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Alex Cejka defied brutal conditions and a charging Padraig Harrington to win the Senior Open at Royal Porthcawl.
In addition to a great championship, that week also shone a light on the many great and varied courses that Wales has to offer, and nowhere demonstrates that better than the north of the country.
Here are our five of favourite North Wales courses…
Aberdovey
Settings don’t come much more dramatic than the scene that awaits visitors to Aberdovey.
Set within the Snowdonia National Park at the mouth of the Dovey Estuary, its wonderful links course is wedged between the Cambrian Mountain range and the shore.
Wales’ most famous golfing son Ian Woosnam used to practice here every spring before heading across the Atlantic for The Masters.
“Aberdovey will always have a special place in my heart for the memories it has given me and my family,” said the man who won the Green Jacket in 1991. “It is a wonderful place to play golf and one I always look forward to coming back to.” High praise, indeed.
Porthmadog
Situated in Morfa Bychan, three miles from the harbour town with which it shares its name, Porthmadog was created in 1905 by legendary golf course designer James Braid.
A course of two distinct halves, the front nine is predominantly heathland with the back nine having a more ‘linksy’ feel.
Stunning views of the Cardigan Bay coastline and Snowdonia mountain range form the backdrop to a memorable and challenging round.
Pwllheli
Located within the market town of the same name, Pwllheli bears some similarities to Porthmadog.
Both were designed by James and both are courses of two halves. The front nine at Pwllheli has a parkland feel that gives way to a more traditional links experience, with fast-running fairways, gorse, heather and revetted bunkers on the back nine.
One of the oldest courses in the country, having been established in 1900, it provides a thoroughly enjoyable test of golf complemented by beautiful views of Snowdonia and across Cardigan Bay.
Wrexham
A friendly welcome comes as standard at Wrexham, one of the most forward-thinking and modern golf clubs in the country.
Its terrific parkland course will test even the very best golfers, whilst the rolling, lush countryside forms a wonderful, uniquely-Welsh backdrop to the round.
Watch out for the dogleg 16th. The tee shot favours a fade to open up the fairway and give you the best possible angle to attack the green. Go too far off the tee, however, and you can kiss your good score goodbye.
Brilliant fun all round.
Bull Bay
The wonderfully named Bull Bay golf course has the distinction of being the most northerly golf course in Wales. It’s also one of the very best.
Laid out above the rugged coastline, every tee enjoys panoramic views over the Isle of Anglesey to the mountains of Snowdonia, or over the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man, and in some cases even towards the distant hills of the Lake District.
Designed by Herbert Fowler, the course twists and turns through valleys and between rocky outcrops.
It is a truly spectacular track from start to finish.
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