Royal St David's Golf Club
Overview
Harlech was the first in Wales to obtain the Royal title. In 1897 a member of the Royal family became a patron of the club but it would be 1909 before the club officially gained Royal status.
The 5 hole loop of the 14th to 18th, to and from the clubhouse, is a favourite among members!
Golf Course Review
Royal St David’s Golf Club, or Harlech, is a Welsh links golf course in the seaside town of Harlech in Gwynedd, Wales. Sat above Harlech Beach and beside Morfa Harlech National Nature Reserve, the course was reportedly laid out by three wealthy Englishmen and was advised on by Hoylake legend, John Ball.
Royal St David’s Golf Club History
Harold Finch-Hatton and William Henry More have been credited with the first 18 hole layout. The club was established in 1894 and its first meeting was conducted in November of the same year.
In 1900, major improvements and alterations were made to the course but it is unclear who was responsible at present. It was reported at the time, only the 6th, 10th, 16th, and 18th holes were unaltered. The rest were bunkered, lengthened, or had new greens installed.
The course would be further updated in 1925 when Harry Colt adjusted some of the bunkering.
Royal St David’s Golf Club Synopsis
The course has been called the world’s most difficult par 69. Measuring just 6629 from the back tees you could be lulled into thinking the course is ‘gettable.’ The flattish opening holes are fully exposed to the wind until you reach the 13th where the terrain turns more dunes like. The first par 5 is found on the 7th with the second coming on the 8th. Before and after are runs of par 4’s with the injection of one-shot holes on the 4th, 9th, 11th, 14th, and 18th. Of interest, both nines end on par 3’s!
Royal St David’s Golf Club Photography
Royal St David's Golf Club - Videos
Watch the average golfer's review of royal st davids golf club
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Featured Architect: MacKenzie, Alister
As taken from his book, Golf Architecture, Alister MacKenzie felt the following were essential: The course, where possible, should be arranged in two loops of nine holes. There should be a large proportion of good two-shot holes and at least four one-shot holes. There should be little walking between...
