Pennard Golf Club

Pennard Golf Club, Swansea, South East Wales, Wales, SA3 2BT

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21 reviews of Pennard Golf Club

Visited Pennard yet again in Oct.2010.Still my favourite place of all. Admittedly a beautiful day but the course looks so magestic as you take it in from all angles.It's the wholly natural 'architecture'which is so superb .Greens were good,Fairways rather end of season worn in parts;bounces were annoying/pleasing/bad language inducing/exciting golf.The club captain recognising me as a visitor came up and chatted to me for 5 minutes: couldn't have been more welcoming.if you've never been it's Heaven on earth.

Posted by Cliff Partington on 28/10/2010
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5

This was the last round of golf on my trip to Wales. It was a beautiful day, not too windy. Pennard is a classic links through the dunes, absolutely devoid of trees. It was quite yellow, and the fairways were pretty hardened. But in this condition, it really played like a classic links with lots of bump and run and roll. I scored par on the last 15 holes so it always a fond memory at Pennard. The front nine is not really too related to the sea but moves thru a bunch of mounds - lots of blind shots. The back nine was really stunning, the 11th par three photo was framed and made my game room. The back to back par 5s at 16 and 17 are tricky and very beautiful as they near the cliff. Drivers are probably not required or recommended on these severly sloping holes. 18 back up towards the clubhouse with members leaning out over the balcony is a great finish. Clubhouse members were friendly - never seen a bigger pool table with such small pockets - pool in the US is a lot easier than snooker! Hope to come back some day.

Posted by alan peschansky on 21/02/2010
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5

Back to S.Wales again for five rounds at five courses in the last week of July. Our first visit to this course, and it won’t be our last, what a wonderful setting to place a golf course. The weather forecast when we left our hotel in Llanelli was terrible, “ 2” of rain and local flooding” we decided to go, and if it was too bad we could always try our luck on their snooker table. We tee’d of in light rain, and got round without getting too wet. This did not dampen our appreciation of a truly wonderful course, one of the best links courses I have ever played. Yes a few more marker posts and sign boards on the tee’s would have helped quell the doubts on some holes. Every hole presented its own challenge, the7th stands out in my memory for its fantastic green, so many undulations it was a real test of putting skill. By the way I got a par!!! The views were worth the green fee alone, but this is a course you need to play a few times to get a good score. Back to the clubhouse for well earned drinks and snacks at very fair prices, we me the Captain and his vice, who were charming and made us feel very welcome. I would urge any visiting golfers to South Wales to seek out this course and experience true links golf about 200 feet above sea level.

Posted by Jon Mr Jon Ponsford on 16/08/2009
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 5
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5

Links in the sky, wow what a track. I was spell bound from the start, every hole from start to finnishwas a real treat. BUT the greens did not match the the rest of the course. The locals and staff were friendly and food was great.

Posted by Michael Holmes on 13/07/2009
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5

Many courses struggle for a unique selling point; not this one as the description “the links in the sky” is spot-on. Played there in late October on a very cold and breezy morning with my brother and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and views across the course and out to sea. I have a lot of affection for this particular spot on the Gower peninsula having spent two weeks here in the summer of 1976 learning how to survey and map the valley below (Pennard Pill) all the way down to the sea. This more recent golfing visit was a lot more enjoyable. I am a seaside golf fan although I play most of my golf inland; one day I hope to retire to the seaside and play all my golf on courses like this. In short if you like links golf then you will love this. Pennard is long enough to be a challenge, has rolling fairways and very demanding approach regions to the very sloping greens. At one hole my brother who was on the front of the green had to putt of the green over a mound to get to the pin at the very back of the green; this was on the tough par 3 fifteenth. On another, the seventh, my well-struck drive hit a fairway ridge and rolled back to the foot of the swale giving me no chance of seeing the line directly for the approach. If you enjoy this kind of mental challenge then this is a course to head for. Above all if you are a slightly dodgy putter then seaside greens are, if you are like me, a tonic. I putt much better on these faster and most important truer greens. My normal home club has nice enough greens but nothing like seaside ones. At Pennard, they are firm and this means they do not get bobbly; pitching onto them hardly leaves a dent unlike the craters I can cause at “home”. But most importantly they are true and I had a rare day of sinking long putts on the 6th and 17th and plenty of ones of “that length” on the 1st, 2nd, 6th, 8th, 10th and 14th but the putting highlight has to be the 16th. Rarely have my brother and I enjoyed three-putting so much … I ended up behind the pin (don’t) in the light rough and he was pin high (not recommended either). I putted down the slope and did well to stop it on the green, and it is a big green! Simon was in hysterics until I putted uphill stone dead. His putt from left of the pin ran to the hole, turned sharp right and trickled inexorably back down to where my putt had gone. I was doubled up by this stage. Plenty of other reviewers have given a description of the course; I have little to add to this except to say that if you are left-handed and slice it a bit, like my brother, or a right-handed drawer of the ball then this course suits perfectly as nine of the holes are genuine dog-leg left holes added to which on par three’s like the 2nd and the 15th a drawn shot to the green is demanded. By the way also the photos on the web site give you a good idea of what to expect. Perhaps read Andrew Greig’s fantastic book on golf called “Preferred Lies” where he writes about seaside courses being the source or mother-lode for the game to get a feel for Pennard. Although Andrew Greig pays no reference to this course, his book is located entirely in Scotland, I would imagine that Pennard is the kind of course he would relish. Natural, no tricks, unfair bounces at times but the tremendous pleasure of having to manufacture shots. All I will say is it is a hidden gem and is excellent value for money at £40 for a midweek round and compares very favourably with some extortionate green fees at seaside courses within a 30 mile radius. New clubhouse is fine but windows upstairs not big enough to give the viewing panorama the position of the clubhouse ought to have; it was too cold to sit on the balcony. Changing facilities good but showers of the push-button variety which is irritating but I guess a water conservation measure. Not a lot available to eat at the time we finished which was after 2.30pm. Finally, Pennard GC easy to find just to the west of Swansea and we did it from the north side of Bristol easily in a day. Having done Minehead & West Somerset GC in a day from the same start and Weston super Mare also I have no hesitation in recommending Bristol-based golfers to head across this way.

Posted by STEVE BENNETT on 23/10/2007
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5

Four of us headed to Pennard last weekend and had a great day on what is clearly one of those tracks that quite happily lurks beneath the radar and which doesn't feel the need to shout about itself – instead extending a warm welcome to those discerning golfers who are prepared to go out of their way to discover it. As has been mentioned before, the pro here, Mike Bennett, is a LEGEND – you simply couldn’t wish to meet a nicer and more helpful person. What a shame more club pros aren't like him. To me, Pennard is like one of those beasts from Greek mythology that is the composite of a number of different animals. This course is the sum total of the dramatic views of cliff-top courses like Nefyn and Thurlestone, the quirkiness and rollercoaster fairways of Perranporth and the common land aspect of Brora. The result is a compellingly unique and engaging track that keeps you interested all the way round, and which throws up some very good holes, particularly the par 3 5th (wonderful natural green), the four par 4s that follow it (the 7th, as observed elsewhere is especially scenic), the par 5 10th with bunkers cunningly placed both in front of AND behind the green for the steeply uphill approach, the driveable par 4 12th, the visually spectacular par 3 13th and the two par 5s at 16 and 17, the latter of which is especially tricky to score well on for such a short par 5 (especially when it's playing into the wind!). The par 4 18th is, like the 1st, the only hole where the heather really comes into play, and is a long, demanding finishing hole. My only main criticism is that (like Brora) for the most part, particularly on the front 9, the course is not punitive enough off the tee. The pro informed me that a dozen or so local houses have grazing rights on the course – and one owner has taken full advantage of this with the result that the four-legged greenkeepers have digested large amounts of the heather that we all know is the curse of wayward drives. However, one could easily argue that the obverse is true around the greens. In fact, on virtually each hole, the nearer you get to the green the stiffer the challenges become. If you're not lucky enough (or, rather, not skilful enough) to find the right place on the green, on certain holes you can quite easily be faced with a putt that – no matter how softly you caress it – will not even stay on the putting surface. At Pennard you get above the hole at your peril. Pennard doesn't threaten the top bracket of links courses – but then it, quite rightly, probably doesn't care. It's unique enough to be treasured for what it is, and it knows it. 8.75/10 'Young P'

Posted by 'Young P' on 01/04/2007
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 5

Played here midweek March 07 (£30 using the Daily Telegraph Open Fairways card ). After reading good reviews in golf guides etc.this course didn't quite live up to my expectations.Sounding similar to one of my favourite courses Perrenporth i was hoping it could match it but unfortunately it didn't come close. I wanted to like it but because of the high expectation levels i came away with an overall feeling of slight disappointment. Normally i'm a big fan of rugged ,natural courses & the quirkier the better but although there were clusters of very good holes (1-3,5,7,8,11,14,15) these were interspersed with too many unenjoyable holes(4,9,10,12,17,18). As you look across the course from high points it looks like a lunar landscape but it's so natural to the point that i thought it had a slightly scruffy feel to it. A few times off tees we had no idea where we were going.Off the 8th tee we could see 2 marker posts that looked about 100 yards apart so we aimed imbetween them.We were equally bemused on the 4th as there didn't seem to be any hole definition & ended driving off over the green we'd just played after asking members.This could be simply rectified by a)putting a hole plan on the tee sign or b)on the scorecard. I also found it a physically tiring course & thought it dragged a bit at the end due to a demanding last 3 hole finish (5,5,4) which sends you back out to one of the furthest points of the course. Positives were good views in a very natural setting,a really good collection of par 3's, very fast ,interesting, undulating greens where you had to be ultra precise, nice sandy paths imbetween tees & greens & all the staff & members we encountered were very welcoming & friendly. Despite the picture i've painted it beats most parkland courses hands down because it's so different & unique it is a course that is worth playing but i'm not sure if i'd want to play it again. Kevin B.

Posted by Kevin B. on 30/03/2007

Played last week in 30mph winds....flippin heck!! Undulating, rugged terrain with serious changes in elevation gave way to large, sloping quick greens - don't get above the hole. 5, 7, 9, 10, 16 are 5 of the finest golf holes I've ever seen. Several first-timers in the group were spellbound by the views and the challenge for the first hour. You can't help but be staggered by this place. In one word - unbelievable.

Posted by Mike Partington on 08/09/2006
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5

Hi Played Pennard last week and have to say I was amazed. The scenery was marvellous and course was well kept. There were some public footpaths through the course but the welsh were very friendly and a nice chat was always at hand. Lots and lots of blind shots so get your accuracy gloves on! Someone earlier commented on the greens and that they might be a bit slow, well in the middle of February they were lightning fast for me. Pro was very kind and helpful as were the rest of the staff. Definitely a recommended visit!

Posted by Kristo Tohver on 22/02/2006
5
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Overall Rating 5
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 5

Played here 6/12/05 on a glorious winter day. Golf just does not get any more rugged and natural than this, forget manicured parkland courses, this is the real deal!! The Pro could not have been more friendly or helpful, the course is superb and the catering adequate. If you are in the area, play this course!

Posted by Gordon Ross on 07/12/2005
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 4
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 4

Played Pennard 2 weeks ago on trip to Swansea area(also played Gower, Fairwood Park and Clyne). Pennard was the jewel - also the most challenging and expensive. Fantastic views and wonderful golf scenery - lots of blind tee shots and approaches. People said it was a true "test of golf", but I reckon its more like a test of your equanimity! That said, if you do reach the greens, they were in immaculate condition. The welcome was very warm (so much so the pro, who had failed to notice I had not complied with the dress code and was wearing non-white socks w. shorts, came running out and gave me a free pair, apologising for not having noticed when I paid). Overall, you shouldn't visit the area and miss out on the opportunity to play this course ; it's superb.

Posted by Paul Lacey on 28/08/2005
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 4
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 5
  • Value for money 4

Recently visited Pennard on a gloriously sunny, but blustery day. The course was in excellent condition with tight fairways and tough, but fair rough. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience as the course requires considerable thought from tee to green with an emphasis being placed on accuracy. My only real disappointment was the speed of the greens which I personally considered to be quite slow in comparison to what is expected of a links course. The views from the course are outstanding stretching out across the Gower coastline.

Posted by I M on 23/08/2005
4
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Overall Rating 4
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  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 4
  • Clubhouse 4
  • Course challenge 4
  • Value for money 4

Pennard was the reason for my trip to Wales, having read about it on a website. The experience was great, the staff more than friendly and the course a true gem. My wife walked the course with me and experienced wild horses, a cattle herd, wild rabbits, a dog that picked up my ball and moved it to a better position, and friendly hikers heading to the beach. I have nothing to compare it to in the states.

Posted by al wagner on 27/05/2003

A jewel in terms of links golf course's ! One of the best in the UK ! Pennard is blessed with superb greens,tees and views to die for,especially from the 17th tee a tribute to the greens staff. A links golf course that oozes character and tradition!

Posted by Paul Veale on 31/01/2003

I played in the Pennard Open Day (September 02) and found the course amazing. Greens cut to 3mm and running at 10.6 on the meter. Fantastic views, superb greens and a real test of golf. Thouroughly recommended.

Posted by Richard Jones on 13/09/2002

Must send in a response for this course. Three brother in laws played this course together twice in the 3rd week of may 02. All had a marvellous time , very friendly, very picturesque, some very difficult holes. Overall a gem in the golf course crown of S. Wales, will never hesitate to play this course again if in the vicinity.

Posted by Vyv Jones on 03/06/2002

This is one of the great "finds" in golf. A course which is kept on the rough side but very nice greens. The bonus is the layout which is interesting and the views which are spectacular. The wild horses and ruins throughout the course just enhance the experience!

Posted by Michael Kane on 27/04/2001

nice links course.the pro is really great

Posted by on 22/04/2001

this golf course is very good,pip pip.very nasty bunkers and nice greens and fairways.

Posted by tom williams (5 the drive) on 22/04/2001

nice links.Set on cliffs with nice veiws of Three cliffs bay.Good greens and fairways and the new clubhouse looks great.

Posted by on 20/04/2001

Excellent links, set on the cliffs overlooking the sea, with superb views. I played it over christmas and it was in excellent condition, especially the greens, for the time of year. Friendly staff, and reasonable green fees made it a very good day out.

Posted by chris on 23/05/2000

Course information

Number of holes 18
Year opened -
Designer -
Style links

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Ladies'

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