Royal St David's Golf Club, Harlech

The course and its history

Golf at Harlech began in 1894, when Harold Finch-Hatton and William Henry More laid out 18 holes on the sandy grazing land below the castle. The Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, became patron in 1897, and in 1909 it was formally confirmed as the first 'Royal' club in Wales. Today's links follows much the same routing as in 1894, with new back tees, refined bunkering and new fairway lines at the 3rd, 8th and 17th. It is a par 69 of up to 6,687 yards, known for large greens, punishing rough and a closing stretch through huge dunes; the 18th is a par three. Unlike many links it is not out-and-back, so the wind keeps changing direction, and the dunes are so high that you have to visit the back tee at the 16th to see the sea.

Booking and visitor practicalities

Visitors book tee times online, and group, society and stay-and-play packages can be arranged by phone on 01766 780361. Buggies, electric trolleys and pull trolleys are available to hire. Cancellations more than 28 days before play receive a full refund; later cancellations receive a credit. Smart golf clothing and soft-spike or dimpled golf shoes are expected on the course, and tailored shorts are allowed. The club also has its own Dormy House accommodation on site.

Getting there

The club is in Harlech, on the Gwynedd coast below Harlech Castle, on the southern edge of Eryri (Snowdonia).

Highlights

• Founded in 1894; first Welsh club confirmed as 'Royal' in 1909
• Nearly eighty national and international championships held
• Par 69 links that finishes with a par three
• Views of Harlech Castle and the Snowdonia mountains

Good to know

• Book visitor tee times online
• Full refund for cancellations more than 28 days ahead
• Tailored shorts allowed; caps off in the clubhouse
• On-site Dormy House accommodation

Frequently asked questions