198 - Pyle & Kenfig

Location: Bridgend, Wales

Rating: 8.3

Less than a 10 minute drive inland from the world famous Porthcrawl lies this gem. Pyle & Kenfig is course unique in its set up with 2 very contrasting loops of 9 holes. With an abundance of gorse on the front and towering dunes on the back the course is a tough challenge. At 5,660 meters off the men’s tees it is not the longest course but add in strong winds and you have a very stern test.

The first 9 starts with a straightforward yet challenging par 4, an uphill tee shot is protected by a road to the left and gorse to the right with an approach to a raised green with a couple of bunkers ready to swallow any errant shots. The front 9 continues to weave up and over the raise land, with subtle twists and turns slowly building up to a crescendo of a magical stretch of holes from 11 to 16, a wonderful collection of holes and a real pity there aren’t more on this side of the course.

11 is where the magic begins, a 415 meter par 5 playing much longer with the wind almost directly into you. A narrow landing area off the tee leaves you with a long approach to the green, two bunkers short preventing any chancers trying to each in two.A steep incline to the green leaves you with a tough wedge, leave it short and it will roll straight back down to your feet.

12 is a brutal par 3, 170 meters directly into a stiff wind. One of the guys in our group barely covered the rough 50 meters short of the green, club up!

13 is a phenomenal hole with an equally as good backdrop. Still into the wind, accuracy is paramount off the tee. As you make your way to the fairway you really see the true beauty of this hole. The mounding fairway moves towards the green, nestled in the dunes, words don’t do this hole justice. The path to the 14th tee takes you to the top of the hill and provides yet more stunning views of the Welsh countryside. The hole itself is a risk reward par 4 dog legging to the left, plenty of opportunity to cut the corner but plenty of trouble if you miss your target.

I could go on. This stretch of holes wouldn’t be out of place on any of the best courses in the world. Despite the challenge, Pyle & Kenfig is a real beauty, a gentle start to the round with the marquee holes coming just at the right time.

Apart from the course itself P&K have great practice facilities, a grass range at the top of the hill with a great short game area. The clubhouse is very impressive and the food was definitely worth getting to the club early for.