Porthmadog Golf Club

Overview: Porthmadog is a two-part course at Morfa Bychan, with the front nine predominantly heathland and the back nine moving into traditional links ground. The change of terrain is the central feature of the round: inland-looking fairways give way to sand dunes, open wind and views across Cardigan Bay towards Snowdonia. The layout's mixed character makes club selection and approach strategy change noticeably between the two halves.

History: Porthmadoc and Borth-y-Gest Golf Club was registered with the R&A in 1905, and a nine-hole course was in full use by May 1906. James Braid was responsible for the later extension to 18 holes, with established course histories placing that development in 1911. The club marked its centenary in 2005, while later alterations have continued to refine the routing.

Did You Know? Porthmadog's front nine is predominantly heathland while its back nine is links, an unusually clear split within one 18-hole course. The change is visible in the ground itself, from sheltered fairway lines to open dune terrain beside Cardigan Bay.