Pennard's known for its "links in the sky" and didn't disappoint
Pennard is located 8 miles west of Swansea in Wales’ Gower Peninsula, the course originated in 1896 and was a product of James Braid and then to C.K. Cotton. It a links course, but technically not on linksland, will rolling and uneven lies, routed through dunes, hillocks and hollows, along a stunning coastline. The difference is, the course is 200 feet above the sea, and is known in Wales as the “links in the sky”. The course is routed over a promontory between the sea and the “Pill”, a deep stream valley. It’s a relatively short course at 6,225 yard, par 71 track, but difficult to score on. The front nine is rather mundane, straightforward, while the back nine takes the level of difficulty up a notch. The course only has forty bunkers, small, but well positioned near the greens. A quirky little course, on a beautiful setting, with excellent views.
Pennard is a James Braid and C.W. Cotton design
The course played wild, and unruly… in the best of ways! Holes 10-17 were my favorite stretch on this trip. Not quite as refined as Porthcawl, but if you were to only play one place in Wales this might be the one based on the unique look (the description “moonscape” was proffered by one writer) to the grounds. Played this beautiful course this weekend, and it was a delight .We were extremely lucky as the weather was sunny and warm and the course offers superb views high up on the clifftop especially on the back nine holes and the course is in great condition and offers a sometimes stiff but fair challenge . Also the clubhouse was very welcoming and had a good lunch. Highly recommend as a must play in Wales.
Thanks for the review of Pennard Chris, if you’ve played Pennard and wish to comment, please do so below, or at the Forelinksters listing for Pennard. Cheers!
