Coast & Countryside

Welcome to Golf in Carmarthenshire

Stephen Jones,
resident golfer & rugby star

Introduction by Stephen Jones,
Carmarthenshire Resident & Golfer (and of course Scarlets, Wales and British Lions Rugby Star)...

I consider it a great privilege to write an introduction to Golf within Carmarthenshire as I am both an avid golfer and native of this beautiful county. Although I have been lucky to play many excellent courses on my travels, to my mind (I admit a little bias here) no area offers the unparalleled variety of quality courses - old and new, parkland and links - with none more than 30 minutes from its furthest neighbour and all within 15 minutes of its closest.

Machynys Peninsula Golf
& Country Club

The coastline is superb varying from peaceful estuaries to long majestic beaches, interspersed with secretive coves and offering some superlative links golf - the Ashburnham, one hundred years young, a classic Welsh links course with championship status; the Machynys Peninsula, a championship course that has already hosted the European Wales Ladies Championship of Europe 2005-2008. It is a challenging Nicklaus style design in a dramatic setting overlooking the Gower Peninsula.

For those who enjoy parkland, the Welsh Golf Club of the year 2009, Glyn Abbey, is just five miles from Machynys and adjacent to the new Ffos Las horse racing course in Trimsaran. It is renowned for being the best technical layout in South Wales with tremendous views over the Gwendraeth Valley.

Carmarthen Golf Club

My home town is Carmarthen, the oldest town in Wales and on its outskirts is the one hundred year old Carmarthen Golf Club. Undulating parkland with spectacular views and as a result the wind can play a major part just as on links.

Derllys Court is a shorter 18 hole par 70 course, offering an informal and relaxed atmosphere with highly enjoyable golf and picturesque views over the south west Carmarthenshire countryside.

Moving eastwards you have both old and new. Close to Llandeilo (aka the chic boutique capital of west Wales), Glynhir Golf Club celebrates its centenary in 2010 and is located in idyllic surroundings.

Garnant Golf Club

Facing the brooding Black Mountain and the start of the Brecon Beacons is Garnant Golf Club, the STRI Welsh Environment winner in 2004. Built in 1995, it has superb USGA greens, challenging layout and is a favourite with another local, my fellow Wales & British Lion, Shane Williams.

Whether you come to play all seven courses or choose to blend the old and the new with some time set aside to sample the splendour and beauty that Carmarthenshire has to offer, you will leave with an experience you will never forget. Take time to browse through the links on this page and I am sure your next golfing destination will be Carmarthenshire.