Pennard Golf Club

Pennard Golf Club is one of the most underrated and entertaining courses in Britain.

Sometimes clubs give their courses a title that suggest they had consumed two or three too many Kummels or G&Ts with lunch when they came up with it.

But when Pennard thought to describe their course as the ‘links in the sky’, they actually got it spot on. We certainly can’t think of a better phrase to convey what you get here.

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Located south of Swansea, Pennard is laid out on high ground that naturally undulates dramatically, providing a wonderful and distinctive terrain for golf.

It is perched on clifftops but still qualifies as a links by virtue of its sandy, tight turf and overall feel.

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We think it is one of the most under-rated courses in Britain and Ireland, with few weak holes and a handful right out of the top drawer – not least the 7th and 16th.

The former is typically scenic and begins with an inviting tee shot to a tumbling fairway but then requires real skill to hold your ball on a plateau green that slopes away from the fairway. 

The latter is Pennard’s signature and this breathtaking undulating and twisting hole is usually played into the prevailing wind. It begins a closing trio that bewilder and beguile in equal measure.

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Laid out by James Braid and amended by CK Cotton, it has gained entry from the ‘Next 100’ into our GB&I Top 100 itself. Tom Doak, no less, is happy to cast an eye over it and lend his name to Pennard – and that does not happen at ordinary venues.

For a long time considered an undiscovered treat, word has now spread further and Pennard is now gaining the attention it deserves. One of the most entertaining courses in Britain.

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• Course has: Bar
• Course does not have: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course has: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course does not have: Dress Code
• Course does not have: Club Hire
• Course does not have: Handicap

• 4 out of 5 Wales most picturesque links course. 26 March 2014

  By Dubsdred

  I play this course a couple of years ago it was very unique and quirky. The same guy who designed Bandon Dunes in the States got some of there ideas from this course. It offer good value, it can be quite difficult if winds come up.

• 4 out of 5 Pennard Golf Club 12 March 2007

  By Anonymous

  I had tried to play the Fairwood golf course earlier in the day but i was turned away because I did not own a pair of Golf Shoes although i had played the course the week before without my shoes!!! When I rang Pennard Golf club and told them about my situation they let me play the course despite me not having shoes and they also gave me a reduced green fee of £15!! The course is set in stunning surroundings and it is a great test for golfers of all ability and age. Im definetelly going to go back.

• 1 out of 5 Spectacular views 13 February 2007

  By Anonymous

  Fabulous airy course with stunning views of the cliffs and ruined castle. Watch out for free-roaming ponies and cows though, as this is common land.