Cradoc

Cradoc Golf Club is one of the nicest parkland layouts in the heart of Wales, thanks to the glorious views of the northern hills of the Brecon Beacons. 

Situated just a few miles north of the national park, players are offered these views throughout their round, while having to focus on the task at hand. 

At less than 6,200 yards, Cradoc is certainly not the longest course, but the severe dog-legs and occasional water hazards might play a part in your score...

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Compared to many a venue on the NCG Top 100s: Wales list, Cradoc would be seen as young. However, its history still dates back to the 1960s. 

CK Cotton, who also designed the likes of Ashburnham, Downfield and Cardiff, was the man behind the layout at Cradoc, which opened in 1967. 

Three holes – the 7th, 8th and 9th – were remodelled in recent years, to eliminate a strenuous climb to the top of the hill, making the course a more comfortable walk.

The course at Cradoc offers incredible views, particularly throughout the front nine, while the tree-lined fairways, along with the occasional water hazard and sloping greens, making it a challenge to enjoy and to take on. With four par 3s, and four par 5s, Cradoc plays as a par 72, but with short dog-leg par 4s as part of its portfolio, there are plenty of scoring chances throughout a round as well! 

The layout begins with a tricky par 4, one where accuracy is key from the tee. It plays as a slight dog-leg left, and one where your tee shot is likely to end in the dip of the fairway. From there, it is a semi-blind shot up to the green, which is guarded by two bunkers. The 2nd is the first of the four par 5s, and at only 480 yards from the tips, it provides a good birdie chance, even without your best drive. Those going for it with their second shots need to worry about the ditch that runs across in front of the green. You then come to the shortest hole on the course, the 118-yard par 3 3rd. Played over a pond to a small putting surface, making sure you take enough club is vital. 

4 is a slight dog-leg right, with beautiful views of the Brecon Beacons, before the par 5 5th. Another coring opportunity at less than 500 yards, but only if you avoid the run-offs to the left of the green. 6 plays in the opposite direction and is the Stroke Index 1, as a par 4 of 450 yards. A solid drive is required to even be able to reach with your second and make the green in regulation. A two-tiered green awaits at 7, another short par 3. Make sure you find the right section of the green, otherwise it will be a tricky two-putt. 

From there, you play four consecutive par 4s around the turn. The 8th is drivable for the longer hitters at just 285 yards, but for more, playing a good iron to the right side of the fairway will open up an angle to the narrow putting surface. The 9th is a strong dog-leg right, one of more than 450 yards from the tips. It does play slightly downhill, but that doesn’t make it any easier! The back nine begins with another short par 4, but due to the angle of the hole, driving the green is perhaps not the play. Work out if you’re going to try and clear the ditch or not with your tee shot, before then firing your approach at the flag. The 11th is another hole that moves to the right, and one where the ideal line off the tee is left centre. Anything long of the green with your approach is in trouble.  

12 is another good par 3, this time played over a road to a putting surface that is guarded by two large bunkers at its front. The fairway on 13 gets narrower the further you hit your tee shot, so the safe play may be to take a club or two less to make sure you find the cut grass. Left is the miss on the approach, as anything right may well find itself going OOB. 14 is the hole to attack with the driver. At just 474 yards, playing as a par 5, even if you find yourself in the trees on either side of this fairway, you can still get on in three and have a birdie putt! Find the fairway, and there is an eagle chance to be had... 

The closing stretch at Cradoc starts with the dog-leg left par 4 15th. A drive down the right is perfect to provide you with the best line in to this green. 16 moves in the opposite direction, and with a much sharper turn. Make sure your tee shot gets to the corner of this dog-leg right, or you will be struggling... The last of the par 3s is also the longest, pushing to 210 yards from the tips. Trees surround the back edge, while a pair of bunkers also guard the green. A hole where bogey is not the worst score if you have a good card in your hand. The closing hole at Cradoc is one of the few straight holes on the property. A generous fairway awaits, but anything pushed too far right will be in danger of running OOB. Trees lurk behind the green for any approach that is overhit.

Where is Cradoc Golf Club located?  

Cradoc Golf Club is situated in the heart of Wales, just north of the town of Brecon, where the A40 and A470 cross paths. It is only a few miles north of the Brecon Beacons National Park, while the Welsh-English border is less than 20 miles to the east of the venue. The cities of Swansea and Cardiff are both within 50 miles to the south of Cradoc Golf Club. 

With that, both Swansea Airport and Cardiff Airport are within 50 miles of the venue as well, with the latter being the busiest airport in the country. The airports of Bristol and Birmingham are also within 100 miles as well. The nearest train station to the golf club is to the south, in Merthyr Tydfil. The station is around 20 miles away from the club, with services running between Merthyr and Cardiff.

Are there any other NCG Top 100s: Wales venues nearby?  

Thanks to its location in the heart of Wales, there are not many other venues on the NCG Top 100s: Wales list that are within a short drive. Llandrindod Wells is the nearest club, but that is still 25 miles to the north. The Monmouthshire and The Rolls of Monmouth are both within 35 miles to the southeast of Cradoc.

What golf facilities does Cradoc Golf Club offer?  

Along with the 18-hole layout, Cradoc Golf Club is also home to a driving range that has covered bays and TopTracer technology. There are also hitting nets for a quick warm-up, along with a short game area and a putting green, all by the clubhouse.

What are the green fees at Cradoc Golf Club?  

The price of a green fee at Cradoc 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 Cradoc, visit their website here.