Aberdovey

Aberdovey Golf Club is situated on the very western tip of Wales, sitting at the mouth of the Dovey Estuary and within the Snowdonia National Park.

 

It is a proper out-and-back links course that occupies a thin strip of land between the A493 and Aberdyfi Beach.

The course measures at more than 6,700 yards from the tips and has played host to a number of amateur championships during its history.

 

 

Visit Aberdovey's website here.
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Aberdovey Golf Club was founded in 1892 and comprises an out-and-back loop along the coastline.

James Braid was the man to design the original course at Aberdovey, with new tees being added to lengthen the golf course, in the aim of bringing more prestigious tournaments to the club. Harry Colt and Herbert Fowler have also had a hand in alterations over the years.

The course has been a proud host of the Welsh Amateur Championship on several occasions over the years. 
 

Like many links courses created around the turn of the 20th Century, Aberdovey is very much an out and back loop, and is affected distinctly by the elements. Aberdovey is a well established championship venue. It plays as a par 71, measuring in at 6,777 yards from the tips. The front nine is considerably shorter than the back nine, so it is a course where you need to get your score on the way out!
 

The opening hole looks simple, with no bunkers, but playing into the prevailing wind and slightly uphill on your approach to the green. A par is a good result to kick off at Aberdovey. The 2nd is a short par 4 at just 330 yards, and driveable for the longer hitters. For thse not going for the green, staying short of the two fairway traps on the right side is the key. The 3rd is the opening par 3 at Aberdovey, and at 165 yards, it seems straightforward. The green is in a small basin, and there are no bunkers, but it isn't easy.
 

Avoiding bunkers is the key on the 425-yard par 4 4th hole, before you come to another par 3 at the 5th. It is the longest of the four, measuring 200 yards from the back tees and requires an accurate shot into the green from that distance. The railway line runs down the right side of the 6th, meaning there is OOB all down that side. 7 sees the first par 5 on the property, and at 512 yards, it is reachable for the longer hitters in two. 

 

The front nine finishes with a short par 4 and a short par 3, both possible birdie opportunities. The 8th is only 330 yards, with the 9th being less than 160 yards. Three bunkers sit in front of the putting surface on the latter, so make sure your approach covers those. The back nine at Aberdovey starts tough, with the Stroke Index 2. Two par 4s pushing 450 yards get you into the closing side, and getting through th pair of them unscathed will see you doing better than most! 

 

The shortest hole on the course, the 12th, comes next, and it is the last par 3 on the card. It is also the signature hole on the property, with the Irish Sea just metres to the right of the putting surface. 13 is the hardest hole on the course, and the longest at almost 570 yards from the tips. With a burn running down the left side, and bunkers dotted down the hole, it is another hole where par is a good score.

 

The closing stretch features a trio of long par 4s, along with a couple of birdie chances. The scoring opportunities come at 15 and 16, with the former being a par 5 of less than 500 yards. The 16th is a 285-yard par 4, drivable for some. 14, 17 and 18 are all more than 425 yards from the tips, with the closing hole pushing towards 500 yards. It is one of the finest closing holes in the country, and has ruined many a good scorecard throughout its history. 

 

Where is Aberdovey Golf Club located?
Aberdovey Golf Club is situated on the western coast of Wales, with the course occupying a thin sliver of land around the bay. The boundaries of the course are the A493 inland, and Aberdyfi Beach, on the coast. The town of Aberystwyth is 30 miles to the south of Aberdovey.
 

Aberdovey Station sits right at the entrance to the golf club. Services run through Aberdovey between Birmingham International and Pwllheli. International visitors could land in Cardiff Airport, the biggest airport in Wales. However, both Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool John Lennon Airports also provide plenty of international flights. All three are within three hours of Aberdovey.

 

Are there any other NCG Top 100s: Wales venues nearby?
Aberdovey is one of several great golf courses on the west coast of Wales. Welshpool, which sits further inland, along with Borth & Ynyslas and Aberystwyth to the south, are all within 30 miles of Aberdovey. Royal St David's is within 40 miles to the north.

What golf facilities does Aberdovey Golf Club offer?  
There is not a full-length driving range at Aberdovey, but the club does have a space for working on irons - to the left of the opening hole. There is a fantastic short game area, with multiple greens and chipping areas, along with a large putting green by the clubhouse.
  

What are the green fees at Aberdovey Golf Club?
The price of a green fee at Aberdovey Golf Club changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend. 

 

For more information on current green fees at Aberdovey, visit their website here. 

 

 

You can also play at Aberdovey as part of our West Wales Swing.
 

Visit Aberdovey's website here.
Go back to the NCG Top 100s Homepage.