Not far from Porthcawl is another excellent course, Southerndown Golf Club.
Southerndown Golf Club's elevated site, high above the Ogmore River Valley, provides arresting views across the Bristol Channel. As the club website says, “Southerndown is unique. Nature has crafted an unusual ‘limestone-heath’ on which we play our golf. The massive limestone outcrop, which rises over 70 metres from the sea and gives us such superb views, accounts for the course’s free drainage; the overlying soil supports acid-loving heathland vegetation such as heather, bracken and gorse; and the westerly winds have deposited centuries of sand to give the front eight holes a springy, links-style character.
Southerndown Golf Club's elevated site, high above the Ogmore River Valley, provides arresting views across the Bristol Channel. As the club website says, “Southerndown is unique. Nature has crafted an unusual ‘limestone-heath’ on which we play our golf. The massive limestone outcrop, which rises over 70 metres from the sea and gives us such superb views, accounts for the course’s free drainage; the overlying soil supports acid-loving heathland vegetation such as heather, bracken and gorse; and the westerly winds have deposited centuries of sand to give the front eight holes a springy, links-style character.
This 'limestone-heathland-links' presented the original course architects with a unique tableau on which to work. Willie Fernie, Herbert Fowler, Willie Park, Harry Colt and Donald Steel - some great names in golf course design - have all played their part over the years in creating Southerndown as we know it today.”
 | "Bracken to the left of you, bracken to the right – and a fairway rising up to the sky," was how the great Henry Cotton saw Southerndown's opening hole. It's certainly challenging two-shot hole and it's followed by two more, which are equally tough. The four par threes at Southerndown are noteworthy, especially the 5th hole, known as "Carter's Folly" – it's expertly bunkered and calls for an accurate iron shot. |
The 5th hole may have been our favourite par 3 on the course (although Ron also stiffed one to 3 feet on the extremely difficult 14th hole so that may be his favourite!). We played it from 145 yards, although it can stretch to 165 for you longer hitters, and it provides not only a tough challenge with a green perched precariously on the edge of a hill waiting to send you ball down to the bottom for a tough chip, but is stunningly beautiful to look at also.
While not a traditional links, the course plays hard and fast in a links style and as mentioned, there is enough gorse and lot bunker styled challenge to make a lover of links golf (like we are) happy. Oh, and there is one more combination lawn mower / hazard that adds so much charm to this course and it even warrants a special mention in the local rules:
6. ANIMAL DUNG AND HOOF PRINTS
6. ANIMAL DUNG AND HOOF PRINTS
- Animal dung and hoof prints may be treated as GUR. Relief is restricted to lie and area of intended swing. Relief does not apply to stance. Relief may be taken in accordance with Rule 251-b.
The sheep are ever present on the course (it is public land, and they roam free from the local farms) and while we are sure the local members aren’t happy about it, the Director of Golf sure wasn’t in love with them when we spoke to him, we found it added to an already amazing golf experience.
No trip to South Wales would be complete without a game at Southerndown – it's an exciting experience with a warm and inviting clubhouse and patio to enjoy a post round meal and beverage on which completes the perfect day.
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