Aberdovey Golf Club

Aberdovey is a 'flatish' par 69 links style course on the mid Wales coast. Stunning, it is consistently ranked in the top 100 UK a& Ireland courses.

The course is adjacent to the sea, with protective dunes coast side and flanked on the opposite clubhouse side by railway tracks. The course is routed 9 holes out and turns for home. It crosses over from the 5th and crosses back at the 12th after a zig zag 10th/11th. Water filled cross and parallel ditches are on several holes including the 17th and 18th (which I found).

My 3 ball group was the first to tee off at 08.20. It was very windy on the outward 9 holes, especial the early four holes before crossing over to the railway side. I'm not a big enough driver in these conditions so struggled badly. Obviously greens in regulation was out of the question going outward but the reverse was true when we turned around.

Once balls were on the fairway, ball striking was good and most fairways and greens were in good firm condition despite recent rains. The greens were accessible. Some were semi-blind and difficult to gauge distances between hazards and the fronts. They were generally large and very undulating. My short chipping game was not up to my expected standard. Cost me a few shots/points.

My belief is that I should be able to reduce my gross score by about 10 shots if played again just by applying the knowledge gained of where/where not to hit the ball, ie better course management.

The course is bordered by a beautiful mountainside adorned with hotels and beautiful houses overlooking the course and bay. A lovely setting.

Despite any negative remarks about the course or of my playing of it, I consider it to be a wonderful course and hope to be able to play it again some time in the future.

I played it by entering their annual Seniors Open Competition, which was my best way of getting to play such a highly ranked course. I had previously entered the competition a few years ago but had to withdraw because of injury.

The competition entry fee was £50.00 green fee only*, compared to a £100.00 visitors green fee. (*pre-covid this would likely have included pre-round coffee/bacon roll and a post match one course meal). VFM if you exclude travel, hotel and food/drink cost.

Access to the clubhouse, proshop and course from the club carpark is over the railway tracks. Buggies and trolleys are available to hire but you will need to carry your golf bag over the tracks.

The proshop is separate from the clubhouse. It is a good size facility and the staff were very helpful.

The catering offering was excellent. I didn't have time for breakfast but my post game meal was lovely.