A Guide to Golf in North Wales

North Wales is one of the UK’s most underappreciated gems when it comes to golf. Nestled between rugged mountains, sweeping coastlines, and charming Welsh towns, the region offers a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery and challenging play.

While many tourists flock to South Wales for its better-known courses, true golf aficionados know that the northern region has some of the most beautiful and rewarding greens in the country.

Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a weekend enthusiast, golf in North Wales has the potential to deliver unforgettable experiences. Here are the top 5 golf courses in North Wales you absolutely need to visit during your next time in the region.

1. Royal St David’s Golf Club – Harlech
If there’s a golf course in North Wales that embodies tradition, challenge, and pure golfing majesty, it’s Royal St David’s. Nestled beneath the imposing Harlech Castle and flanked by the dramatic dunes of Cardigan Bay, this championship course is often cited as one of the finest links courses in the UK.

Founded in 1894, Royal St David’s is a true test of strategy and patience. While it may not stretch beyond 7,000 yards like some modern monsters, its tight fairways, penal rough, and ever-present coastal winds demand precision and course management. The back nine, in particular, offers stunning sea views and a series of holes that are as scenic as they are challenging.

2. Conwy Golf Club – Conwy
A classic seaside links with a growing international reputation, Conwy Golf Club is another must-visit if you are playing golf in North Wales. Located at the mouth of the River Conwy, this 18-hole course combines wild coastal beauty with a robust layout that has hosted several prestigious tournaments, including Final Qualifying for The Open.

The illustrious competitions align to the age of the course which dates back to 1890, making it one of the oldest golf courses in Wales, perhaps goes someway towards explaining the rather high green fees that are charged here. Nevertheless, you do get to play on one of the best maintained golf courses in North Wales in exchange for this, with a layout that will present a stern challenge for golfers of all abilities.

When you play at Conwy Golf Club, you can expect undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers and some of the most unpredictable crosswinds in the UK. The layout rewards accuracy over brute strength, and the slick greens add an extra layer of difficulty.

3. Nefyn & District Golf Club – Pwllheli
If you’re after drama, then Nefyn & District delivers it in spades. This is North Wales’ answer to Pebble Beach. Perched on a clifftop peninsula that juts into the Irish Sea, Nefyn offers panoramic ocean views and a layout that will both dazzle and challenge even the most seasoned of golfers.

The course is split into three loops of nine holes, with the most famous being the ‘Old’ course, which includes the cliff-edge holes. These are both spectacular and perilous, with errant shots sometimes ending up in the sea below. The 12th hole, in particular, is legendary, with the fairway hugging a narrow ridge surrounded by sheer drops.

In addition to adding to the challenge of the course, the clifftop position also ensures that Nefyn is one of the most scenic golf courses in North Wales, creating incredible photo opportunities to share on your socials.

4. Silver Birch Golf Club – Abergele
Often overlooked in favor of larger, more prestigious clubs, Silver Birch Golf Club in Abergele is one of North Wales’ best-kept secrets. This charming 18-hole par-3 course is beautifully maintained and ideal for golfers of all skill levels. It offers a relaxed atmosphere without sacrificing quality, making it a favorite for locals and a hidden gem for visitors.

Located just minutes from Tan Rallt and Bryn Defaid Holiday Parks, Silver Birch offers the same stunning countryside views as our resorts amidst the beautiful Clwydian Hills. Pario Leisure enjoys a great relationship with Silver Birch which plays host to our annual golf tournament that is exclusively available to holiday home owners at our resorts.

Despite its par-3 designation, the course is far from a pushover. Each hole is thoughtfully designed, with bunkers, water hazards, and sloping greens that reward shot-making and accuracy.

It’s also one of the best places in the region for beginners, juniors, or anyone looking to work on their short game. The friendly staff, affordability, and excellent facilities—including a well-stocked pro shop and warm clubhouse—round out the experience.

5. Bull Bay Golf Club – Amlwch, Anglesey
Rounding out our list of the best places for golf in Wales is Bull Bay Golf Club, the most northerly golf course in Wales and arguably the island of Anglesey’s finest. Designed by the legendary Herbert Fowler in the early 20th century, Bull Bay is a rugged heathland course with striking views of the Irish Sea and with the Snowdonia mountain range in the distance.

Despite its remote location, Bull Bay is worth the trip. The course sprawls across natural heathland and rocky outcrops, with plenty of elevation changes and uneven lies. Add to that the constant breeze from the coast and you’ve got a serious test of golf in a breathtakingly beautiful setting.

The club is welcoming, the facilities are excellent, and the views alone make the experience an unforgettable one.

Worthy Mention
It may not have made our top 5, but one fantastic course which is located close to Tan Rallt, Bryn Defaid and Marine Holiday Parks is Holywell Golf Club. This is one of the highest golf courses in Wales, situated on the Brynford Common roughly 800 metres above sea level. The invigorating air at this level combined with the unpredictable breeze adds an extra layer to the experience.

All 18 holes offer a different challenge on a course which is interspersed with quarries, water hazards and bunkers. It offers a real challenge to golfers and is beautifully maintained throughout the year, ensuring that it is definitely worthy of consideration if you are looking to enjoy a spot of golf in North Wales.