Ogmore by Sea,
Bridgend, Glamorganshire CF32 0QP
Office
+44 (0)1656 880 476Pro shop
+44 (0)1656 880 326Fax
+44 (0)1656 880 371Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
John Peters (Head Professional)The Course:
18 holes. Heathland & links-style. Undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Downland and heathland.
Designer:
Original layout by Willie Fernie (1905). Later modifications by Herbert Fowler (1908), Willie Park Jr (1913) and Harry Colt (1920).
51.478082
-3.608579
20 miles W of Cardiff
Leave M4 at exit 35 and follow the A473, direction Bridgend. After 3.7 miles take second exit at roundabout and follow A48 direction Port Talbot. After 1 mile (at traffic lights after railway bridge) turn left onto the B4265 direction Ogmore by Sea. After 1 mile turn right onto the B4524 direction Ogmore / Southerdown Golf. After 1.4 miles turn left at the Pelican pub, and follow steep hill up to golf.
Southerndown Golf Club: this "downland" course, with all the character of a seaside links, is set 200 feet above and one mile back from the sea. Loftily located on a chalky hill, Southerndown provides a challenging test in a very natural and authentic golfing environment.
A straight game will serve you well here, certainly better than hitting long but offline. Sheep keep the rough nicely trimmed here, but wayward shots that miss the tightish fairways will be gobbled up by good quality revetted bunkering, or worse still, by thick gorse bushes and ferns that line many fairways.
The constantly undulating chalky terrain can soak up any amount of rainwater, allowing play to continue whatever the weather. From most parts of the course you'll get the chance to marvel at some wonderful views, which at various times include the Atlantic Ocean, a stunning set of sand dunes between you and Porthcawl, the River Ogmore, Bridgend and green hills and valleys stretching out as far as the eye can see.
Although at times the course may strike you as a tad rustic, the excellent golfing test this layout offers combined with the marvellous scenery, makes this an essential part of getting to know golf in South Wales.
Pick of the holes: the long and demanding par-3 7th plays downhill to the green, with the wind making a big difference to your club selection. The green slopes from back to front and is well guarded by pot bunkers at the front and right.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance. Handicap required.
Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Players generally walk this course. Golf carts available for hire. Caddies available (if pre-booked).
Good
Southerndown has previously hosted European Tour professional tournaments such as the Piccadilly Masters and Martini International. More recently it hosted the Welsh Amateur championship, but is perhaps best known for staging the Duncan Putter tournament, a prestigious event won in the past by golfers such as Bradley Dredge, Philip Price, Paul Way, Peter McEvoy and Gary Wolstenholme.
Wales' 6th best course (Golf World, 2023).
Britain & Ireland's 123rd best course (Golf World, 2024).
Coychurch, Bridgend, Glamorganshire CF35 6AF
+44 (0)1656 860 621
Visit websitePerched on a Welsh hillside and surrounded by woodland, this Victorian mansion provides a cosy and secluded hideaway overlooking the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan. The name Coed-y-Mwstwr translates as "Whispering Trees".
No
Southerndown
Royal Porthcawl; Pyle & Kenfig; Vale Hotel (The Lake course and Wales National)
Hensol Park, Hensol, nr. Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan CF72 8JY
+44 (0)1443 667 800
Visit websiteThis excellent resort hotel is home to two championship golf courses, Wales' largest health spa, and very good overall sports facilities.
Lake Course, Wales National Course
No
Royal Porthcawl; Southerndown; Pyle & Kenfig
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