Best golf courses in North Wales

North Wales is truly a delight for golfers, offering dramatic coastal landscapes, rolling countryside, and a warm Welsh welcome wherever you go. From world-class championship venues to picturesque hidden gems, the region promises unforgettable golf experiences is often incredible value in comparison to the more expensive layouts in the northwest of England. Enjoy our guide to the best golf courses in North Wales!

Location: Harlech | Type: Links | Yardage: 6,629 | Par: 69

Set against the majestic backdrop of Harlech Castle and the rugged peaks of Snowdonia, Royal St David’s is often hailed as one of the finest links courses in the UK. Known for its challenging layout, the course can provide one of the sternest tests of golf imaginable if played in inclement weather.

With towering dunes, fast greens, and ever-changing coastal winds, this is a true test of links golf. However, a variety of teeing options, and firm and fast fairways through the summer months ensure that the course can be eminently playable for most. And those needing a little help can take advantage of the full driving range and short game area on-site before their rounds!

Key features

• Ranked the no. 2 golf course in Wales by Top 100 Golf Courses
• Stunning views of Harlech Castle & Snowdonia
• Full practice facilities (driving range, short game area)

Travel tip: Stay at the on-site Dormy Lodge for a stay & play break

Location: Aberdovey | Type: Links | Yardage: 6,777 | Par: 71

Situated where the Welsh mountains meet the sea, Aberdovey is a classic out-and-back links course steeped in history. With several updates through the 20th Century by legendary architects, Harry Colt, James Braid, and Herbert Fowler, this course combines natural beauty with strategic brilliance.

Its firm fairways, deep bunkers, and unpredictable sea breezes offer an exhilarating challenge and one of Wales' best golf courses. The world-renowned golf writer, Bernard Darwin is synonymous with Aberdovey, having been the club’s first captain in 1897, and the course now benefits from the addition of the ‘Darwin Tees’, stretching its overall length back to 6,777 yards.

Key features

• Ranked among Wales' top 5 golf courses by Golf Digest
• Steeped in history with legendary design influences such as Harry Colt, James Braid and Herbert Fowler
• Challenging winds & natural dune formations

Travel tip: Pair Aberdovey with Royal St David’s for a great value Welsh golf tour

Location: Llŷn Peninsula | Type: Links | Yardage: 6,200 | Par: 71

Nefyn & District is arguably one of the most scenic golf courses in the world. Located on the dramatic Llŷn Peninsula, the course features stunning views of the Irish Sea from almost every hole.

The standout ‘Point’ holes, which run along a narrow headland, are absolutely stunning. The routing recently changed to create three loops of 9-holes to make the most of the unbelievable scenery here. The course is a true must-play for those visiting the region, with clifftop views that will live long in the memory.

Key features

• Unmatched ocean views with a unique headland layout
• Three 9-hole loops, allowing for variety in play
• A bucket-list course for any golf traveller

Travel tip: Take the time to play all three loops of 9, you won’t regret it.

Location: Conwy | Type: Championship Links | Yardage: 6,910 | Par: 72

Stretched out atop the North Wales coastline, Conwy Golf Club is a championship links that has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Curtis Cup and the European Senior Tour, now known as the Legends Tour. The course offers panoramic views across the Conwy Estuary and Great Orme, with the day’s challenge dictated by the strength and direction of the wind.

The course was greatly affected by the World Wars, with several holes lost and rerouted from the initial 1869 layout and further changed made in the 1980’s to accommodate local infrastructure. However, it’s legacy is one of longevity with Conwy continuing to rank as one of the best courses in Wales.

Key features

• Unmatched ocean views with a unique headland layout
• Three 9-hole loops, allowing for variety in play
• A bucket-list course for any golf traveller

Travel tip: Stay at the Quay Hotel in Deganwy, located just across the River Conwy from the golf course.

Location: Porthmadog | Type: Links/Parkland mix| Yardage: 6,294 | Par: 71

There’s a similar theme of beauty amongst many of our favourite Welsh courses and Porthmadog is no exception. Designed by James Braid, it enjoys enviable views of Snowdonia and the Glaslyn Estuary, throughout its unique layout.

The course itself is a true tale of two halves, with the front nine set atop lush, rolling terrain. The homeward nine transitions into a stunning links layout, with challenging dunes and coastal winds, keeping the golfer on their toes from start to finish.

Key features

• Best of both worlds—parkland & links in one round
• Scenic views of Snowdonia & Glaslyn Estuary
• Playable for all skill levels

Travel tip: Great when packaged with Conwy or Nefyn & District

Location: Llŷn Peninsula | Type: Links/Parkland mix | Yardage: 6,119 | Par: 69

Abersoch Golf Club is another delightful mix of links and parkland golf, set on the picturesque Llŷn Peninsula. Known for its fast greens and tight fairways, the course provides a rewarding test of precision and strategy.

Once again, the coastal views here are nothing short of spectacular, with the opening 12 holes, as well as the closing Par 3 18th all offering an authentic links experience.

Key features

• True links feel on 12 holes with a unique closing par 3
• Scenic seaside setting
• Excellent value compared to other links courses

Travel tip: Fantastic value for money and a great addition to any North Wales golf tour

Location: Llandudno | Type: Links | Yardage: 6,305 | Par: 71

North Wales Golf Club is a classic seaside links course located in Llandudno, offering spectacular views of Anglesey and the Conwy Estuary. Established in 1894, it provides an authentic links experience with firm fairways, deep bunkers, and unpredictable winds.

The course is more forgiving than some of the championship links nearby, making it an excellent choice for mid-handicap golfers who want a traditional links challenge without excessive difficulty.

Key features

• Authentic links experience without extreme difficulty
• Incredible sea views over Anglesey & Conwy Estuary
• Affordable and welcoming for visitors

Travel tip: Pair with Maesdu Golf Course for a budget-friendly golf trip

Location: Llandudno | Type: Links/Parkland links| Yardage: 6,350 | Par: 72

Formally known as the Llandudno Golf Club, Maesdu overlooks the town that boasts its original name, and is the perfect addition to any itinerary in the region. Situated close to the aforementioned Conwy, it can create the ideal foil to its neighbour, offering a slightly more scoreable, but no less enjoyable round of golf. A base in the town of Llandudno would be ideal for ticking off these two great layouts that both possess excellent conditioning throughout the year.

Key features

• Mix of links and parkland for variety
• More forgiving layout—good for casual golfers
• Perfect pairing with North Wales Golf Club & Conwy

Location: Prestatyn | Type: Links | Yardage: 6,825 | Par: 72

As another one of the excellent links courses in North Wales, Prestatyn is a perennial favourite amongst golfers heading to this part of the UK. The layout is situated on natural sand dunes, offering firm fairways, fast greens, and (like others on this list) the ever-present challenge of coastal winds.

To support its Championship credentials, the club hosted the Welsh Amateur Championship in 2019 and continues to be enjoyed by all of our golfers that make the journey westward to Presatytn.

Key features

• Championship links experience at an affordable price
• Host of the Welsh Amateur Championship
• Fast greens, firm fairways & consistent wind challenges

With its mix of championship links, scenic parkland courses, and hidden gems, North Wales is a golf destination worth exploring. Plus, it provides great value in comparison to some of the historic courses in the northwest of England.

• Best seasons to play: Summer months (May to September) offer optimal weather, though links courses can be enjoyed year-round.
• Booking and access: while the golf courses in North Wales are less busy and more accessible than venues in northwest England, we’d still recommend booking as far in advance as possible.
• Recommended accommodation: Nahoran Arms Hotel (Nefyn), Royal Sportsman Hotel (Snowdonia), Quay Hotel (Deganwy), or Ixora Hotel & Spa (Snowdonia)

North Wales is a must-visit for golfers looking for a mix of world-class championship courses, affordable links experiences, and spectacular scenery. Whether you're a seasoned golfer seeking a true test or a casual player wanting enjoyable rounds, there’s a course for you and at amazing value!