Didn't we have a lovely time the day we went to Southerndown

A visit to Wales as part of our 2021 Women & Golf event series took us to Royal Porthcawl Golf Club this month. With a number of superb courses nearby we took the opportunity to play championship course Southerndown Golf Club just down the road.

It didn't disappoint.

The course sits upon a natural limestone outcrop (see more below) and offers superb views of Porthcawl Harbour, the Brecon Beacons, the Bristol Channel and, I am sure, Devon on a really clear day.

The Course

They refer to the course as 'limestone-heathland-links' and it has all the undulations of a links with the added danger of heather, gorse and bracken. Barring a steep uphill climb on the 1st the course is fairly flat. The fairways are generous with the lovely undulations you would expect of a links course. Watch out for the treacherous bunkers! Oh, and the sheep, who are very friendly and don't interfere with play at all.

There's a number of interesting holes: No.2 keep left, lots of danger on right; No.5 par 3 over the ravine is a tester, No.18 par 4 with a two-tier fairway but overall the course is challenging and a good test for all golfers. There's quite a few blind holes which makes things interesting but the black & white markers are an excellent guide. It's easy to identify the next tee and the course would suit both long and short hitters so good for a mixed handicap group.   

Natural surroundings

Southerndown is unique. Nature has crafted an unusual ‘limestone-heath’ on which the golf course is built. The massive limestone outcrop, which rises over 70 metres from the sea and gives such superb views, accounts for the course’s free drainage; the overlying soil supports acid-loving heathland vegetation such as heather, bracken and gorse; and the westerly winds have deposited centuries of sand to give the front eight holes a springy, links-style character.

This 'limestone-heathland-links' presented the original course architects with a unique tableau on which to work. Willie Fernie, Herbert Fowler, Willie Park, Harry Colt and Donald Steel - some great names in golf course design - have all played their part over the years in creating Southerndown as we know it today.

And the greenkeepers have the added benefit of their very own natural lawnmowers - sheep!

Course Feedback

And what did the Women & Golf Members think of the course?

"Fabulous course, friendly staff and can't wait to play there again!"

"What a gem of a lovely course. Well signposted, very friendly staff and members. Look forward to going again. Added amusement of sheep in the bunkers!"

"Great course, with fabulous views and friendly locals, including the sheep!"

Course Information

Southerndown is a traditional private members club that boasts all the facilities you would expect to find at one of Wales finest championship courses.

18 holes | Par 74 Red Par 71 Yellow | 5,498 yards Red 6,173 yards Yellow | Private | Links

Slope RatingWomen/ MenFront 9Back 9TotalLength
RedW36.7/12135.8/ 11772.5/ 1195,498
YellowM35.5/11735.1/11570.6/1166,173

Buggy Hire | Golf shop | Changing rooms | Clubhouse Bar & Food | Function Room Hire | Handicap required

Tee Time Information & Prices

AMPM
Standard weekend£85£80
Standard weekday£60£55
Please enquire re large group/ society bookings by calling the Pro Shop

Visitor Information

A range of Society packages are available for visitors. Visitors are always made welcome by the members and friendly staff and they look forward to you visiting their club.

Contact Information

Address: Ogmore by Sea, Bridgend, CF32 0QP [click here for map]

Tel: 01656 880476

Email: [email protected]

Golf Pro: John Peters, Director of Golf | Tel: 01656 881112

Website: https://www.southerndowngolfclub.com/