Royal St David's

Gwynedd

4.5

471 reviews

4.5(471 Google reviews)

About Royal St David's

Royal St David's is one of the great links courses of Wales, laid out in the shadow of Harlech Castle with Snowdonia rising sharply to the north.

Founded in 1894 and granted Royal status in 1908, Royal St David's occupies a remarkable strip of duneland between the walls of Harlech Castle and the waters of Cardigan Bay. The views alone justify the journey, stretching from the peaks of Snowdonia across the Lleyn Peninsula to the sea, but it is the golf itself that earns the course its enduring reputation: a demanding, wind-sculpted links where natural ridges and tight fairways test every club in the bag.

Royal St David's

Gwynedd, Harlech LL46 2UB, UK

01766 780361

royalstdavids.co.uk/

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Wales may have fewer courses in the upper echelons of world rankings than its neighbours, but Royal St David's is a vivid reminder of what the country has to offer. It sits in a landscape that feels purpose-built for golf: a wide expanse of duneland pinned between a 13th-century castle and the sea, with the mountains of Snowdonia providing a backdrop that few courses anywhere can match. The Amateur Championship has returned here several times, always rewarded by a layout that rewards precision far more than power.

The course plays to a par of 69 but measures over 6,700 yards from the back tees, a combination that underlines just how demanding the links can be. Natural dune ridges divide many of the holes, and the wind — which can swing through any direction across the open ground — is the ever-present additional hazard. Golfers who arrive expecting a gentle tour of a scenic landscape are quickly disabused of the notion. Royal St David's demands concentration from the first tee to the last green.

For those planning a broader Wales golf trip, the course pairs naturally with Porthmadog and Abersoch to the north, or with Aberdovey to the south along the Cardigan Bay coast. The combination of castle views, mountain scenery and a links of genuine championship pedigree makes Harlech one of the most singular destinations in British golf.

Opening Hours

Monday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

What Golfers Say About Royal St David's

A selection of recent visitor reviews from Google.

P B
8 months ago
The course was in absolutely stunning condition and the staff were fantastic. We found it to be an extremely friendly club and the great food/merchandise is very well priced. The layout is superb, helped in our case by great weather and very little wind. I can't wait to pay another visit to Royal St. Davids GC.

Golf Holf
10 months ago
In the top 100 for good reason and one of the great west coast courses. Possibly the best value for money course within a couple of hours drive of the midlands & northwest. Treat yourself to a round on this championship course and fall in love with top quality links golf.

Mike Thorpe
10 months ago
Loved this course, great condition and in the shadow of the castle all day. We were so lucky with 25 degree day and no wind, bunkers perfectly placed despite your shot shape at landing zones for good standard players. Very deep Sandy pitts which really defend the course as advancing the ball is hard even from fairway bunkers. Lovely course, well worth a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Royal St David's open to visitors?

Yes, Royal St David's welcomes visiting golfers throughout the week, with some restrictions at weekends. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during the summer months. Contact the club directly through royalstdavidsgolf.co.uk or by telephone to check current availability and visitor day arrangements.

How difficult is Royal St David's Golf Club?

Royal St David's is widely regarded as one of the most challenging links courses in Wales. The course plays long relative to its par, the fairways demand accurate driving, and the wind off Cardigan Bay can transform the scoring conditions entirely. The layout has hosted the Amateur Championship on multiple occasions, which speaks to the quality and severity of the test it provides.

What is the history of Royal St David's Golf Club?

The club was founded in 1894 by a group of golfers drawn by the exceptional duneland terrain at Harlech. Royal status was granted by King Edward VII in 1908. The course has changed relatively little over its history, retaining the natural dune ridges and traditional links character that made it attractive from the outset. It has hosted the Amateur Championship, the Seniors Amateur Championship and various Welsh national events.

What should I know about visiting Harlech for golf?

Harlech is a small town in Gwynedd, most easily reached by car via the A496. Harlech Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is directly adjacent to the course and worth visiting before or after your round. Accommodation ranges from B&Bs in the village to hotels in nearby Barmouth or Porthmadog. The nearest major town is Dolgellau, roughly 15 miles east.