Southerndown Golf Club

The purpose of the Review of The Month feature is twofold. Top100GolfCourses has always aimed to salute and encourage those who are putting admirable effort into reviewing the world’s great golf courses. Moving forward, we are also looking to learn from these experts! We’ll be chatting with the month’s star authors and discussing topics such as golf in their area, what they like to see in a strong course review, and of course dig a little deeper into their own winning review. September 2023’s Review of The Month comes from Mariano Martinez de Azagra, who avoided the tourist trends and found thrills at Kington Golf Club in Herefordshire. There are some courses that are obvious locales for international golfers when visiting England. Kington isn't one of them! How/why did you and your pals end up in Herefordshire during your trip? One of the things I like most about golf trips is their preparation. That is, the design of the itinerary, something like the routing of the trip. Therefore, I have a lot of fun researching in advance and then deciding which courses to include. In this case, we traveled to South Wales, where we enjoyed courses such as Porthcawl, Pennard and Southerndown, among others. But, as our flight arrived in Bristol, I saw the opportunity to make a short detour and head to Kington on our way to our base in Wales. As for Kington, the first reference I had was through Tom Doak's Confidential Guide, whose short review really intrigued me. And, from there, I visited the Top100GolfCourses website, in order to corroborate that impression with user reviews, which led me to Sean Arble's extensive chronicle for GolfClubAtlas. From there, it was clear to me that Kington had to be one of the highlights of our trip to Wales. Kington has undeniable charm (as you mentioned, sheep as greenskeepers). How much of a boost does such charm give a course like Kington, versus the well-established fame of championship-caliber clubs? For me it is fundamental. I find that courses like Kington combine two of the parameters that I value most in golf: charm and sustainability. In this sense, it shares the same characteristics as other of my favorite places in golf, such as Brora, Boat of Garten and Fraserburgh in Scotland, or Ballycastle and Dooks in Ireland. All of them are clubs located in small towns, with very controlled maintenance costs, and where the green fee price has not skyrocketed, unlike the most distinguished clubs. And it's also much easier and more satisfying to be able to stop and chat with members, as I was lucky enough to do at Kington. Like any golfer, I also enjoy the experience of visiting the most renowned clubs, with first-rate facilities and top conditioning, but it is not my priority when it comes to visiting new courses. C.K. Hutchison has not had a hand in many course designs, but those that he did are well known, especially Turnberry's Ailsa, West Sussex, and Gleneagles. Have you had an opportunity to play any of these? If so, notice any trends in his designs? Unfortunately, I have not been able to play any of these courses; I tried to visit West Sussex in 2019 but it wasn't possible. Of course, I have been pleased to see that where he did have some intervention was at the West Links in North Berwick, my all-time favorite, although I imagine that his contribution must not have been particularly significant. Many golf groups traveling to Spain will also be inclined to visit the "big names" on the list. As a well-informed Spanish golfer, are there any off-the-beaten-path gems akin to Kington that you would recommend? In my experience, no. Let me explain myself: in Spain, golf is much more recent, and does not enjoy the tradition of Great Britain and Ireland. Consequently, it is almost unthinkable to find a course of Kington's quality in a secluded location, and bearing the signature of a famous and competent architect. In fact, and in general, we are decades behind Great Britain when it comes to many of the issues that I value most in golf, such as the preparation of the courses (it is not unusual to find overwatered fairways and greens) or the slow pace of play (no one has even imagined tee times for foursomes or two balls). It is a matter of golf culture in which we have a long way to go. Of course, if I had to recommend a course in my country, it would be El Saler, in Valencia. I know it's moderately famous, but it's often off the beaten path of golf, and it's really good. A side note: While they are not of the quality of the British, there are more than acceptable courses everywhere in Spain. And, of course, what I can assure you is that the offer in any area of Spain is superior to Britain in aspects such as gastronomy, and leisure in general. And the weather factor also helps... Now that you're a celebrated "Review of The Month" winner, let us know what factors you appreciate in a strong golf course review! Basically, two things: On the one hand, it must provide useful information about the experience, which may include aspects about the club's services, but mainly about the course, although I do not need it to go into an extensive description of each of the holes. Rather, I am inclined to value an overview of the entire experience of the round of golf; something that convinces me that I want to go there... or not. On the other hand, I also appreciate certain originality, or some type of uniqueness, that can come from anecdotes or the description of the feelings that the round of golf, or the atmosphere of the club aroused in the reviewer. What's one course that you're excited to write a review for in the upcoming year? I am already planning my trip for next year, most likely to the West coast of Scotland and, within it, the courses I would most like to play (and review) are Machrihanish, Prestwick and Shiskine.

Wales remains Britain's ultimate undiscovered golf destination. While Scotland commands premium prices and Ireland attracts international crowds, the Principality quietly delivers exceptional value across 50 ranked courses that showcase everything from championship links to characterful common land layouts. The 2025/26 rankings reveal subtle movements that reflect golf's shifting values, with authentic experiences gaining recognition over heavily manicured resort tracks. Royal Porthcawl continues its unbroken reign at the summit since rankings began in 2006. The world-ranked links anchors a stellar collection that includes Pennard, Royal St David's, and Aberdovey, all featured in the Great Britain & Ireland Top 100. But Welsh golf's true strength lies deeper, in remarkable second-tier courses that provide outstanding experiences at refreshingly accessible prices. Top 100 Golf Courses now maintains dedicated regional rankings for North, South, Mid, and West Wales alongside the national Top 50. This structure helps visiting golfers navigate more than 60 profiled courses across varied terrain. Whether seeking windswept coastal tests or quirky inland challenges, Wales delivers without the premium tags attached to more famous destinations. Wales 'Always Fresh' Rankings: Stability at the Summit The latest rankings demonstrate remarkable consistency at the top. All seven courses occupying positions one through seven remain unchanged from the previous edition, a testament to their enduring quality. Royal Porthcawl, Pennard, Royal St David's, Aberdovey, Conwy, Southerndown, and Tenby form an elite group that represents Welsh golf at its finest. Behind this stable leadership, however, meaningful shifts occur throughout the rankings. Pyle & Kenfig rises one place to ninth, swapping positions with Celtic Manor's Twenty Ten course, which drops to tenth. The most dramatic movement comes from Welshpool, the James Braid common land gem that surges seven places to 18th position from 25th only as recently as 2023. This leap reflects golf's evolving appreciation for authentic, characterful layouts over perfectly conditioned resort golf. Welshpool's rugged charm and natural undulations now receive the recognition they deserve. Bull Bay climbs one spot to 11th, whilst Cardigan jumps three positions to 16th. Conversely, Rolls of Monmouth drops three places to 19th, and St Pierre (Old) falls three spots to 23rd, suggesting that traditional parkland layouts face stiffer competition from Wales's distinctive coastal and common land venues. Wales Top 50 At A Glance The Unchanged Elite Royal Porthcawl (1st) Pennard (2nd) Royal St David's (3rd) Aberdovey (4th) Conwy (5th) Southerndown (6th) Tenby (7th) The Rising Stars Cardigan (up 3 to 16th) - clifftop classic climbing steadily Newport (up 2 to 21st) - parkland quality acknowledged Radyr (up 2 to 28th) - Harry Colt design advancing Notable Movements Pyle & Kenfig (up 1 to 9th) - championship venue continues ascent Bull Bay (up 1 to 11th) - Herbert Fowler's links improving position. It is up 4 spots from 15 to 11 in the past few years - a significant threat for the Top 10 moving forward Borth & Ynyslas (up 1 to 17th) - Harry Colt links moving forward West Monmouthshire (up 4 to 45th) - significant climb Cardigan is also one to watch, rising to 16, trending in the right direction over the past few years The Decliners Celtic Manor Twenty Ten (down 1 to 10th) - Ryder Cup venue slips slightly Rolls of Monmouth (down 3 to 19th) - faces increased competition St Pierre Old (down 3 to 23rd) - falling in a tight field Vale Wales National (down 3 to 39th) - resort course declining Best Golf Courses by Region Wales's Top 50-ranked courses are distributed across four distinct regions, each offering unique golfing characteristics and experiences. South Wales dominates with 22 courses (44% of rankings), reflecting both the region's population density and golfing heritage. Royal Porthcawl and Pennard provide world-class links golf, whilst Celtic Manor's three courses showcase modern resort development. Hidden gems like Radyr and Newport demonstrate the region's depth. North Wales contributes 17 courses (34%), including three GB&I Top 100 venues: Royal St David's, Aberdovey, and Conwy. The region excels in coastal golf, with Bull Bay, Nefyn, and Porthmadog offering stunning seaside experiences. The common land layouts at North Wales Golf Club provide additional variety. West Wales features 6 courses (12%), led by championship venues Tenby and Ashburnham. The region's coastal courses benefit from dramatic clifftop settings, particularly at Cardigan and Borth & Ynyslas. Despite a sparse population, West Wales punches above its weight in golfing quality. Mid Wales contributes 5 courses (10%), the smallest representation reflecting the region's mountainous terrain and limited golfing infrastructure. Llandrindod Wells and Welshpool exemplify James Braid's democratic approach to course design, creating memorable golf on challenging landscapes. What the Rankings Tell Us Consistency at the Summit Royal Porthcawl's unbroken 19-year reign demonstrates exceptional quality. Martin Ebert's recent bunker renovations ensure this championship links remains fit for modern tournament golf whilst preserving its classic character. The course's position in both the World Top 100 and GB&I Top 100 validates its status as Wales's premier golfing venue. Royal St David's reclaims third place after brief spells lower in previous rankings. The tough par-69 layout concludes unusually with a par three, creating strategic tension right to the finish. James Braid's Democratic Legacy Scottish architect James Braid left an indelible mark across Wales. Unlike contemporaries focused on prestigious commissions, Braid seemed committed to democratising golf, bringing Scottish ideals to Welsh communities with limited resources. Welshpool exemplifies this philosophy. Created in 1929 on dramatically undulating common land, the course features rudimentary shaping that maximises natural terrain. Extending merely 5,700 yards with numerous short par fours, Welshpool rewards strategic thinking over power. Its seven-place climb reflects growing appreciation for authentic golf experiences. Llandrindod Wells, originally designed by Harry Vardon and then remodelled by Braid in 1935, occupies elevated ground offering stunning countryside views. Wrexham, Holyhead, Porthmadog, and Langland Bay all benefited from Braid's architectural input, creating enduring layouts that remain largely unchanged a century later. The Common Land Experience Wales's distinctive "common land" courses represent perhaps its most unique golfing offering. Welshpool, North Wales Golf Club, and Llandrindod Wells feature dramatically undulating terrain, fine fast-running turf, and macro-scale contours that create strategic challenges unlike traditional links or parkland golf. These courses require ground game approaches similar to links golf, but on exaggerated landscapes. Golfers must read terrain contours carefully to navigate elevated greens and significant slopes. The rudimentary features, constructed with basic tools and minimal earth movement, create authentic playing experiences that transcend modern construction techniques. This architectural school extends across the Wales-England border, linking Welsh common land courses with English counterparts like Cleeve Hill, Painswick, and Minchinhampton. Together they represent democratic golf at its finest, offering memorable experiences at remarkably accessible prices. Resort Courses Under Pressure Celtic Manor's three courses demonstrate shifting attitudes toward heavily resourced resort golf that can be played almost anywhere. The Twenty Ten Ryder Cup course drops one place to tenth, whilst the Montgomerie and Roman Road layouts occupy 24th and 26th positions respectively. These movements don't reflect diminished course quality. Rather, they indicate golf's evolving values. More rugged, characterful layouts now receive greater recognition than perfectly conditioned resort golf. Authentic golfing experiences gain appreciation over manufactured challenges. A Decade of Growth: 2011-2024 Wales's ranking history reveals consistent expansion and refinement. From humble beginnings with a Top 15 in 2006, the listings have grown to encompass 50 courses, providing comprehensive coverage of the country's golfing landscape. 2006: Top 15 The inaugural ranking listed just 15 courses. 35 golf courses have been added in the 20 years since its initial release. 2011: Expanding Recognition Top 100 Golf Courses published its first extended rankings for Wales, growing from Top 20 to Top 30. Royal Porthcawl and Royal St David's maintained their traditional dominance atop the table. Pyle & Kenfig emerged as the highest climber, with Conwy also advancing significantly. The rankings introduced Llandrindod Wells at number 12, the highest new entry, signalling Mid Wales's growing recognition. 2012: North Wales Dominates Quality The 2012 update maintained the Top 30 format whilst highlighting North Wales's exceptional depth. Royal Porthcawl and Royal St David's continued leading the national rankings. Four North Wales courses occupied Top 10 positions: Royal St David's, Aberdovey, Conwy, and Nefyn Old. Celtic Manor's Montgomerie course climbed six places to 14th, the biggest upward move. Pwllheli and Vale of Llangollen entered as new courses. 2014: Extending to Top 50 The rankings expanded from 30 to 50 courses. Royal Porthcawl and Royal St David's remained unchallenged at the summit, supported by Aberdovey and Pennard. Ashburnham and Southerndown entered the Top 10, recognising their architectural heritage. North Wales, Holyhead, and Bull Bay all climbed significantly. Nefyn Old fell four positions to 11th as competition intensified. Vale Wales National debuted at 29, the highest new entry. 2015: Regional Refinements Top 100 Golf Courses published updated regional rankings for North, South, Mid, and West Wales, providing detailed local perspectives. Royal St David's led North Wales's Top 20, with Bull Bay, Porthmadog, and Vale of Llangollen advancing. Royal Porthcawl, Pennard, and Celtic Manor Twenty Ten maintained South Wales's top three positions. Pyle & Kenfig, St Pierre Old, and Newport climbed in South Wales. Radyr soared seven places. Whitchurch and Glamorganshire entered the South Wales Top 20. Ashburnham headed West Wales, followed by Tenby and Machynys Peninsula. Llandrindod Wells led Mid Wales's Top 5. 2016: Stability Returns Little changed at the top, with all seven leading courses maintaining positions. Royal Porthcawl and Royal St David's continued their duopoly. Llandrindod Wells and St Pierre Old both climbed five places. Cardigan and Borth & Ynyslas advanced significantly in West Wales. Newport, Radyr, Prestatyn, and Llandudno Maesdu made double-digit upward moves. Whitchurch entered at 23, the highest newcomer. 2018: Ranking Philosophy Evolves Royal Porthcawl remained firmly established as Wales's premier course, with Martin Ebert's architectural input ensuring continued excellence. Aberdovey rose one place to second, with Pennard climbing to third. Royal St David's fell to fourth as competition intensified. Holyhead jumped four places to 24th. Rhuddlan also climbed four spots. Three new entries appeared: Padeswood & Buckley, Monmouth, and Aberystwyth joined the ranking. 2020: Championship Golf Celebrated The 2020 rankings appeared as Wales prepared for major championships. The Boys Home International played at Ashburnham, the Women's Senior Amateur at Royal St David's. The following year promised the Curtis Cup at Conwy, St Andrews Trophy at Royal Porthcawl, and both Girls and Ladies Home Internationals at Royal St David's. Royal Porthcawl maintained its position despite ongoing bunker renovation work by Martin Ebert. Pennard climbed two places to second following bunker renovation completion. Conwy rose two spots to fifth, preparing for the Curtis Cup in prime condition. Southerndown advanced three places to sixth. Welshpool climbed five positions to 26th, beginning its ascent. Aberystwyth jumped nine places to 41st. Four new entries appeared: Builth Wells (returning), St Mellons, Henllys, and Milford Haven. 2022: Recognising Heritage The ninth biennial rankings edition continued Wales's established pattern. Royal Porthcawl's dominance remained unchallenged, occupying its position since rankings began. Royal St David's regained second place after previous ranking adjustments. Ashburnham rose two places to sixth, receiving overdue recognition for its J.H. Taylor design. Bull Bay also climbed two spots to 13th, highlighting Herbert Fowler's 1913 creation. Langland Bay advanced eight positions to 26th. Wrexham climbed seven places to 30th. Mountain Ash entered at 41st, the highest new entry. Four courses departed: Builth Wells, Carmarthen, Henllys, and Wenvoe Castle. 2024: Contemporary Values Emerge Royal Porthcawl maintained its unbroken leadership. Pennard moved above Royal St David's from third to second place. Southerndown advanced two spots. Ashburnham declined two positions. The rankings noted "big resort courses slipping a little bit down" whilst "more rugged courses move up," presaging Welshpool's dramatic rise. Historical Performance Analysis Examining long-term trends reveals fascinating patterns in course development and recognition. The Most Consistent Performers Several courses demonstrate remarkable stability across seven years: Royal Porthcawl has never left first position since 2006, occupying the summit in every ranking edition. This consistency reflects world-class quality maintained through careful stewardship and judicious architectural input from Martin Ebert. Pennard fluctuated between second and fourth positions before settling at second in 2025/26. Tom Doak's bunker work restored strategic elements that helped the course regain its traditional standing. Aberdovey held second in 2018, moved to third in 2020, fourth in 2022 and 2024, maintaining its position in 2025/26. Conwy occupied fifth position in every ranking from 2020 onwards, demonstrating steady quality. Curtis Cup preparation elevated the course to peak condition. The Biggest Climbers Several courses achieved remarkable upward momentum: Welshpool showed the most dramatic ascent, rising from 31st in 2018 to 18th in the latest release, climbing 13 positions overall. The James Braid common land design benefits from golf's renewed appreciation for authentic experiences. Langland Bay advanced from 34th in 2018 to 27th in the latest release, rising seven places. Radyr climbed from 37th in 2018 to 28th in the latest release, advancing nine positions. Harry Colt's design finally receives appropriate acknowledgement. West Monmouthshire surged from unranked to 45th in the latest release, representing the highest new entry in recent years. The Notable Decliners Some courses experienced sustained declines: Celtic Manor Twenty Ten dropped from fifth in 2018 to tenth in the latest release, falling five positions. The Ryder Cup venue remains excellent but faces increased competition from more characterful alternatives. Vale Wales National declined from 28th in 2018 to 39th in the latest release, losing 11 places. Nefyn Old fell from fifth in 2018 to 13th in the latest release, dropping eight positions. St Pierre Old declined from 14th in 2018 to 23rd in the latest release, losing nine places in a competitive field. Planning Your Wales Golf Trip Wales offers exceptional value for destination golf, particularly during high season when Scotland and Ireland command premium prices. The compact geography allows combining multiple regions in extended trips, whilst focused itineraries can explore single areas in depth. The Championship Links Circuit Visiting golfers seeking world-class links experiences should prioritise the elite coastal venues. Royal Porthcawl provides the centrepiece, combining championship quality with stunning sea views. Book well in advance, as this world-ranked course attracts significant demand. Pennard lies 30 miles west on the Gower Peninsula, offering clifftop drama and quirky charm at accessible rates. Royal St David's and Aberdovey anchor North Wales coastal golf. The dramatic setting below Harlech Castle makes Royal St David's unforgettable, whilst Aberdovey's romantic location between mountains and estuary creates enchanting golf. Both welcome visitors and offer excellent value compared to famous Scottish links. Conwy merits inclusion in any serious Welsh itinerary. Curtis Cup standard conditioning combined with strategic interest makes this understated links worth travelling for. The course lies conveniently near Chester and Liverpool, facilitating travel connections. The North Wales Coastal Tour North Wales offers concentrated quality along relatively short distances. Royal St David's and Aberdovey provide anchor points, separated by spectacular coastal drive. Conwy lies further north, accessible via dramatic scenery. Bull Bay occupies Anglesey's northern tip, convenient for ferry travellers to Ireland. Nefyn Old features spectacular clifftop holes rivalling famous Irish courses. Porthmadog and North Wales Golf Club provide additional variety. Holyhead's convenient location near ferry ports makes it perfect for travellers with spare time. Pwllheli rounds out coastal options. This circuit can be completed comfortably in 4-5 days, with excellent accommodation options in Harlech, Porthmadog, and Conwy. Green fees remain remarkably affordable compared to Scotland's championship venues. The South Wales Value Experience South Wales combines championship golf with exceptional depth. Royal Porthcawl and Pennard lead the way, but Southerndown provides comparable quality at lower prices. Pyle & Kenfig offers championship pedigree without premium tags. Celtic Manor's three courses suit golfers seeking resort amenities. The Twenty Ten Ryder Cup course provides memorable experiences, whilst the Montgomerie and Roman Road layouts offer variety. Convenient location near the Severn Bridge makes Celtic Manor accessible from England. Newport, Rolls of Monmouth, Radyr, and St Pierre Old demonstrate South Wales's exceptional depth. These parkland tracks provide variety after coastal golf, with green fees rarely exceeding £60. Cardiff and Swansea offer numerous accommodation options at varying price points. The West Wales Hidden Gems West Wales rewards adventurous travellers with stunning coastal scenery and exceptional value. Tenby and Ashburnham anchor the region, both dating to the 1890s with impressive architectural pedigrees. Machynys Peninsula provides modern resort golf with Nicklaus Design credentials. Cardigan occupies dramatic clifftop terrain above the Teifi Estuary, described as one of Wales's best-kept secrets. Borth & Ynyslas showcases Harry Colt's links design in remote splendour. These courses rarely see international visitors, ensuring uncrowded fairways. Aberystwyth and Milford Haven provide additional options for extended trips. The region suits golfers seeking authentic experiences without tourist crowds, offering exceptional value throughout the season. The Mid Wales Common Land Adventure Mid Wales appeals to golfers appreciating quirky, characterful layouts. Llandrindod Wells occupies dramatically elevated terrain, offering stunning views alongside challenging golf. Welshpool delivers authentic common land experiences, with rugged terrain requiring strategic ground game approaches. Cradoc provides gentler parkland golf, whilst Builth Wells and Machynlleth offer compact layouts bursting with character. This region suits golfers breaking journeys between North and South Wales, or those specifically seeking unusual golfing experiences. Green fees in Mid Wales remain extremely affordable, rarely exceeding £40. Accommodation options include charming market town hotels and country inns, creating memorable non-golfing experiences. Practical Considerations Wales benefits from excellent road infrastructure, with the M4 motorway providing rapid access from England. Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Bristol airports all lie within reasonable driving distance. Ferry services from Holyhead connect to Ireland, allowing combined UK-Ireland golf tours. Green fee rates range from £30-60 at most courses, with only Royal Porthcawl commanding premium prices approaching £200. Advance booking secures the best rates and tee times. Many courses offer visitor packages combining multiple rounds. Accommodation varies from luxury resort hotels at Celtic Manor to characterful country inns in market towns. Coastal villages provide bed and breakfast options with local charm. Cardiff and Swansea offer urban amenities for those preferring city bases. Weather patterns favour spring and autumn visits, avoiding summer crowds whilst ensuring reasonable conditions. Wales's rainfall reputation is somewhat exaggerated; coastal areas receive less precipitation than popular perception suggests. Waterproofs remain advisable regardless of the season. Looking Ahead Wales's golf scene continues evolving, with several developments promising future improvements. Tourism development remains modest compared to Scotland and Ireland, preserving Wales's uncrowded character. Golfers seeking authentic experiences without tourist infrastructure appreciate this understated approach. Limited international marketing keeps Wales affordable whilst neighbouring countries face pricing pressures. The rankings will continue evolving as golf's values shift toward authentic experiences. Courses offering distinctive character at accessible prices should gain recognition. Resort developments may face continued pressure unless they provide exceptional strategic interest alongside conditioning standards. Wales's position as Britain's last undiscovered golf destination won't last forever. Savvy travellers increasingly recognise the exceptional value proposition. Visit sooner rather than later to experience uncrowded fairways at remarkable prices. For complete details of all Top 50 Golf Courses in Wales, including regional breakdowns for North Wales, South Wales, West Wales, and Mid Wales, visit Top100GolfCourses.com.

Alex Frolish has been a pilot for approaching 20 years and now travels to all corners of the globe in his role as a commercial airline pilot. His passion for flight is only equalled by his passion for golf and golf travel. Having picked up a golf club over 35 years ago when aged just 3 years old, Alex has played over 600 courses across every continent on planet earth furnished with a fairway. Over the next few months you’ll be able to follow Alex’s golfing travels as he brings you anecdotes of his life both in the air and on the course. There are times on the course when you just have to smile and make the best of a bad piece of luck. A plugged ball in the face of a pot bunker after the best strike of the day. That impossible horseshoe when the ball loops around the cup, seemingly defying gravity. Or walking out into the fairway to find your ball nestled in a wedge created crater the size and shape of a Viking long boat. My DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) diagnosis seemed like one such point of misfortune, a random act of bad luck that could not be dwelled upon. The prognosis was positive, we’d caught it nice and early and most importantly, the Doctor had prescribed plenty of walking in my enforced time off. It was time to get over the bad break and birdie the next hole. My life as a commercial pilot has meant I have spent an average of 150 days away a year during the last 15 years, meaning a lot of my golf is played while on my travels. This unplanned break presented an opportunity that was too good to miss; to look closer to home and make it to some of those gems in the UK that I had been meaning to visit for some time. My first inclination was to look west from my home in Gloucestershire. I have an affinity for the rugged variety that Welsh golf has to offer. From cragged links courses that hug the Welsh coastlines, to the heavily contoured courses on the mountain tops and valley bottoms further inland, I have found much pleasure exploring Wales’s many less heralded tracks. I decided I would make two forays into Wales in September, playing 36 holes on each day. Photo credit: Ashburnham Golf Club The first such trip encompassed one of the finest links double salvos in Wales. Tenby has long been regarded as one of the rawest and most naturally beautiful links courses in the UK. The land here (for the main part) is wild, offering many of the usual links conundrums such as blind shots, crumpled and irregular fairway lies and heavily defended green sites, where if you miss the target, there may be severe repercussions. I wanted to go back out again as soon as I had finished, and I could remember every hole easily with little reference to the scorecard; two surefire signs that the course boasts plenty of engaging qualities. Their extensive clubhouse and lodging renovations are going to make Tenby an interesting stay and play option for lovers of links golf in the coming years. Anyway, leave I must as the still and sun soaked afternoon promised a round along the coast at the highly acclaimed links with championship pedigree at Ashburnham. This is a classy club, benefiting from a clubhouse boasting beautiful views and equally appealing atmospheric vibes and more importantly, a stretch of links golf that is up there with some of the best stuff I’ve seen in Wales. Buoyed by the success of my first trip over the Severn Bridge, I returned some two weeks later to repeat the mission, this time taking on the characterful moorland course (boasting wonderful sea views) at Clyne, and the self proclaimed ‘Pebble Beach of Wales’ at Langland Bay. Those of you that know me or have followed my travels for some time, will know I love a natural course that is played in the way golf was first imagined; on the ground and battling the elements. The welcome from the wild horses and sheep grazing the fairways of Clyne only adds to the intrigue. Go with that image in your mind's eye and embrace the challenge and you will surely enjoy this charmer. The wind started to bristle for our afternoon visit to Langland Bay, where the clifftop section of the course in particular boasts some of the most spectacular golf I have seen in the UK, with plentiful views of the sea and some quite jaw dropping precipitous holes. Four golf courses, four very different characters and plenty to admire. Photo credit: Stoneham Golf Club The depth in the middle tiers of the English Top 100 is one of the most staggering facets of U.K. golf course architecture. There is so much to admire, both in Golden Age architecture from historically significant architects, to newer designs crafted with big budgets and bold plans. My English September travels contained a plentiful mix of all of those qualities, with trips to Stoneham, Isle of Purbeck, Knole Park, Piltdown, Remedy Oak, JCB and Tandridge. In that itinerary, there lay some classic work from the likes of Willie Park Jr, Harry Colt, John Abercromby (assisted by Herbert Fowler) and JH Taylor. In more recent times, John Jacobs and Robin Hiseman had worked on the more modern layouts. I’ll let you mentally test yourself as to which courses were designed by who…I could easily write a page or two on each of my visits, such was the quality and variety to behold. However, it was my experiences at Stoneham, Tandridge and JCB that deserve special mention. Stoneham is just splendid, and its splendour comes from its abundance of variety and the iconic routing. Whether you define it heathland or parkland, it doesn’t matter. It is a fine inland golf course, made finer still by the recent renovation work that has taken place to the course (and practice facilities). This piece of land is quite frankly magnificent, an undulating old deer park that has taken on a heathland demeanour, and the blend of the best bits of both types of golf course makes Stoneham a special place indeed. Photo credit: Tandridge Golf Club Tandridge, crafted by my favourite architect (not declared so as not to ruin the quiz above) is a course that boasts two nines distinct in character from each other, the front a subtle yet exacting test around the greens and in terms of strategy, and the back nine a wild rollercoaster of picture postcard views and wow moments played across tumbling terrain. Not relevant to the golf course but it has to be mentioned; this clubhouse might be one of my favourites in the land. The bar is named after the architect, and a drop of your favourite tipple in those surroundings tastes all the sweeter. As for the lunch, well it is the stuff of legend! Make sure to sample the infamous Tandridge Pudding! JCB is a rarity in UK golf circles as it one of the few golf courses that you can’t access by paying a guest green fee, much more in line with a US country club model, as it was initially built by Lord Bamford for the benefit and enjoyment of JCB staff and clients. That lack of accessibility means that the quality of the course has been seen by fewer eyes, so it flies slightly under the radar. However, this is a fine golf course, possibly the finest golf course built on parkland ground in England. It is the boldness of the design features and the quality of the playing surfaces that elevates it above its peers. I have played a significant portion of my golf in the USA, and in both conditioning and architectural boldness, this course is more reminiscent of sights I have seen stateside than anything I have seen on British soil. This may not have been a month to rack up the air miles due to my enforced layoff from work, but it has been incredibly memorable in terms of the fine British courses I have visited. Next month, there is much more of the same planned, with a little jaunt over to Ireland thrown into the mix. In the meantime, wherever you are reading this and whatever your October has in store, I wish you many well struck drives, a minimum of lost balls and most importantly, plentiful happy rounds.