Pennard Golf Club - The Boss Golfs: England & Wales - Day 3

Pennard was the biggest surprise of my trip. I knew almost nothing about it—only that a trusted golfer told me it was a “must play” in Wales. What I found was a course that exceeded every expectation.

Pennard is an outstanding golf course in an unforgettable setting, using its dramatic terrain in ways that make every hole engaging and fun. It was my first round in Wales, and it allowed me to complete a personal milestone: playing golf in every country of Great Britain and Ireland.

Set high on the Gower Peninsula, Pennard is often called the Links in the Sky. Over 200 feet above sea level, it still feels like pure linksland—rippled fairways, towering dunes, and dramatic elevation changes. And then there are the views. From nearly every hole you can see sweeping beaches, Oxwich Bay, ancient castle ruins, and even herds of cattle that wander freely through the property. Every green is circled with rope, just to keep them off the putting surfaces.

Designed by James Braid, Pennard is one of the oldest courses in Wales. The routing takes full advantage of the elevation, with raised tees and greens, and some thrilling shots across big dunes. On a calm day, it’s fun and welcoming. But add in the wind that often sweeps across this headland, and it becomes a real test. The greens are clever and challenging, with several excellent complexes that keep you on your toes.

Later on this trip, I played Royal Porthcawl, which I’d rank as the better course overall. But if you asked me which course in Wales I want to replay the most, without a doubt—it’s Pennard. It has a sense of adventure, with no two holes alike, and a charm that lingers long after you leave.

And it wasn’t just the course. The members and the pro shop staff were warm, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about their club. Playing solo, I crossed paths with a few members who eagerly told me what was still ahead—despite the fact that I had already stood on a green overlooking castle ruins with mountains and sea in every direction. And they were right. Holes 14 through 17 were a run of golf I’ll never forget.

If you ever find yourself within a few hours of the Gower Peninsula, make the effort to get a tee time at Pennard. It’s one of those rounds you’ll carry with you. And when the day is done, the seaside town of Swansea makes a perfect place to stay, eat, and reflect on what you’ve just experienced.