Pennard Golf Club

The Links in the sky is an apt name for Pennard. It is a true links course, but since it is 60 metres above sea level, it offers great views over Three Cliffs Bay. For good measure it also encompasses the ruins of Pennard castle. These views are not solely for golfers though – there is a much frequented foodpath through the course, and you may also encounter cattle roaming the fairway. It is a magnificent, challenging course. The routing follows the natural contours of the clifftop, with rolling fairways, blind shots and elevation changes. You have to aim your ball precisely and even then it may take an unexpected bounce. A strokesaver is recommended. Some fairways are not obvious from the teebox – hole 4 has to be shot over the green of 3, and some other fairways are not in plain sight (e.g. 10). The scenery builds up as you are approaching the bay. Everything about the this golfclub feels that it is being run very professionally: a nice clubhouse, very friendly and professional caddymaster, good kitchen, etcetera. Pennard takes the experience of playing a links golf course to another level.

Pennard Golf Club (measuring around 6,000 yards and playing to a par of 71 from the yellow tees) is situated on the beautiful Gower Peninsula in South Wales and is considered by many to be one of the best links courses in Great Britain. Founded in 1896, it is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year—incredible!    The approach to the course is an experience in itself, and the nickname "The Links in the Sky" truly lives up to its promise. As I finally pulled into the large car park and caught my first glimpse of the course and Three Cliffs Bay, it was clear: this was not going to be an ordinary round of golf.    The clubhouse is modern—offering charm rather than ostentatious luxury—and features a terrace where you’d happily sit down even before your round begins. I received a very warm welcome in the pro shop, and after a brief chat, I headed straight to the first tee—right in full view of the visitors on the terrace.    It is right there that you realize Pennard possesses a unique character all its own. While the course initially appears open and inviting, you quickly discover that length isn't the deciding factor here. The wind, the terrain, and the natural contours demand far more than just a long drive.    Despite a prolonged dry spell, the course was in excellent condition. The fairways and tee boxes were in good shape, and the greens were fast and ran true. Kudos to the greenkeeping team—maintaining such a natural-looking course in this condition is certainly no easy task.    Right from the opening holes, you notice how harmoniously the course blends into the landscape. Nothing here was artificially created; instead, the terrain was utilised exactly as nature intended. Dunes, heathland, gorse, and natural undulations define the scenery. Add to that the fantastic coastal views—more than once, I found myself pausing just to take in the panorama.   As the round progresses, the course develops an incredible flow. Almost every hole demands a different strategy. Sometimes a long drive doesn't help at all because the undulations in the fairway send the ball bouncing off in unpredictable directions, while at other times, playing a bit shorter opens up an ideal line. Blind shots are simply part of the experience here. Normally, I’m not a huge fan of them, but at Pennard, they fit the course's character perfectly and are surprisingly fun.    In terms of gameplay, Pennard demands adaptability above all else. The wind often dictates club selection; quite frequently, you’re better off reaching for an iron or hybrid, even when the driver looks tempting. Those who try to overpower the course are quickly punished. Those who play *with* it, however, experience exactly what makes links golf so special.    I would choose the 16th as the signature hole. For me, the tee shot offers one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever encountered on a golf course. The panorama overlooking Three Cliffs Bay is simply spectacular. At the same time, you can’t let yourself get too distracted; despite its beauty, the shot demands total concentration if you want to conquer this truly challenging par 5.    Overall, Pennard is one of the most fascinating links courses I’ve had the pleasure of playing. The spectacular scenery, natural routing, and constantly changing challenges ensure that every round is different. Anyone wanting to experience links golf as it was originally intended should definitely put this course on their bucket list.    Type: Links  Difficulty: Challenging  Rewarding aspects: Creativity, ball control, and good course management Blind shots: Several—they are simply part of the experience here  Hazards: Wind, dunes, heath, gorse, natural undulations, and contoured greens  Tip: Don't try to fight the course. Instead, accept the wind, reach for an iron more often, and let the natural contours work in your favour.

Day 3, course 4 of my Wales golf experience. The course called The links in the Sky. When we arrived parking lot was quite full and course pretty busy. Since we already warmed up, we skip the training facilities, however all is next to clubhouse. I liked the clubhouse very much, there were place for golfers and also nice restaurant seating area. The best part there is terrace, where from you can overlook big part of the course. Must say that as many other courses through this one os also few public pathways so be careful to avoid hitting when they walk through, pity is that many of them are tourists who has no clue about how to behave on gold course. Lets advance the ball. Opening hole is not hard par , where its still easy to navigate to green since the green is visible. No need to say that we had course dry to death so I suggest to play irons and links style golf to avoid troubles. Slowly approaching 2nd hole very beautiful par 3 I would say one of the nicest. Greens here are protected from cows with wire so be careful of electric shocks :). Next hole is already becoming challenge, not being where is the green you slowly adjusting to links game, hoard to navigate when everything is brown and greens protected with deep bunkers and grassy hills. Course is slowly leading you to 1st tourist attraction next to it. Its castle ruins which are also pictured in course logo. Front nine ends close to clubhouse which is not very common on links golf. Back nine starts with quite interesting par 5. By the way we lost one member of our foursome, our friend got overheated from sun and decided to leave us after 9th. Back nine is more challenging from my perspective and give more interesting shots. Course is slowly bringing us to most picturesque part of the area. Holes next to cliff with overlook of nice beach area and sea.Hole 16th and 17th tee box will give you beautiful view and during the sunset it was beautiful. Obviously 16th is the signature hole but I would say there is many nice holes which can substitute if you do not enjoy this one. Anyway I enjoyed the course , each hole is different, its not easy, its a pity that we did not reach it when the fairways would be bit greener, however we still enjoy it and I suggest to visit. Must also mention that we grab lunch in the bar area and it was very tasty and the whole atmosphere were really nice. Thank you for great hospitality, for sure will come back one day.

Prachtige baan, mooie uitzichten over de baai, leuke layout en met een beetje wind zeker pittig Geen goedkope greenfee, maar de moeite waard

Pennard is one of those places that just makes you smile, no matter how you play. Known as the “links in the sky”, it offers sweeping coastal views, rumpled fairways and holes packed with character and quirks. The greens and surrounds were in superb shape, rolling true and quick, their vivid green a striking contrast against the brown, burnt to a crisp fairways. In truth, the fairways looked pretty rough after this summer’s drought, but that is part of links golf’s charm for me. Hopefully for Pennard’s sake, they bounce back over autumn and winter. Our group of 12 did not mind in the slightest, the random bounces only added to the fun. I played appallingly, finished dead last and still loved every minute. Highly recommended if you enjoy your golf with a healthy dose of charm, variety and unpredictability.