Wonderous Wales - a private, escorted Welsh golf holiday
An extraordinary journey from South to North
Wales is home to a remarkable collection of golf courses, set among wild coastlines, mountains and landscapes that make the journey between them every bit as memorable as the golf itself.
This private adventure begins among the vineyards and rolling countryside of the Vale of Glamorgan, with three very different courses along the South Wales coast: Royal Porthcawl, Southerndown and Pennard's celebrated “Links in the Sky”.
From Pennard, leave the road behind. While luggage and golf clubs travel separately, a private helicopter carries you north along the wild western coastline, above the Gower Peninsula, Carmarthen Bay, Cardigan Bay and towards the Dyfi Estuary. Along the way, there is the option to land at Ynyshir for lunch at Gareth Ward's two-Michelin-starred restaurant.
The final chapter unfolds in North Wales, with rounds at Aberdovey and Royal St David's beneath the medieval walls of Harlech Castle.
Five distinctive courses, two very different parts of Wales, and a journey that makes travelling between them part of the adventure.
Highlights include
Five rounds of golf, including Royal Porthcawl, Southerndown, Pennard, Aberdovey and Royal St David's
Two contrasting bases in South and North Wales
Private helicopter journey from Pennard or a nearby approved landing site to North Wales
Scenic flight above the Gower Peninsula, Carmarthen Bay, Cardigan Bay and Dyfi Estuary
Optional lunch at two-Michelin-starred Ynyshir
Time to explore beyond the golf, with additional experiences tailored to your interests
Stay and dine
Llanerch - Set among the vines and rolling countryside of the Vale of Glamorgan, Llanerch is part boutique hotel, part working vineyard and part gastronomic retreat. Contemporary accommodation, excellent food and the estate's own wines make it a relaxed base for the South Wales part of the adventure.
Penmaenuchaf - In North Wales, Penmaenuchaf feels more like an intimate Welsh country house than a conventional hotel. Set against the mountains of Eryri, it provides a peaceful base for golf at Aberdovey and Royal St David's, with drinks and dinner waiting at the end of the day.
Ynyshir - Between the Cambrian Mountains and the Dyfi Estuary, Ynyshir is a destination in its own right. Gareth Ward's two-Michelin-starred restaurant combines Welsh ingredients with fire, smoke, precision and bold flavours. Arriving by private helicopter makes for a memorable interlude on the journey north.
Five courses, two very different landscapes
Royal Porthcawl Golf Club - The heavyweight of Welsh golf, Royal Porthcawl is fully exposed to the Bristol Channel. Natural coastal ground, firm turf and fast-changing winds demand imagination and control, with the sea constantly in view.
Southerndown Golf Club - High above the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Southerndown occupies an unusual landscape of limestone, heathland and windblown sand. Springy turf, heather, bracken and gorse give it an individual character, neither conventional links nor traditional heathland.
Pennard Golf Club - Known as the “Links in the Sky”, Pennard tumbles across rugged ground high above Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula. Rumpled fairways, coastal winds and ancient castle ruins create a course that rewards imagination and is never short of character.
Aberdovey Golf Club - Between Cardigan Bay, the Dyfi Estuary and the Cambrian Mountains, Aberdovey offers traditional links golf in an exceptionally peaceful setting. Firm turf, pot bunkers, subtle greens and changing breezes reward creativity and careful thinking.
Royal St David’s Golf Club - Beneath the medieval walls of Harlech Castle, Royal St David's combines a demanding traditional links with an extraordinary setting. Fast-running fairways, natural defences and winds from Cardigan Bay provide a fitting final round.
The journey is part of the adventure
Wales rewards those prepared to venture beyond the obvious. Its great golf courses are separated not simply by distance, but by mountains, estuaries and a winding coastline.
Travelling conventionally between South and North Wales can consume much of a day. By private helicopter, that same geography becomes one of the highlights.
The beaches of the Gower disappear behind you, Cardigan Bay stretches northwards and the Cambrian Mountains rise inland as you follow the coast towards the Dyfi Estuary and, eventually, North Wales.
Golf provides the framework for Wondrous Wales, but much of its character comes from what happens between the first tee and the final green.
Every Bravo Whisky Golf adventure is unique. Wondrous Wales is presented as an example to inspire you, but every element can be tailored to your individual requirements and preferences. To find out more, or to register your interest in creating your own bespoke, fully escorted adventure, please contact us.