Cardigan - West Wales - Wales

Cardigan is not a golf course that is easy to build into a golfing itinerary of Wales. It is a bit of an outlier in terms of location tucked away in the south-west corner of the Principality.

The near 70-mile trek from Aberdovey is likely to take you every minute of the suggested two hour drive (I actually drove from Harlech and I've been on long haul flights that seemed to have passed quicker) whilst those who have already ventured west to Tenby will face another hour in the car to reach this interesting layout which has one of the most amazing finishing stretches I have ever played; green complexes at 15, 16 and 17 are utterly amazing.

Before that we have 14 holes that if they don’t quite excite us they certainly don’t disappoint. Many of the holes play across a side slope and they gradually rise throughout the round. They start of with an upland links feel – good turf and some nice undulations – but as we climb higher the ground becomes more pasture-like.

I wouldn’t quite class Cardigan as a true links course but it’s not far off and you are assured of all the unpredictable kicks and bounces associated with seaside golf; lost balls are probably a common occurrence here. Bunkering is minimal, bracken is a threat and you must use the lay of the land to score well.

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

Cardigan is a long way from anywhere but well worth the visit. A thoroughly enjoyable cliff top links type course with unbeatable views to sea and inland down the estuary. Played it twice in September with two different winds which added to the challenge. Course was in good condition, in particular the greens which were excellent and of good pace. The course seems to meander up the hill, generally across the slopes, and then back down again, with the views always with you. Best hole on the front nine was the par 4 5th (stroke index 1), where you need an accurate drive up the hill to the corner of the dogleg where you turn sharp right to hit to a fiendishly sloping green. Weakness is probably the par 5's in the middle of the course, but all is forgotten as you reach the downhill par 4 14th staring at the sea. Then follows the terrific stretch of holes 15-17, with two two shortish par 4's sandwiching the downhill par 3 feature hole at 16. Overall a good course with greens in excellent condition and great views. Somewhere between a four and five ball for me

ive been holidaying in cardigan for 8 years and only just came across this place, I play off 7 and have played a lot of great courses i.e birkdale, hillside, Woburn, I think this course "along with the views, which are the best I've seen, is an unbelievable golf course, I would put it up there with some of the best ive ever play.. great course great value

So I visited again with my brother in law. So often you think, well my first impression was a bit over the top. Not here. The par 5s are perhaps the weakness, but the rest is outstanding. I genuinely think that 14, 15, 16 and 17 are a run of holes to stand up against anywhere. 16 would grace any course in the world, and at 195 into a breeze is a terrifyingly small target. 17 was the pleasant surprise on a second visit. A really subtle short par 4. I urge anyone in the area to play it. There are championship courses all over the uk that cannot match this, for my money (which on this occasion was the princely sum of £30).

Wow. Played here on holiday with my brother in law today. Did not expect much. How wrong I was. I have played many many great courses. Never played anywhere with views to match this. A clifftop links, really, playing firm fast, and brown. Maybe 3 or 4 weakish holes, but the rest are superb. I played in flat calm, and it was hard. Narrow, big slopes, lumpy fairways, heaps of thick gorse and bracken. 14, 15, 16 and 17 a great run of holes. 16 Is both as visually stunning a short hole, and as good a short hole as I know. Would be as good as any short hole at St Georges, Deal, Princes, or Portcawl, in my view. Nice people, glad to see you, and in good (if firm) nick too. Go play!

This course has the best views of any course I have played. It has some cracking holes too and is extremely playable. The par 3 16th is the pick for me but I thoroughly enjoyed this course and the almighty views from every hole. JCB LAY

Cardigan is listed as a gem and indeed it is, but could easily be in the welsh top 20 or even 10. A great golfing experience of clifftop, heathland and links type golf. Cardigan has a great variety of holes short and long, the best in my opinion the signature hole the par 3 16th my current favourite hole in all of golf. cardigan is a bit out of the way and the elements are not always kind, but make the effort and you will be rewarded.

An excellent course. No real bland holes, all fairways are tight and most lined with thick brackon or gorse. The course has a links feel despite being located on top of the cliffs. The greens were well kept, fast and true. Views over the surrounding bay were terrific. A fantastic course which i would definately play again.

One could contend that Cardigan is not easily accessible from most parts of the UK, yet many golfers have heard of it. The remote location and quality of the course provide a good definition for the phrase “hidden gem” for this is a course that is worth the effort in searching out and playing.Cardigan is set above the bay and offers traditional links conditions all year round. The Cardigan members will tell you that “it is the only course in the UK where you can wear your slippers through the winter!” This is testimony to the well draining soil that makes normal playing conditions available all 365 days a year. In fact if you get a still winters day it is an ideal time to play this course as the club can boast the envious quality of their greens and fairways – so much so that “Winter Rules” is more golf club custom and practice rather than a weather affected requirement!So what of the layout, well you won’t be disappointed. Cardigan is a first rate design and offers so much more than any traditional flat links course. The stepped elevation means you are always in contact with the sight and smell of the sea. The natural channels of gorse come into play on so many of the holes as the front nine meanders through elevation change up and away from the clubhouse with the back nine interwoven with the front and falling for home most of the way.In terms of picking the bests holes, it is difficult to single out a couple, so many of the holes are excellent. Cardigan starts strong and pushes to the turn with holes that get better and better. The sequence of par 4’s from hole 1-5 signal a strong start which is then followed by a pair of par 3’s and 5’s that complete a challenging outward nine with a par of 36.Three tough par 4’s in the next 4 holes including the long and narrow S.I. 1 14th take you back down to in front of the clubhouse and closest again to the bay. The demands of keeping concentration through to the 16th will be rewarded as a long par 3 from an elevated tee awaits. The green is well protected and set against the backdrop of the sea it offers the inspiring opportunity of sending a long iron high to the heart of this green. This is a great signature hole and many great courses are not blessed with anything this good.Cardigan is a special place to play golf and is a must play if in West Wales. It rates favourably with most of the best coastal courses anywhere in Wales and your journey will not be a wasted one! Ian Henley