There is one indisputably great golf course on the Welsh coast (Royal Porthcawl), many very fine ones (Royal St David’s, Pennard, Ashburnham, Southerndown, Pyle & Kenfig, Tenby), one dramatic one (Nefyn), and one that makes anyone who has played it smile unconditionally – Aberdovey.
Situated in mid-Wales, north of the Dovey Estuary, it is a tremendous links course with the charm and beauty to guarantee a wonderful golfing day out.
The early and late holes dally with a dune complex that would make even the most cynical golfer swoon.
The most famous of these is the short par-4 16th which is widely praised for being the best of its type in Wales (and worthy of being involved in discussion about such lists from further afield).
At 285 yards from the back tee it is an inviting prospect for big hitters – and also for the shorter hitters if the wind is behind your back or the turf is especially dry – but the threats are significant.
In short, this is risk and reward at its very, very best.
The hole swings from right to left and in so doing it traces the same route as the railway line which runs parallel to it. Anything wide left of the fairway runs the risk of finding out of bounds (and maybe the 13:31 to Birmingham New Street).
But all down the right-hand side there are high dunes, high grass and three sand traps.
The conservative option is to play a mid-iron to the wide landing area, but that still leaves a tricky pitch to a narrow green.
If the attacking option finds the right line it can still be kicked left by mounds created by the sea and nature.
It’s a brilliant test and all the better for offering excellent golfers and hackers alike plenty of options.
Par-4 2nd hole stands out too
All the (deserved) praise of Aberdovey’s 16th means that the second is sometimes overlooked.
Travelling in the opposite direction and deeper into the dunes, it has a tee box high on a sand hill.
Measuring at 332 yards it is longer than 16 but downhill and downwind it is another putting surface that can be attacked with the first blow.
There is a narrow channel to aim at with three bunkers the threat on the right and the high dunes the problem on the left.
As with 16, quality golfers and average ones will always enjoy this test.
Aberdovey GC enjoys something of a micro-climate which makes it not only a fantastic day out in the summer, it’s also a great spot for winter golf.
And with the railway station platform just yards from the pro shop, you can also take the train there.
For more information visit Aberdoveygolf.co.uk
