Royal St David's Golf Club

Since its foundation in 1894, the championship links of the Royal St. David's Golf Club has occupied the dune land between Harlech Castle and the sea. Apart from the quality of the holes and severity of the test, the views of the Snowdon Mountains, the magnificent Castle and, at last, from the 16th tee, the Lleyn peninsular across Tremadog Bay, make Harlech one of the finest situations of any course in Britain. Much of the course is a site of special scientific interest and the profusion and variety of wild orchids in the rough in early summer are a joy, even if one's play falls short of one's hopes.

The course itself, measuring 6495 yards from the championship tees, is noted for a succession of long testing par four holes and five short holes, which vary in length and direction; a feature is the large size of the greens. The last five holes form a loop through the dunes that provide a finish the equal of any. It has been described by a professional player, as the toughest par 69 (SSS 72) that he knows. In recent years the Club has played host to:- The Home Internationals (1974), The University Match (1979), The British Ladies (1987), The Welsh Ladies (1991), The British Youths (1994) and The Welsh Amateur (1995) and we are pleased to entertain the Club Professionals Championship (1998), the British Boys (1999) and the Ladies Home Internationals (2000).

Our Professional, John Barnett, currently Captain of the PGA, has a well stocked shop to cater for all your golfing needs including trolley and buggy hire. Our steward and caterer can provide whatever refreshment suits the weather and time of day.

Harlech itself makes a grand centre for the golfer, with charming links at Aberdovey an hour away by one of the most beautiful train rides in the land. There is local accommodation to suit every taste and pocket. For others, there are acres of empty beaches, walking, narrow gauge railways, slate mines and any number of other attractions for all the family.

Royal St. David's provides the traditional Welsh welcome for all its visitors and in return asks them to respect the basic rules of the club and the game in the same way as is expected of its members:-

• Dress should be not less than "smart casual" both on the course and in the Clubhouse, and this does not include such items as jeans, tee shirts, football shirts and training wear. Tailored shorts are permitted on the course with long stockings or short white socks and in the Clubhouse up until 6.00pm.

• Slow play is not acceptable at Royal St. David's, the maximum time for a three-ball being three and a half hours. Individual four-ball stroke play competitions are not permitted on the course.

• We prefer our visitors to have handicap certificates and be members of recognised clubs, if this is not the case, please let us know in advance. Royal St. David's is a championship course and not suitable for beginners or those with high handicaps (over 24 for men or 36 for ladies).

• Normal golf etiquette is expected with divots and pitch marks being repaired and bunkers left raked.

• All party catering must be booked in advance, individuals must order before going out to play. A deposit of £5 per head is required for meals booked in advance which will be repaid on cancellation provided two clear days notice is given.

To be sure of a starting time please book in advance:-