The Vale Resort is a perfect golf break venue in Wales

While golfers flock to Scotland and Ireland to tick off historic and picturesque courses on their bucket lists, Wales can be overlooked. 

Wales may not boast the sheer number of courses as those other nations, but it certainly does offer some tremendous layouts amidst stunning natural landscape.

The Vale Resort in Glamorgan is just that, with two championship pedigree courses, nestled in 600 acres of beautiful countryside.

It is a relatively modern venue developed in 1992 by the Leeke family, who purchased the former Hensol Golf Club, and converted the small nine-hole course into a full leisure and hospitality complex.

The Lake Course is the crowning glory of the Vale Resort and the first major milestone in the resort’s development, following its completion in 1994.

It has garnered the attention of amateur and professional golfers, with the likes of Ian Woosnam, Bernard Gallacher and Welsh footballing legend Gareth Bale taking on the course.

In the late 90s expansion into a full resort complex was completed, with the opening of a large spa and health club and a 143-room hotel, before the second course, the Wales National Course, was opened in 2003.

Here is what the resort has to offer today, and why it is worth a visit.

The Lake Course

Designed by Peter Johnson, this 18-hole parkland course is named after a large 20-acre lake which comes into play on 12 of its holes.

Measuring at 6,436 yards from the back tees, this par-72 is playable for golfers of varying levels, but come prepared with a few extra balls unless you don’t wish to tempt fate.

With tree-lined fairways and water at every turn, this is certainly a course demanding accuracy over raw strength, forcing careful club selection and sensible course management.

It opens rather unusually with a par 3, requiring precision off the tee, and with the hotel in striking distance, shouting fore is a responsibility rather than a courtesy.

Another testing par 3 at the third requires careful club selection, with the green sloping towards the water hazard, before the fourth hole, the hardest on the course, a 440-yard par-4 with a narrow tree-lined fairway demands a long iron into a green protected by bunkers.

The crowning jewel and signature hole at the Lake Course is the island green on the 12th which, maybe because of Augusta, just feels right. Every golfer has watched the 17th hole at the Players Championship and envisioned themselves hitting the centre of the green, and now is your chance to take on an island green. In comparison to Sawgrass there are quite a few things working in your favour; being a par 4 you are hitting an approach to the green rather than a tee shot, and the run off area is much more generous. However, the feeling of satisfaction is there, and if you don’t nail the first approach, try again until you hit the shot your mind plays on repeat while completing mundane day-to-day tasks.

Other notable holes on the back-nine include a monstrous 608-yard par 5 14th, and a driveable 270-yard par 4 on the 17th, with water potentially punishing those brave enough to take it on.

Wales National Course

Despite being developed on the same land, the Wales National Course is a very different challenge to the Lake Course. 

Measuring at a whopping 7,433 yards, it is one of the longest courses in the UK. Although the length makes it a physically demanding course it is still very much playable for the average golfer.

The Vale of Glamorgan is referred to as 'the garden of Cardiff' due to the scenic rural landscape, and the Wales National course sits amongst this setting. Mature woodlands frame the fairways with large ponds dotted around the course adding to its parkland character. 

The course was officially opened by British Olympic legend Steve Redgrave, and making it through the opening holes unscathed is an achievement worthy of a medal. 

Setting the tone for the round, the first three holes start with a 485 par 4 dogleg, where a strong drive is required to reach the bend, followed up by an imposing 607-yard par 5, with water alongside the green making it a near guaranteed three-shot hole for even the biggest hitters. And fittingly the third hole is a 247-yard par 3, so sticking the green is certainly worth a brag.

Get through these holes unblemished and you will be rewarded with more scoreable holes, including a short par 4 on the 6th and a risk-reward 486-yard par 5 on the 7th. 

The back nine starts with another long par 5, followed up by the easiest hole on the course, a short 346-yard par 4, and the shortest par 3, which at 177 yards, if anything, is more on the lengthy side.

Closing out the round is a similar task to the opening, with two long par-4s at 16 and 17, followed by a more attackable 404-yard par 4 into a guarded green.

Accommodation

Set within the rolling Welsh countryside, the four-star Vale Resort has become one of the UK’s most sought-after destinations for a golf escape.

The 143-room hotel is thoughtfully designed to make the most of the spectacular surroundings, with sweeping views across the countryside or manicured golf courses. Guests can expect stylish interiors, comfortable furnishings, and modern en-suite bathrooms that create a welcoming retreat after a day on the fairways.

Restaurants & Bars

The resort offers a variety of dining experiences to suit every taste. From the refined dishes served at the AA-rosette awarded Vale Grill, to comforting home-cooked favourites in the clubhouse.

When travelling for a golf break, a strong 19th hole is just as important as your exploits on the course itself. Situated in the clubhouse, La Cucina is the dedicated golf restaurant at the Vale Resort, offering hearty meals, a wide selection of drinks, and live sport, to unwind and chew over the best and worst parts of your round. There is no guarantee you will play well but eating well is a sure thing.

For evening dining, the Vale Grill offers exquisitely presented dishes using locally sourced produce and traditional Welsh influences, and giving it a modern twist. 

Afternoon tea is also served on the grounds of Hensol Castle, with the choice of going traditional or enjoying the Welsh Gin brewed in the castle itself.

Spa & Leisure

Golf can be strenuous, especially after taking on 600+ yard par 5s. The Vale Resort has you covered and is home to the largest spa in Wales, an award-winning sanctuary recognised by the World Spa Awards.

The spa features 19 luxurious therapy rooms, each offering a wide selection of indulgent treatments that allow guests to unwind and recharge in a tranquil setting. 

Other Activities

Visiting Hensol Castle is a must, even just to admire the gothic style architecture. Visitors can also take a gin distillery tour, try cocktail masterclasses or enjoy afternoon tea.

If you still have energy in the tank after long rounds of golf, then there are a number of scenic walks nearby. The Valeways Millennium Heritage Trail meanders through the Vale of Glamorgan through pastures and alongside the coastline, passing towns such as Cowbridge and Barry, a convenient stopping point for any Gavin and Stacey fans. The entire circular trail is 111km so you would be better off driving to a nearby town and walking a smaller portion of the route.

For anyone fancying a trip to the seaside, Whitmore Bay, on Barry Island, is 30 minutes south by car, and less busy spots at Ogmore-by-sea or Dunraven Bay are a similar distance west.

With its stunning, high-quality golf courses set amidst beautifully landscaped grounds and a wealth of leisure facilities throughout the property, the Vale Resort deserves a high spot on your list when planning your next golf getaway.