Ranked #17Wales

Royal Porthcawl Golf Club

Porthcawl, Bridgend

Nearest Airport

Cardiff (CWL)

38 km · ~40 min transfer

Airport Transfer

≈ €50

One way, taxi/shuttle

Hotel per Night

GBP 90–160

The Bear Hotel

3-Night Estimate

≈ €568

Transfer + hotel + green fee

About the Course

Royal Porthcawl Golf Club is located off the beaten track, east of Swansea and west of Cardiff. Despite being the highest ranked course in Wales, it remains relatively unknown to many visiting golfers. It is a unique links in that the sea is visible from every single hole — a claim very few courses can make. The course rolls along Swansea Bay with Bristol Channel views stretching to Devon and Somerset on clear days. Founded in 1891, the layout was shaped over decades by notable architects including Charles Gibson and Tom Simpson. Royal Porthcawl has hosted the Walker Cup (1995, 2023), Curtis Cup, and numerous Amateur Championships, cementing its place as one of the premier amateur venues in the world.

Gallery

Course Highlights

Sea visible from every holeBristol Channel viewsWalker Cup hostCurtis Cup hostLinks with estuary character

Awards & Recognition

#1 Wales
Walker Cup 1995, 2023

Visitor Information

Guest Policy: Visitors welcome on weekdays. Handicap certificate required (men 24, ladies 36).

MayJuneJulyAugustSeptember

Best months to visit

Where to Stay

The Bear Hotel

Comfortable hotel in nearby Cowbridge, good base for South Wales golf.

15km from course

GBP 90–160

per night

Where to Eat

Royal Porthcawl Clubhouse

On-site

Traditional clubhouse dining with views over the Bristol Channel.

Traditional Welsh