North Wales Golf

Golfnut1957

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I was planning our annual trip around the Midlands/South West, but then got to thinking about North Wales. Some research has identified some potentially interesting courses and a decent trip, but I have never been there and know nothing about them. So, has anyone any experience of the following which they would like to share?

Bull Bay
Nefyn
Porthmadog
Bangor
Caernarfon
North Wales (Llandudno)

Thanks in advance.
 
Played Nefyn and North Wales last year.

Nefyn is cliff top 27 holes. The famous Point Holes are not open in August as it's too dangerous with all the walkers. The other 18 are still worth a visit.

N Wales starts "ordinary," then warms up considerably for the final dozen or so. Very welcoming club and equally worth the trip.
 
I was planning our annual trip around the Midlands/South West, but then got to thinking about North Wales. Some research has identified some potentially interesting courses and a decent trip, but I have never been there and know nothing about them. So, has anyone any experience of the following which they would like to share?

Bull Bay
Nefyn
Porthmadog
Bangor
Caernarfon
North Wales (Llandudno)

Thanks in advance.

Conwy is a fantastic course. I always really enjoy Vale of Llangollen. Of the ones you mention, Porthmadog is my favourite.
 
Played Nefyn and North Wales last year.

Nefyn is cliff top 27 holes. The famous Point Holes are not open in August as it's too dangerous with all the walkers. The other 18 are still worth a visit.

N Wales starts "ordinary," then warms up considerably for the final dozen or so. Very welcoming club and equally worth the trip.
It's strange. The whole point of playing Nefyn would be to play the Point. Their online booking system currently states that "You are booking 18 holes on our Championship course". They go on to explain that you will be able to play the point separately before or after your round as part of the booking, i.e. for free.

It seems a bit odd and if I was going to book I think a phone call would be required beforehand.
 
Conwy is a fantastic course. I always really enjoy Vale of Llangollen. Of the ones you mention, Porthmadog is my favourite.
Yes, Conwy does look great, unfortunately it is priced accordingly. A round there is more than all 4 rounds of our potential Midlands trip.

We'll be playing 4 rounds in 3 days and travelling on the first and third day also. It is desirable to have all the courses within 30–45 minutes of our base, which won't actually be determined until we choose the course. At the moment, Llandudno is looking favourite. This would exclude the likes of Aberdovey and Llangollen.
 
Yes, Conwy does look great, unfortunately it is priced accordingly. A round there is more than all 4 rounds of our potential Midlands trip.

We'll be playing 4 rounds in 3 days and travelling on the first and third day also. It is desirable to have all the courses within 30–45 minutes of our base, which won't actually be determined until we choose the course. At the moment, Llandudno is looking favourite. This would exclude the likes of Aberdovey and Llangollen.
Take a look at Pwllheli and Prestatyn . Prestatyn in particular has some great holes.
 
Just pasting a previous post of mine from elsewhere...

Just 4 for me on a Spring trip to north Wales...

Llandudno Maesdu - loved it.

The Anglesey - liked it but some of the holes were a bit samey.

Bull Bay - spectacular and exciting course but too many blind tee shots to really enjoy as a one off without haemorrhaging golf balls. Would love to learn it and play regularly.

North Wales GC - loved half of the holes but found the other half a bit disappointing.

I would join Maesdu or Bull Bay in a heartbeat, if I lived in the area.
The Anglesey and NWGC not so much. They weren't bad; just ruined by the existence of the other two.
 
It's strange. The whole point of playing Nefyn would be to play the Point. Their online booking system currently states that "You are booking 18 holes on our Championship course". They go on to explain that you will be able to play the point separately before or after your round as part of the booking, i.e. for free.

It seems a bit odd and if I was going to book I think a phone call would be required beforehand.
Played Nefyn last year during September. The Point was available to play for free after a certain time in the day (late afternoon). To be honest a lot of the “Old Nine” were damaged in storms a couple of years ago and as such condition wise, no where near as good as the main course. The Point is worth playing for visuals but only as an extra. Played both Porthmadog and Pwelli
 
Played Nefyn last year during September. The Point was available to play for free after a certain time in the day (late afternoon). To be honest a lot of the “Old Nine” were damaged in storms a couple of years ago and as such condition wise, no where near as good as the main course. The Point is worth playing for visuals but only as an extra. Played both Porthmadog and Pwelli
Thanks. What did you make of those two?
 
Just pasting a previous post of mine from elsewhere...



I would join Maesdu or Bull Bay in a heartbeat, if I lived in the area.
The Anglesey and NWGC not so much. They weren't bad; just ruined by the existence of the other two.
Hi, Thanks. I'm pretty sure that it was your post which prompted me to look at North Wales. Plus the Golf Mates trip to Bull Bay😁
 
Thanks. What did you make of those two?
Out of the two loved Porthmadog again stunning views and some really interesting holes. Pwllheli is unusual as the 1st eight holes are parkland then you play along the coast and it transition to links. All 3 are worth playing. We stayed at Plas Isa Hotel in Criccieth owned by keen golfers and were really well looked after. The hotel is geared towards golf trips and again has great views and really accessible to all courses within 20 minutes or so.
 
Out of the two loved Porthmadog again stunning views and some really interesting holes. Pwllheli is unusual as the 1st eight holes are parkland then you play along the coast and it transition to links. All 3 are worth playing. We stayed at Plas Isa Hotel in Criccieth owned by keen golfers and were really well looked after. The hotel is geared towards golf trips and again has great views and really accessible to all courses within 20 minutes or so.
Thanks. The hotel looks great, I've just checked, and unfortunately they don't have availability for our dates.
 
Thanks. The hotel looks great, I've just checked, and unfortunately they don't have availability for our dates.
That’s a shame, I get the feeling it gets a lot of repeat business (we booked again whilst there for this year) might be worth giving them a call asking for other recommendations where to stay as they are very knowledgeable about golf in the area. Worth bearing in mind that around Criccieth distance from course to course is not massive. I know for example Anglesey is only half an hour away 👍🏻
 
I would add Prestatyn & Maesdu to that list . I prefer Maesdu to Norrh Wales GC . Last time we play NWGC it was packed , couldn’t hire a trolley or buggy and course was no where near in the condition it used to be . This was in 2023 so hopefully improved
 
I would add Prestatyn & Maesdu to that list . I prefer Maesdu to Norrh Wales GC . Last time we play NWGC it was packed , couldn’t hire a trolley or buggy and course was no where near in the condition it used to be . This was in 2023 so hopefully improved
Thanks, that's two for Prestatyn so far and Maesdu definitely looks worth a dose of consideration.
 
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