Bull Bay - North Wales - Wales

I was given a tip by a bartender when playing at Nefyn about Bull Bay. I had an extra day to spend and with a weather forecast promising ideal conditions I opted to include another round on my visit.

Architect Herbert Fowler designed a course with plenty of different shotmaking challenges. Many might think -- myself included at the outset -- that a course of just over 6,200 yards would not be really something special. My ignorance was quickly cast aside as each hole progressed. For a course with as par of 70 the rating of 72 should tell you how tenacious the course can be for those who don't pay proper heed.

There are a number of fine holes. The blind par-4 2nd is a gem -- a blind landing area featuring a fairway with a landing area that narrows considerably to a well-designed green. The downhill dog-leg left par-4 7th is both a visual treat and worthy test. However, the show stopper on the outward side is the marvelous short par-4 9th that plays 347 yards. The hole would certainly make my short list of top holes played in Wales. The fairway features two levels. When played into the prevailing wind the 347 yards can be a good bit longer. The daring play is to reach the upper left side and therefore have a simple pitch to the green. Those who bail to the right will have a much more demanding angle and greater distance to overcome. The green is the capper -- angled correctly and with enough subtle movements to confound even the surest of putters.

The first six holes on the inward side is a bit cramped but Fowler excelled in constantly altering the examination. The dog-leg left par-4 14th at 425 yards is one where the bold tee shot can attempt to cut the corner -- just be sure to judge the task correctly because the penalty for failure will be utterly swift.

At the uphill par-4 17th the 433 yards will play much longer when also encountering the prevailing breeze. It's a totally fair hole and calls upon two pure strikes of one's golf ball to reach a most challenging putting surface. Exiting with a four is certainly cause to celebrate.

The final hole plunges downhill all the way to the green with a view on a clear day that will etched in one's memory. I only wish a center-placed bunker would be added to the hole to keep the longest of hitters in check. The green sits in front of the clubhouse and like others at Bull Bay presents an array of slight movements that will prove vexing to all but the most aware golfers.

The backbone of Bull Bay is how often players will need to hit to elevated targets -- judging the wind velocities and the needed trajectories to succeed is a constant element one faces.

Bull Bay is not an easy layout to visit. But, for those on holiday it certainly pays dividends to make the excursion there. I'm glad I listened to a most knowledgeable bartender.

by M. James Ward

Bull Bay is not only the best golf course on the Isle of Anglesey but it can rightly claim to be one of Wales’ finest.

And if courses were ranked entirely on charm, fun, individuality and uniqueness it would undoubtedly be top of the pile. It’s a place where enjoying the game of golf and the shots you play can (and should) be had without paying too much attention to your scorecard.

There’s so much to say about a course like Bull Bay that it’s difficult to know where to begin. Ironically, perhaps the best place is at the very start of the round, to get this bit out of the way, because holes one, two and three are arguably the weakest on the course. Not that they are poor by any stretch of the imagination but after this opening trio it really is a thrill-a-minute, rollercoaster round of golf.

You play holes that climb and fall, sweep through valleys and soar onto plateaus; mostly between rocky outcrops and areas of gorse – it’s a truly spectacular setting for a memorable game of golf.

My favourite part of the course was the stretch from the ninth to the 14th. This is such a fun section of the property with lots of twists and turns in the terrain. The holes are routed over it brilliantly and it’s no surprise that one of my favourite architects, Herbert Fowler, is the man responsible for this ingenious design.

Ed is the founder of Golf Empire – click the link to read his full review.

Played before the ladies county championship and the course was in superb condition. Pro gave us good advice before we started. Really good challenge but fair fantastic views and good facilities in the club house.

We played Bull Bay on Anglesey for the first time last week and had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. The course is not particularly long, just under 6,300 yards from the back tees, but a SSS of 72 compared to a par of 70 tells you that this is no walkover. This rugged course sits on undulating high ground, the turf appearing to be a heathland/moorland mix and offers some lovely sea views. We encountered rocky outcrops, plenty of gorse and a handful of blind tee shots during the round which helped to create a varied and interesting experience. There were parts of the course that reminded us of playing Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland and there are also some similarities to Holyhead across the island. All five of the par 3's are very good and from the par 4's I would pick the 7th and 9th which both play downhill initially before turning left and climbing to raised greens. The excellent 18th hole gently falls towards the coast from the highest tee and offers the best view of both the Irish sea and the impressive Snowdon range. A solid 4-ball layout and comfortably the best course on the Island. Brian W

Played Bull Bay a few times, it is a very challanging course with many blind approach shots required. If you don't know your club distance you will always be short or long. Enjoyable experience if your normal course is fairly flat. Would definitely recommend it to anyone but don't be disappointed if you score high.

Played at Bull Bay for the first time in early August in warm, sunny conditions with a two-club breeze. This is a cliff-top course where well over half of the holes require a reasonably steep uphill shot to the green. This meant we rarely saw the final result of a number of our shots to the green and since the greens were quite firm we often found ourselves through the back. With the benefit of hindsight I would a) hire a buggy and b) avoid playing in mid-summer with hard-baked greens. I am glad to have played Bull Bay but once is probably enough for me. DS

In my opinion, definitely the best and most enjoyable golf course in Anglesey by some margin. The course is tough but fair, which can be enjoyable to single figure and higher handicap golfers. Located at the tip of Anglesey, the course is induced by strong winds, which can increase the difficulty. The interesting hole layouts, some nice views and undulating fairways contribute to an enjoyable round.

Bull Bay beat me! I have always struggled to find the right approach shots to elevated greens and that is one thing Bull Bay has in abundance - 13 of the 18 greens are raised, Despite my shortcomings I could appreciate the quality of many of the holes here as well as the panoramic views. Bull Bay is extremely challenging and I would think a low handicapper here would be one fine golfer. But it is definitely a course to play.

Thoroughly enjoyed my round at Bull Bay today despite the severe wind. Very reminiscent of the course where I learned the game, Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland with rocky outcrops, gorse, beside the sea but not really links. The nature of the land is more farmland cultivated into a golf course which is laid out in the only way possible on the land (Bamburgh Castle is identical). Way superior to the vastly overrated Nefyn.

Have wanted to play here for ages. Played on my Birthday last September (2009). It's quite a difficult course the first time you play as there are a few blind drives and things you don't see until you get to your ball. I'll kill it next time - LOLThoroughly enjoyed myself.