30 DestinationGolf. travel
Harlech castle
Aberdovey Golf Club
ROYAL ST. DAVID ' S Situated around the other side of the Glaslyn Estuary from Porthmadog, on the outskirts of Harlech is Royal St. David ' s Golf Club established in 1894.“ Small wonder if the visitor falls in love with Harlech at first sight,” wrote Bernard Darwin in The Golf Courses of the British Isles,“ for no golf course in the world has a more splendid background than the old castle, which stands at the top of a sheer precipice of rock looking down over the links.” As you play, there are splendid views of the brooding presence of the 13thcentury Harlech Castle and a backdrop of the Snowdon Mountains beyond. Royal St. David ' s is known for its series of long demanding par-four holes( seven are over 400 yards) and five short holes, which vary in length and direction, and it’ s fair to say that your score has to be made on the outward nine as the course just gets stronger and tougher on the inward half. Notable holes include the gorgeous par-3 11th played through a gap in the dunes to a blind green, and the stern signature par-4 15th where two precise shots are called for to reach the green hidden in a hollow. Royal St. David ' s represents good value for money, especially if you can book a day rate or a twilight tee time after 3pm. www. royalstdavids. co. uk
Martinhal Oriente
Harlech Castle
ABERDOVEY A quirky way to reach the final course of our North Wales coastal quintet( especially if you are using Harlech as your golfing base) is to catch the train from Harlech station to Aberdovey. The 75-minute journey is not only very scenic, hugging the coastline and stopping at quaint seaside towns and villages en-route, but once you arrive at Aberdovey, it ' s literally only a short chip shot ' s walk away to the course on the other side of the train track. Golf has been played on this narrow strip of links land wedged between beach and railway line since 1892, and three of the legendary architects of the early 20th-century- namely Harry Colt, James Braid and Herbert Fowler have all played a part in shaping this historic course. There ' s no better way to finish off a round at this old-fashioned out-and-back links especially if the sun is shining, than to enjoy a beer on the clubhouse balcony overlooking the 1st and 18th holes. Adjacent to the clubhouse is a dormy bungalow accommodation facility for golfers to stay on site. www. aberdoveygolf. co. uk
30 DestinationGolf. travel