When only the most challenging and breathtaking golf will do, we recommend you swing by the Vale Resort this year.
If you like a golf course that is vast, award-winning, woodland-fringed and surrounded by some of Wales’ most idyllic countryside then we’d recommend you tee off at the Vale Resort’s championship Wales National Course. It’s guaranteed to deliver a challenging golf day you’ll never forget. But if tricky water features are more up your street, then hot-foot it over to the Vale Resort’s Lake Course, where water comes into play on 12 of its 18 holes.
Don’t let the fact it’s staged numerous PGA championships put you off: we strongly believe in encouraging players of all levels to come and enjoy our two exceptional courses
We built the Lake Course at the Vale Resort before we built anything else, including the hotel, so it will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Now nearing its 25th anniversary, the Lake Course continues to demand the full attention of thousands of golfers each year, as well as the odd famous face. Among the names who’ve taken on the championship golf course are Wales golfers Ian Woosnam and Bernard Gallagher, as well as football star, Gareth Bale.
At 6,436 yards, it certainly packs a punch. From the off, this par-72 course makes clear it’s not for the faint-hearted, with an opening par-three shot in full view, and striking distance of the hotel. Gulp. Survive that and there’s the sizable challenge that accompanies 12 of the championship golf course’s 18 holes involving water.
It’s not called the Lake Course for nothing! And having spent the past two decades bedding into the local landscape, the Lake Course at the Vale Resort now offers a rich habitat for local wildlife.
There are several reasons the Wales National Course should be on your radar. For starters, it’s a par-73 course - a relative rarity in terms of golfing architecture (there’s only one par-73 course on the PGA Tour and that’s in Hawaii, in case you were wondering). At 7,433 yards from the championship tees, it is one of the longest golf courses outside the United States. A variety of par shots also helps keep the pace of play varied, challenging even the most competent of golfers.
Another major draw is its setting. The Vale of Glamorgan is sometimes referred to as ‘the garden of Cardiff’ and we think you’ll understand why when you visit the Peter Johnson-designed Wales National Course. Picture mature woodland, wide and narrow fairways, and vast water and bunker features, that are teaming with wildlife.
Still need convincing? Let us point you to its short but illustrious history. Opened in June 2003 by Great Britain Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave, the Wales National Course has already played host to several European Challenge Tour and Senior Tour events, as well as the PGA Europro Tour. We rest our case.
