Machynys Resort Monk's Island

It is easy to understand why Machynys Peninsula was seen by many as the best new course built in Britain in 2005. With a hefty total of ₤3.5 million shelled out for the layout and an even greater sum of money spent on the clubhouse, Machynys enjoyed the sort of budget that should deliver one of the very best modern golf designs.

Money alone can never ensure success with a new golfing project as location has a large part to play in determining whether a new course will attract rave reviews but the stunning site that Machynys (Monk's Island) is built on – situated beside the Wild Fowl and Wetlands Trust at Penclacwydd and the Millenium Coastal Park – as good as guarantees its position as a “must play” venue in Wales.

The course is routed in two distinct loops with a parkland front nine and an inward half that has more of a links feel beside the sea. Gary Nicklaus acted as chief designer on behalf of his famous father and his favorite hole is the 451-yard 16th which, as he says, “is played across the lake from right behind the clubhouse [and] is probably one of the most beautiful holes on the course. The view from the green of the whole bay is spectacular, whether the tide is in or out”.

The standard scratch score here from the tournament tees is three over par, letting you know Machynys Peninsula can be set up for some serious competitive golf, and indeed, it hosted four editions of the WPGA Championship of Europe on the Ladies European Tour from 2005 to 2008.