Tenby Golf Club

Wales' golfing heritage begins at Tenby Golf Club, where golf has been played since 1875, with the club formally established in 1888 as the oldest constituted golf club in Wales. Located on Pembrokeshire's dramatic coastline, this authentic links course represents everything magnificent about traditional seaside golf, offering travelling golfers an experience unchanged by modern convention.

Tenby Golf Club History

Originally established as a nine-hole course in 1888, Tenby was extended to its current 18-hole configuration in 1907 when five-time Open Champion James Braid was commissioned to design the layout. Braid was brought in to advise on improvements to the course in 1913, creating a design that has remained largely unchanged for over a century.

The Victorian seaside resort of Tenby was renowned as a health destination where sea-bathing attracted visitors seeking wellness. Golf was introduced to provide entertainment for those preferring to "stay dry" while still enjoying the coastal environment. This practical beginning shaped a course that remains beautifully uncomplicated—pure links golf at its most natural.

Design Philosophy and Architectural Character

Here you will find links golf at its most natural. There is nothing modern about Tenby, but it's an engaging experience. The course exemplifies traditional links architecture through its routing between St Catherine's Island and Giltar Point, with views across to St Margaret's Island and Caldey Island.

The course measures a healthy 6500 yards but has only two par 5's, encountered on the opening hole and then on the 16th. The layout has just three Par 3's meaning a string of Par 4's are played in succession. This unusual balance creates distinctive rhythms rarely found in modern golf course design, with five consecutive par fours from holes seven through eleven.

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Architectural Evolution and Natural Character

The course demonstrates Braid's philosophy of working with natural terrain rather than imposing artificial features. Many shots are blind, the contoured greens are hard and fast, and there are snaking hog's back fairways, dense gorse, cruel pot bunkers and rugged dunes. These elements combine to create what one observer describes as "golf free from modern convention."

Natural coastal erosion has influenced the layout's evolution, with recent modifications including transforming the long bunker fronting the 13th into two pot bunkers and creating a higher 18th tee atop Black Rock for a dramatic finishing sequence.

It's not a long course by today's standards, measuring a little less than 6,500 yards from the tips, but the opening four holes (three of which are over 400 yards long) will challenge the very best golfers. The prevailing wind dominates the early holes, immediately establishing the coastal conditions that define the Tenby experience.

The Famous 4th Hole - "The Bell": This signature hole epitomises traditional links golf with both tee shot and approach played completely blind over black-and-white directional poles. Anything left disappears into whins, anything right risks being swallowed by dunes—a perfect example of strategic golf where position matters more than power.

The Curious 15th to 17th

The course offers an extraordinary variety within its traditional framework. After 14 quintessential links holes, golfers cross an ancient railway bridge to encounter parkland-style holes 15-17, creating perhaps Britain's most sudden change of playing character. This transition from pure links to parkland and back to links creates a unique architectural journey that confounds many...

Travel & Planning

Regional Golf Context

Within 32km (20 miles): Ashburnham Golf Club in Burry Port represents one of Wales' finest championship links, located approximately 45 minutes' drive northeast. This J.H. Taylor design has hosted professional championships and offers excellent contrast to Tenby's more natural character.

32-65km (20-40 miles): Pennard Golf Club near Swansea (approximately 50km/31 miles) offers spectacular clifftop golf 200 feet above sea level with views over Three Cliff Bay.

Practical Planning

Accommodation: Seven twin-bedded en-suite rooms are available for bed and breakfast in the Dormy House, allowing up to 14 golfers to stay on-site. The medieval walled town of Tenby offers numerous hotels and guest houses within walking distance.

Course Access: Only a 10-minute walk from the bustling seaside town of Tenby and on the route of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The course features a covered driving range, professional shop, and full restaurant facilities.

Transport Information ✈️

Cardiff Airport: 146km (91 miles), approximately 1 hour 42 minutes via M4 and A40. Wales' primary international gateway offers car rental facilities and direct motorway connections.

Public Transport: Tenby Station lies half a mile from the course on the Swansea-Pembroke Dock line, with services running every couple of hours. The journey from Cardiff takes approximately 2.5 hours by rail.

Car Rental: Essential for multi-course itineraries. The A40 provides direct access from Cardiff and the M4 corridor, while coastal roads connect to other Welsh golf destinations.

Seasonal Timing

Spring (March-May): Course awakens from winter with firm conditions developing. Golf is available from as little as £25, with winter rates of £15 per round extending into early spring. Weather can be variable, but crowd levels remain manageable.

Summer (June-August): Peak season with Open Week held during the first week in June, attracting visitors from throughout Britain. Booking is essential as the course hosts national championships and experiences the highest demand.

Autumn (September-November): Excellent shoulder season offering stable weather and mature course conditions. Links character is particularly pronounced as coastal winds strengthen and gorse displays spectacular colour.

Winter (December-February): Playable all year round with exceptional value green fees. Traditional links resilience means play continues in most weather conditions, offering authentic winter golf experiences.

The Bottom Line on Tenby Golf Club

Tenby is one of the finest and least well-known golf courses in the whole of the British Isles, offering authentic links golf history combined with spectacular coastal beauty. This James Braid masterpiece provides travelling golfers with an unforgettable Welsh championship experience, representing exceptional value in one of Britain's most charming medieval towns.