Golf Course Review

Royal Porthcawl Golf Club is a stunning links counted amongst the best courses in the world. Just down the road from Pyle & Kenfig GC (P&K) but to the north of the town of Porthcawl, halfway between Swansea and Cardiff. On the Bristol Channel lies a course with true ocean views from every hole and where the beach is in play.

Royal Porthcawl Golf Club History

The club was founded on November 13, 1891. Soon work was underway to establish the links. Charles Gibson, the professional at Westward Ho!, laid out the first 9 hole course. Another 9 holes were laid out in 1895. The 10th Tee was 300 yards from the 9th green through the grounds of a private residence. The new nine was extended to 18 by Ramsay Hunter in 1897 and the original 9 became the ladies course. It remained in play until WW1.

RPGC Architectural Provenance

Dating from 1913, Harry Colt is credited with holes 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 14, 15 & 18.

In 1925, JH Taylor and FW Hawtree altered the 11th, 12th, 15th, 17th and 18th greens. New tees appeared on the 11th. Bunkers were also added greenside on the 13th and 17th. (Western Mail 17 March 1925)

In 1933, Tom Simpson made new tees for 1, 2, 3 & 9. His greens remain intact on 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 13, 16 & 17. Hole 7 can be attributed to him.

C.K. Cotton alterations from 1950 are found on holes 8 and 12.

More recently, Martin Ebert's toned down greens are found on holes 4, 5, and 9. He also reworked the surrounds on 10 and 12.

Royal Porthcawl GC's Royal Heritage

Further information on on the club and its history can be found in Scott Macpherson's book, Golf's Royal Clubs.

Golf Course Photography

Purchase photography of this course from Kevin Murray here.