Radyr

Radyr Golf Club is blessed with its location. Despite being within five miles of Cardiff and just minutes from the M4, it is an idyllic parkland layout. 

Founded in 1902, the original course was designed by Willie Fernie, before the legendary Harry Colt transformed the layout into what you see today. 

At 6,100 yards, it is not the longest course you will find in Wales, but with tight landing zones thanks to tree-lined fairways, it is a track that puts a premium on accuracy over distance. 

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Radyr Golf Club was founded in 1902, following the donation of land from Lord Windsor. Willie Fernie, former Open Champion, laid out the original course. 

A decade later, the great Harry Colt visited the club, transforming the layout and turning it into the course that is almost the same today as it was then. It is one of only four venues in Wales that Colt turned his hand to. 

Philip Price, who famously defeated Phil Mickelson in the singles of the Ryder Cup in 2002 as Europe won at The Belfry, was the Club Champion at Radyr 14 years prior. 

Radyr is a course that has been described as ‘One of Colt’s Little Jewels’ and enjoys an idyllic setting in rural parkland. It is nestled in acres of rural heathland and although its gentle undulations are a delight to the eye, they offer the sternest challenge given its 6,100 yards play to a tight par of 70. 

The 1st is a gentle introduction, but trees and rough either side of the narrow fairway will punish any off-line tee shots. At 300 yards, though, this will be one where anything worse than a par will feel like a very bad start. It is followed by a 310-yard par 4 that move slightly from left-to-right. Carry the bunker on the inside corner, and there’s a chance of going -2 through 2. The 3rd is the first of the short holes at Radyr. It is 165 yards, and played to a narrow, but deep green. Bunkers on either side will catch wayward approach shots. 

You then come to the toughest run of holes on the course, as the 4th is the first of a trio of long par 4s. Though it plays downhill slightly, at 405 yards, it requires to solid shots to find the green. The 5th has recently been extended into a par 5, playing more than 500 yards from the tips. Another hole that winds around the trees, this time to the left, and with OOB behind the green, it is a challenge. There is some space to the right on the 6th, with a gap between the fairway and the trees that line the hole. However, there is both a sand bunker and grass bunker in that spot. Two more traps guard a small putting surface. 

At the 7th, new bunkers across the front of the green have transformed this par 3 and placed a premium on correct club selection. Anything too long results in a tricky recovery or putt down the sloping green. The 8th is a par 5 of only 480 yards, but don’t be fooled into thinking it is an easy birdie opportunity. An undulating and narrow fairway lies in wait, and then there is a water hazard that runs across the hole, in front of the green. If you’re unsure as to whether to go for it with your second, then laying up is the only option. At 445 yards, the 9th brings the front nine to a very tough close. Trees encroach on both sides of the fairway to make it an even narrower landing zone than it first looks, and the green is also protected by both trees and sand. 

The longest par 3 is just 175 yards, at the 10th, but as it is played uphill and into the prevailing wind, it is a stiff test. You must carry a deep swale with a very steep bank of deep rough. The well-bunkered green again demands control of line and length. 11 is another par 4 that moves round to the left. Two fairway bunkers, one on either side, will be in your eyeline off the tee, while OOB looms on the right for any seriously mishit approach shots. The 12th is 155 yards to the centre, but it has a banana-shaped green and if you miss it on the left you face an intimidating chip down to a very narrow green. Bail out right and you are in rough with a pitch up a very steep bank often with a difficult stance. A delight to the eye that can be a nightmare to play. 

You might pick up a shot on the next though, a par 5 played into the wind. Like the 8th, it offers a birdie opportunity but again, that is only if you can find the fairway off the tee. The 14th is arguably the signature hole at Radyr. A short par 3, one of just 135 yards, played over a water hazard to a small green. Two bunkers to the right and a stream behind also make the green feel even smaller. The 15th is a long, straightaway par 4, where a row of sand traps sit down the right side to catch your tee shots. More sand is in your way off the tee at 16, with a drive carrying 230 yards needed to get past them all. The 16th moves from right to left, turning the corner to show the green. 

17 is a somewhat unique par 4. It has a split fairway, but the ditch that sits in between the two bits of fairway is classed as OOB. The first section of fairway runs out around the 260-yard mark so stay short of that with your tee shot, before then facing a long approach to the green. The final hole at Radyr plays downhill and usually downwind. At less than 380 yards, it looks a birdie chance, but you need to be accurate off the tee and from the fairway – the green might look flat but it is deceptive.

Where is Radyr Golf Club located?

Radyr Golf Club sits within the boundaries of the Welsh capital city – Cardiff. The centre of the capital is just five miles to the south, while the M4, the main motorway between London and south Wales, is within a five-minute drive from Radyr.

The village of Radyr has its own train station, which is less than a mile from the entrance to the golf club. Regular services to and from Cardiff Central, and out to the likes of Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil make it relatively easy for rail users to get to Radyr. Thanks to its proximity to the city, Cardiff Airport is also within 15 miles of the golf club, and as the biggest and busiest airport in the country, it is great for international visitors to the region.

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

On either side of Cardiff sit resorts that both have multiple courses on the NCG Top 100s: Wales list. The Vale Resort – home to the Lake Course and Wales National Course – is just ten miles to the west. Celtic Manor – with its Twenty Ten Course, Roman Road Course and Montgomerie Course – is 20 miles to the east of Radyr. Pyle & Kenfig, Southerndown, Royal Porthcawl and the Old Course at St Pierre Country Club are all within 30 miles as well.

What golf facilities does Radyr Golf Club offer?

Although it is not a full-length driving range, there is a lovely practice area at Radyr, which is located next to the opening hole. There is a covering to allow year-round practice, with shots of around 200 yards allowed. The club also has a practice short game area and putting green as well.

What are the green fees at Radyr Golf Club?

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