasure of playing at Tenby Golf Club? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
