Welsh golf really could not have asked for a better birthplace. Founded in 1888, Tenby Golf Club is not only the oldest course in Wales; it is also one of the finest. Natural golfing terrain of sea-washed turf and sand dunes, a medieval walled-town close by and a view that includes the monastery island of Caldy, make Tenby Golf Club a very special place in which to play golf. The course plays annual host to the Welsh Amateur Championship and from the first hole to the last, you will never forget the layout of this superb links course, as it maximizes all the natural features of this beautiful part of Pembrokeshire in South Wales.
Golf may have been played in Wales many years before the founding of Tenby Golf Club but this is where the first properly constituted Welsh club was formed in 1888. Though still reminiscent of bygone days, its defences have been somewhat altered in response to the advances being made in the game. Two of the more recent changes include the transformation of the long bunker in front of the 13th into two pot bunkers and the creation of a higher 18th tee on top of Black Rock that ensures a breathtaking finish. And that's if you have any breath left because Tenby gets at you from the opening hole, a 466-yard par four played into the prevailing wind. You can rest assured that the oldest club in Wales is in vigorous and defiant health.
At first glance, a length of just over 6,300 yards does not appear too daunting but when you consider that the par of the course is only 69, the true test provided by this links can be more accurately imagined. Its narrow sloping fairways together with a liberal sprinkling of blind tree shots, slick undulating greens and punishing rough, more than compensates for any lack of yardage. The outward stretch, conspicuous in the absence of par fives, starts with a testing drive through a narrow gap in the sand dunes. Other fine holes on the front nine include the 380-yard, 3rd, which with its tricky pocket-handkerchief green, is rated the most difficult on the course; and the par four, 4th hole, which demands a blind approach to a green set in a hollow.
The equally inspiring homeward journey starts with a 450-yard par four rated the second hardest hole on the course, while other great holes include the 12th, 14th and 18th. The 12th is a stirring par three, where your shot is across two valleys to a table top green, while the 14th hole, the only par five on the entire course, is subtly bunkered on both sides and requires an accurate approach to a long narrow green. As with all great courses, the closing hole at Tenby is a fitting end to a magnificent challenge. Having teed off from the towering Black Rock tee, you are faced with an old fashioned approach over humps and bumps to the 18th green. Character aplenty to the very end.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
You can sometimes come across a course rich in history that actually disappoints in terms of real quality. This is not the case at Tenby. It may be somewhat isolated on the southwestern tip of Wales but don't let that put you off.
Situated in South Wales just south of the town of Tenby off the A4139 road, approximately 11 miles east of Pembroke.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
Panorama Hotel Restaurant, The Esplanade, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7DU. Tel: (44) 1834 844976. Offering sea views and an intimate setting, the menu includes a good choice of seafood, an impressive vegetarian selection and prime Welsh beef steaks served with a variety of sauces.
Penally Abbey Restaurant, Penally, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7PY. Tel: (44) 1834 843033. Charming old country house restaurant overlooking Tenby Golf Club, it offers a distinctively tranquil atmosphere and a menu offering tasty, simple dishes.
The Dial Inn Restaurant, Ridgeway Road, Lamphey, Pembrokeshire SA71 5NU. Tel: (44) 1646 672426. Every effort is made to use as much fresh local produce, while seasonal selections will likely include sea bass fillets and cod fillet topped with tomato and melted cheese.
Carew Inn Restaurant, Carew, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 8SL. Tel: (44) 1646 651267. A traditional stone-built country inn, the typical menu includes roast leg of lamb with redcurrant mint, baked cod with a fennel and herb crust and seafood pie.
Welsh golf really could not have asked for a better birthplace. Founded in 1888, Tenby Golf Club is not only the oldest course in Wales; it is also one of the finest. Natural golfing terrain of sea-washed turf and sand dunes, a medieval walled-town close by and a view that includes the monastery island of Caldy, make Tenby Golf Club a very special place in which to play golf. The course plays annual host to the Welsh Amateur Championship and from the first hole to the last, you will never forget the layout of this superb links course, as it maximizes all the natural features of this beautiful part of Pembrokeshire in South Wales.
