North Wales – Nefyn quite like it

History

First played as a nine hole course in 1907. Esteemed designers J.H Taylor and James Braid developed the course and its current layout in the 1920s and 30s with the former describing it as “situated on one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen.”

Nefyn doesn’t quite merit the status of ‘traditional links’, the course is set on an undulating hillside above sea level, looking down on a rocky shoreline, crashing waves and swooping gulls. Three variable loops of nine now exist following course changes back in 2014, they have gone on to only further improve this uniquely rugged golfing experience.

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‘The Front’ – Par 35, 3164 yards

The Front offers an early indication of the golfing thrills that lie ahead. You’re soon challenged with an uphill second hole that doglegs around the bay, followed by two par fours that hug the rocky coastline. The short fifth has a tee that places you out on a small rocky outcrop surrounded by the sea, a spectacular setting, it’s probably here that you start to realise what a special place this is, you can fully understand those who describe it as the Welsh Pebble Beach. The Front’s closing holes take you a little more inland, your best birdie opportunities may well reside here.

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‘The Old’ – Par 33, 2508 yards

A totally blind second shot up a high bank to an exposed first green offers a nervy welcome to a stretch of famous golf holes better known as ‘The Point’. Two new short holes follow, both with new USGA standard greens as you edge towards the slender part of the peninsula. The signature fourth takes you all the way to what feels like the end of civilisation, and before you traverse your way back there’s a quite superb short fifth from the lighthouse tee in a likely cross wind to the exposed

green situated above the local lifeboat station. The final four take you reluctantly back to the clubhouse, the longest hole is the eighth, an extremely tight sea edge par five, which if it plays into the wind might be something of a very long trek!

Apart from the magnificent views all over, nature lovers will enjoy the resident group of oyster catchers that peck away around ‘The Point’, and there’s always likely to be a seal or two bobbing around the bay somewhere around the lighthouse or lifeboat station.

The Point is probably an unlikely spot to go birdie hunting, but it’s a wonderfully unique experience. Just take plenty of balls and don’t take your game or scorecard too seriously if the elements are unfavourable.

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‘The New’ – Par 36, 3356 yards

The third loop is the longest of all, and takes you further inland with a strong collection of good length par fours, sweeping dog legs and well placed bunkering. With the promise of a spectacular Snowdonia backdrop on a clear day the special nature of your surroundings doesn’t diminish one iota and the final hole offers one final stunning panoramic view of everything around you.

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MG’s Pick   –   4th hole ‘Old’ 405 Yards, Par 4

The ultimate in risk and reward. There’s a very generous fairway on the right for the conservative approach, but as the crow flies there’s a huge carry over the bay that just dares you to be brave. It’s all about how much you feel you can take on for the chance to play a shorter approach to a tight green set between two rocky outcrops under the gaze of the lighthouse. Awesome.

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19th hole

Traditional and very friendly facilities. An ideal society venue with a with a clubhouse lounge which enjoys panoramic views of the course and an adjoining restaurant and bar.