Wales tour 2026 advice sought

[Klimski]

Hi all, in the past, this forum has been invaluable for my small touring party's visits to Fife, Cornwall and the Cotswolds. This time we're eyeing up a Wales tour. And I would love some opinions.

The tour will be four days, flying in from NL to Birmingham or Liverpool and driving down to Aberdovey, staying at the course itself for three nights and two rounds of 18 holes. I am looking for advice on a second course for an additional 18 holes along the way in - or out. So far this is my shortlist, any advice is well appreciated (and listened to, as you can see from my other threads!)

Flying to Liverpool, options along the way:
- Wrexham Golf Club
- Mold Golf Club
- Vale of LLangollen GC

Flying to Birmingham:
- Welshpool

We are a group of enthusiastic but mediocre golfers: handicaps in the 18-22 range + 1 beginner who basically walks with us and plays some holes and is quick to pick up if it isn't going well. We are looking at paying no more than UKP 60 for a round. We like to walk the course, and like undulation and views. We don't necessarily look for parkland courses with lots of water hazards as that's what we get over here in NL..

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mel Smooth]

If you fly into Liverpool, what about Conwy?

It’s adding about 45 minutes to your journey time.

Another suggestion would be Nefyn, which is literally spectacularly good value, but it’s well out of your way

 

[Billysboots]

If you like undulation and views, Welshpool GC ticks both boxes and then some. It’s one of the hilliest courses I have ever played. Really enjoyable test of golf and a really friendly clubhouse. It’s well worth the visit.

 

[PCWOX]

Apologies to jump on this thread, but I have just booked up to play Welshpool in October, it does look like a corker of a track.

 

[PCWOX]

Also played Aberdovey in 2023. It is a fantastic links course, you will love it there

 

[webbedrobin]

By a country mile, the hilliest golf course I have played is Bala Golf Club which has stunning views over Llyn Tegid (Lake) and of the Berwyn and (southern part of) the Eryri mountains.
Official site at golffbala.co.uk but I'd also recommend viewing from 6m 53s - 7m 35s of this YouTube video to have a feel of the place.
It's a 10 hole course - to play 18 holes, the 1st and 18th are played once and the other eight holes are played twice (the in/out have different tees). It's a short course (~ 5000yds) but, in my opinion, plays longer than that due to its quirkiness. It's cheap (~ £25) and, again IMO, fun!
If you're driving from Liverpool to Aberdyfi on the Google Maps route then you will be passing some 100 metres beneath the course.

 

[timd77]

Of the ones you’ve mentioned, I played Mold golf club last year. Decent course if not spectacular, it’s not on the same level of Aberdovey, but for the price it’s more than acceptable and was in decent condition. Pretty hilly, you spend a few holes climbing, a few holes on top, a few holes descending, a few holes climbing etc etc. But enjoyed it. In fact, I enquired about playing it this year for our golf weekend in wales, however they didn’t have availability.

 

[clubchamp98]

Hi all, in the past, this forum has been invaluable for my small touring party's visits to Fife, Cornwall and the Cotswolds. This time we're eyeing up a Wales tour. And I would love some opinions.

The tour will be four days, flying in from NL to Birmingham or Liverpool and driving down to Aberdovey, staying at the course itself for three nights and two rounds of 18 holes. I am looking for advice on a second course for an additional 18 holes along the way in - or out. So far this is my shortlist, any advice is well appreciated (and listened to, as you can see from my other threads!)

Flying to Liverpool, options along the way:
- Wrexham Golf Club
- Mold Golf Club
- Vale of LLangollen GC

Flying to Birmingham:
- Welshpool

We are a group of enthusiastic but mediocre golfers: handicaps in the 18-22 range + 1 beginner who basically walks with us and plays some holes and is quick to pick up if it isn't going well. We are looking at paying no more than UKP 60 for a round. We like to walk the course, and like undulation and views. We don't necessarily look for parkland courses with lots of water hazards as that's what we get over here in NL..

Thanks in advance!

Llangollen is a lovely course .
Not to hard but a nice test off the back tees

Depends on the dates as it gets a bit wet in winter but glorious in summer.

 

[sunshine]

Don't forget your waterproofs.

Nick Faldo was right.

 

[Klimski]

By a country mile, the hilliest golf course I have played is Bala Golf Club which has stunning views over Llyn Tegid (Lake) and of the Berwyn and (southern part of) the Eryri mountains.
Official site at golffbala.co.uk but I'd also recommend viewing from 6m 53s - 7m 35s of this YouTube video to have a feel of the place.
It's a 10 hole course - to play 18 holes, the 1st and 18th are played once and the other eight holes are played twice (the in/out have different tees). It's a short course (~ 5000yds) but, in my opinion, plays longer than that due to its quirkiness. It's cheap (~ £25) and, again IMO, fun!
If you're driving from Liverpool to Aberdyfi on the Google Maps route then you will be passing some 100 metres beneath the course.

Cheers, this one wasn't on my radar at all!!

 

[stymied]

Right now I think Wales is one of the best bang for you buck golf trips (that being said I think the best bang for the buck trip I've made was a trip to the Netherlands over 10 years ago).

Have you considered taking the train if you fly into Birmingham? The train station at Aberdovey is right at the course. You can also take a train to places like Royal St. Davids or Conwy (probably higher cost than you want).

If flying into Birmingham and driving I recommend Kington. #2 on this list of best value courses (which I consider pretty good). It's a pretty unique experience.
Edit:
Forgot the link https://www.todays-golfer.com/courses/best/value-golf-courses-gb-ireland/#10course

 

[IanM]

Don't forget your waterproofs.

Nick Faldo was right.

We had virtually no rain for 4 months in parts of Wales this summer!

 

[stymied]

Borth & Ynyslas could be a good links opener and is close by if you want a links course (I've played Borth and Aberdovey on the same day).

Edit: Also doable by train.

 

[IanM]

Borth & Ynyslas could be a good links opener and is close by if you want a links course (I've played Borth and Aberdovey on the same day).

Edit: Also doable by train.

Aberdovey railway station is practically in the Golf Club's car park. Royal St David's is about 5 minutes walk to the station

The railway line hugs the coast with amazing views and is worth doing in its own right

 

[SKCP]

A couple of honesty box 9 holers I really enjoyed last month: Knighton (near Kington, stunning views, empty course - just you and many sheep) and St David’s City (true links, great turf, stunning views again).

 

[PCWOX]

Played both the above, and they are normally empty. Two cracking little 9 hole tracks, that you go round twice.

 

[IanMcC]

Royal St Davids in Harlech should definitely be on your list.
Conwy is a decent knock, but not worth the price they have recently raised it to.
Value for money lies in Maesdu in Llandudno, and my own course, Rhuddlan.

 

[Klimski]

Thanks for all the tips so far. As I said, it will only be a short trip. But am seeing that we will need three Wales trips at least! Anyone with direct experience of Wrexham?

 

[IanMcC]

Wrexham is definitely worth a visit. Parkland course that holds many county events.