Located directly across the Bristol Channel from Swansea, about an hour and a quarter journey by road, Tenby Golf Club was founded in 1888 and is widely accepted as the birthplace of golf in Wales. A nine-hole course soon became a full eighteen holes by 1907, and the club was quickly attracting members, including the British Prime Minister David Lloyd-George, who had a summer residence in the town, which itself was developing a reputation as a spa town. The island of Caldey, the Bristol Channel, and the beach, frame Tenby Golf Club beautifully, and there is rarely a point on the golf course where one or either is not in sight. The view from the beach tee for the 5th hole is a case in point, perched right on the sand with stunning views across the sea along the Welsh coast for company, a real Kodak moment.
Tenby is a rugged links with unpredictable bounces and runoffs, what a true links golf course should be all about. As well as the natural coastline, additional out of bounds lines are provided by the railway line, and a firing range, and the course has some beautifully positioned bunkering from Braid’s original design. The front nine eases you in if that is the way to describe it, for the real challenge of the back nine. The common factor between the two nines is the rolling undulations in the fairways that create such a unique atmosphere at Tenby. The 10th, “James Braid,” is a prime example of this. A rollercoaster of a fairway, dotted by bunkers, is presented from the tee box, and an accurate drive is essential. As with several greens at Tenby, they tend to fall away from you, and the green on ten is no exception. As with all links courses, the wind is a permanent factor. Usually played downwind, it can be an excellent birdie opportunity, but equally can play as a par five if it is not co-operating.
The signature hole at Tenby is unquestionably the par three 12th hole, played along the coastline. At 193yards from the medal tees, it will require both power and accuracy as well as a large slice of luck to walk off here with a three. Two deep valleys are lying in wait at the green to swallow up anything under hit, and from either, par is difficult to achieve. A superb test, and another hole for the camera! The close at Tenby is a tough one that requires total concentration as the run from the 15th home is likely to require the use of every club in the bag, as well as skill and accurate shot-making. Throw in the fact that you may well experience the odd links bounce, and you are not completely safe until you reach the confines of the clubhouse!
Tenby is also one of the few courses in the British Isles to offer ‘Dormy House’ accommodation, where you can play and stay on-site at the club. Seven en-suite rooms are currently on offer, a great way to maximize your time for golf.
Tenby Golf Club provides a very stern test for handicappers of all levels. Consistently presenting some of the best putting surfaces in Wales, Tenby is undoubtedly worthy of inclusion on any golf vacation itinerary when visiting Wales or England and the Consummate Pro will be happy to bring you there.
