23 Golf Courses You Have to Play in Wales in 2023

By: Golfshake Editor | Thu 04 May 2023

From championship links courses to immaculate parkland resorts, golf in Wales is pretty spectacular, varied, and probably underrated by many aficionados of the game.

However, for those who know, the magic is obvious and we are delighted to share just some of those jewels, courtesy of the ratings submitted by the Golfshake Community last year in the always busy Course Section.

From that data, we can see which venues most impressed everyday golfers and recommend them to you now.

So, if you're looking for new places to experience this season and beyond, then we are thrilled to present 23 Golf Courses You Have to Play in Wales in 2023!

Monmouthshire Golf Club

Location: Gwent

Golfshake Rating: 4.04

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.83

Review Comment: "A challenging course with narrow tee shots in places. Every club in the bag was utilised. Good, fast greens and the scenery is incredible. Friendly staff and members - I shall return."

Rhuddlan Golf Club

Location: Clwyd

Golfshake Rating: 4.44

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.80

Review Comment: "Great course this. Really good condition. Nice layout - stunning views wherever you look. Breakfast in the clubhouse was great - and reasonably priced. Will definitely be back."

Bull Bay Golf Club

Location: Anglesey

Golfshake Rating: 4.29

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.75

Review Comment: "Great golf course, very challenging with some tricky greens. Looking forward to playing it again. Worth every penny."

Nefyn & District Golf Club

Location: Gwynedd

Golfshake Rating: 4.63

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.62

Review Comment: "I had the pleasure of playing at this golf course and it was nothing short of amazing. The views were spectacular and the course was in great condition. The variety of holes was great and the greens were fast. The staff were friendly and helpful and the pro shop was well stocked. The location was beautiful and the overall atmosphere was very friendly."

Cradoc Golf Club

Location: Powys

Golfshake Rating: 4.60

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.62

Review Comment: "Excellent and friendly club, course in great condition with tricky but true greens. Well worth a visit."

Henllys Hall Golf Club

Location: Anglesey

Golfshake Rating: 4.45

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.62

Review Comment: "Really enjoyed this course, quite flat with some interesting holes. Will definitely play again and would recommend."

Earlswood Golf Club

Location: West Glamorgan

Golfshake Rating: 4.05

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.62

Review Comment: "First trip to Earlswood yesterday and tremendously impressed by the excellent state of the greens and the tricky layout of the fairways, particularly on the back 9. Pity that the weather was poor, but even so, the views were fabulous. Can't wait to play again!"

The Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club

Location: Gwent

Golfshake Rating: 4.75

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.50

Review Comment: "The course is beautiful, well-kept, and provides stunning views. The staff are friendly and accommodating, and the overall value is great. This course provides a good challenge for players of all skill levels."

St Idloes Golf Club

Location: Powys

Golfshake Rating: 4.46

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.50

Review Comment: "I played here for the second time this year and the course is still in superb condition, one of the best I have played this year. It's only nine holes but you need the second nine to work out which clubs to use on the elevated greens and to get the speed of them. I will be back, the locals were really friendly as well. It's about the only course in Mid Wales with a driving range."

Cottrell Park Resort

Location: South Glamorgan

Golfshake Rating: 4.45

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.50

Review Comment: "Cottrell Park is in superb condition. Greens are immaculate, most tee boxes are green and short and fairways are nicely cut. Bunkers have plenty of sand and rough is mostly fair. The Mackintosh Course is a fair challenge for all golfers and I really enjoy my rounds on it."

Machynys Peninsula Golf Club

Location: Carmarthenshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.37

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.33

Review Comment: "Course was immaculate, the fairway was like walking on a plush carpet. Greens were exceptional too. Long course and some really tough par 4s (distance/hazard) but some absolute crackers too. Thoroughly enjoyed the challenge."

Royal Porthcawl Golf Club

Location: Mid Glamorgan

Golfshake Rating: 4.95

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.30

Review Comment: "The location and condition of this course are outstanding. The sea views are superb, the fairways and bunkers are awesome. It's a true links course and very welcoming."

Marriott St Pierre Hotel & Country Club

Location: South Glamorgan

Golfshake Rating: 4.06

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.30

Review Comment: "The layout is fantastic. It's a great test of golf, and it's in really good condition. The length and variety of the holes is really impressive, and it's reputation is well deserved. It's playable in all conditions, which is great."

Coed-y-Mwstwr Golf Club

Location: Mid Glamorgan

Golfshake Rating: 4.22

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.25

Review Comment: "A nice course. A little tricky to navigate on first go, but people on the course very helpful! Some tricky holes and nice doglegs along the way!"

Royal St David's Golf Club

Location: Gwynedd

Golfshake Rating: 4.87

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.22

Review Comment: "I can honestly say it was a great experience to play Royal St. David's. The bunkers, views, course layout and maintenance were all superb. The course was in excellent condition and provided a great test of golf with its long par 4s. The greens were of a high quality and the setting was very interesting. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking for a challenge."

Aberdovey Golf Club

Location: Gwynedd

Golfshake Rating: 4.91

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.20

Review Comment: "A very welcoming and friendly golf club. A wonderful golf course out of the top drawer. Accommodation, food and service all simply wonderful."

The Vale Resort

Location: Mid Glamorgan

Golfshake Rating: 4.17

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.20

Review Comment: "The whole setup is fantastic, great courses, great food and accommodation, friendly and helpful staff."

Prestatyn Golf Club

Location: Clwyd

Golfshake Rating: 4.52

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.17

Review Comment: "Love it here. Greens in great condition and course played well. Front nine is totally different to back nine where nothing is forgiven."

Pennard Golf Club

Location: West Glamorgan

Golfshake Rating: 4.86

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.00

Review Comment: ""Amazing scenery and views and the course is in great condition, but due to the setting, proper links course, it's not manicured fairways but greens were fast and true. All in all a must visit course.""

North Wales Golf Club

Location: Clwyd

Golfshake Rating: 4.40

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.00

Review Comment: "Great views, brilliant back 9, makes you think about club selection."

Cardigan Golf Club

Location: Ceredigion

Golfshake Rating: 4.36

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.00

Review Comment: "I have a holiday membership here and absolutely love this course. It slopes, undulates and the wind affects your drives. It is a thinking course with the most spectacular views over the sea and mouth of the Teifi. Highly recommended."

Mold Golf Club

Location: Clwyd

Golfshake Rating: 4.20

2022 Golfshake Review Rating: 4.00

Review Comment: "A very challenging course with a number of blind or obscure holes. Very hilly, but walkable. You don't really need a buggy. Greens are very tight, which just adds to the overall challenge. Nice clubhouse but menu a bit limited. Overall, a great day out, particularly if you get the weather. We'll certainly be visiting again."