Build a golf tour: North Devon & South Wales

A multi-destination golf tour is a fantastic way of taking in multiple courses on your break, whilst keeping it affordable for the group

We love the double offering of North Devon and South Wales, as it really does cater for everyone. There’s some of the UK’s liveliest nightlife spots, as well as some of its most picturesque coastlines and beaches. Check out the brilliant courses you can tick off on this trip below and where to stay when you’re doing it!

Golf Courses:

Saunton East

One of the best links courses in England, the East Course at Saunton Golf Club has been called “East the Beast”, an ode to its challenging layout which is often made even more difficult by strong coastal winds!

The course has hosted some of the biggest national Amateur events, as well as numerous professional tournaments, and can be stretched back to almost 7,000 yards from the back tees – somewhere we’d advise steering well clear of if you’re intending to enjoy your time here!

The two par 5’s can both be reachable in two strokes by longer players, although with the first of the pair coming on the 2nd, and the next and final one not reached until the 15th, it can feel like scoring opportunities are few and far between.

One of the top dozen courses in England, the East Course is a must-play on any trip to the area.

Saunton West

Not to be outdone, the West Course at Saunton is the perfect accompaniment to the East, and joins its bigger brother in England’s Top 50 courses. The West is a touch shorter, with narrower corridors, smaller greens, and slightly more change in elevation; placing an emphasis on precision over power.

The two courses at Saunton have fantastic practice facilities, and an idyllic clubhouse which looks out over the links – a simply wonderful place to enjoy a post round drink.

Whilst this might be the strongest 36-hole links venue in England, we’d recommend also considering playing the courses over separate days to fully take in the majesty of both.

Royal North Devon

Royal North Devon is the oldest course in England, having been founded in 1864. Sometimes referred to as Westward Ho!, this old school links is jam-packed with charm, and massively enjoyable for golfers of every ability.

Offering a fantastic lunch, and a clubhouse bursting with memorabilia from the past 150 years, it will put a touch of class in every itinerary that it’s added to.

Hotels & accommodation:

It’s fair to say that Swansea is the place to base yourself for a trip to South Wales. If you’ve had a quieter time down in North Devon and are looking to explore the nightlife around Swansea City Centre, the Dragon Hotel is perfectly located.

A recent refurbishment makes it a wonderful base, as does its location on the marina – within easy walking distance of the many bars and restaurants on offer!

Groups that are looking for a hotel with slightly easier access to the region’s courses and motorways generally head to the Mercure Swansea. This can be an excellent choice in particular for those that are dining at the golf course after their rounds, allowing you to simply head back to the hotel (and hotel bar) to relax!

Golf courses:

Royal Porthcawl

One of the most testing courses in the British Isles, Royal Porthcawl really is a stern test of golf. Having hosted both the Walker Cup, and Senior Open – as well as a myriad of elite Amateur events, the links layout has seen some of the best golfers that have ever lived traverse it's magnificent turf.

There are stunning sea-views, and undulating greens and fairways which allow for a huge amount of imagination. We’d recommend taking on Royal Porthcawl after a decent night’s sleep (rather than a night on the town!), ready to meet the myriad of challenges it’ll present for you.

Machynys Peninsula

A Jack Nicklaus-gem, designed in an American links-style, but against the stunning Southern Welsh backdrop. Whilst the course has been open for less than 20 years, it’s already made an impact on the golfing landscape, hosting several R&A events as well as a Ladies European Tour tournament.

Machynys Peninsula presents great value, and is definitely one we’d recommend adding to an itinerary; being a truly memorable 18-holes, without breaking the bank!

Ashburnham Golf Club

Just a short drive from both Swansea and Llanelli, Ashburnham is also ranked as one of Wales’s best golf courses, with the layout continuing to be discovered by those heading across from England.

Originally designed by JH Taylor, Harry Vardon called this his ‘favourite Welsh Course’, and it’s not tough to see why. Greens are nestled between dunes, with fabulous scenery throughout the round. There are more trees here than on a traditional links course, although these are often set further back from the fairways, framing, rather than interrupting the holes.

Pennard Golf Club

Known as ‘The links in the Sky’, Pennard Golf Club is another that has been around for more than a century and continues to wow golfers to this day.

Its clifftop location provides stunning views across the water, and has plenty of pedigree, having hosted both the Mens and Ladies Welsh Amateur Championship. The course is easily accessible from Swansea, and really is somewhere that needs to be seen to be believed! A very special place.

Fairwood Park

Our final destination in the region might not have the name-recognition of many of its neighbours but is still a fantastic addition to any trip. Fairwood Park is the closest course to Swansea itself, making this the ideal addition, particularly for those after an early-morning tee time.

As the name suggests, Fairwood Park is a tree-lined layout, and offers great value for money. It’s enjoyable for all standards of golfer and may offer a welcome in-land respite after several days out on the links!