Southerndown Golf Club

Southerndown Golf Club is one of Wales’ most prominent clubs and should be included in any golf trip to this region of the UK. Sitting in an elevated position above the Ogmore Valley near Bridgend in South Wales it is a place that is hard to characterize due to the mix of turf and terrain conditions that are found here.

Initially designed in 1905 by a Willie Fernie, other iconic architects such as Herbert Fowler, Willie Park, Harry Colt and Donald Steel have all played a hand in creating Southerndown as its known today. The course has been used as a qualifying venue for the 2017 Seniors Open Championship and has also held some significant amateur events over the years.

Visiting golfers can also experience the traditional clubhouse which in summer has an outside patio that overlooks the 18th green providing great views down the Bristol Channel and Ogmore Estuary.

Southerndown Golf Course overview

One of the most unique courses in Wales, Southerndown Golf Club offers golfers hybrid conditions where nature has created an unusual ‘limestone-heath’ on which it is located. The huge limestone outcrop, which rises over 70 metres above sea-level gives excellent views out to the Bristol Channel and surrounding area and accounts for the course’s superb drainage; giving home to heathland vegetation such as heather, bracken and gorse.

Over the centuries, westerly winds have deposited sand onto the plateau to give the first 8-holes a definite links feel. At just over 6400-yards from the back tees, the par-70 is not the longest but gives an enjoyable and wonderfully natural challenge, with not a single tree or artificial water hazard to be seen.

Signature Holes

The par-4 18th measures 416 yards off the tips and is widely regarded as the signature hole. A straight drive is crucial onto the split level fairway that has trouble on both sides, and will set you up nicely for the approach into a relatively flat green in front of the clubhouse that is guarded by bunkers front left and right. Great way to finish!