Southerndown Golf Club, Ogmore-by-Sea

Southerndown Golf Club’s elevated site, high above the Ogmore valley, affords arresting views across the Bristol Channel. Over time sand has blown up from the seashore, coming to rest on the rolling slopes and giving the turf a rather links-like character.

There are no trees or artificial water hazards, just bracken, gorse and bunkers waiting to trap the wayward drive. “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. The four par 3’s are noteworthy, especially the 5th hole “Carter’s Folly” which is expertly bunkered and calls for an accurate iron shot.