Southerndown is a distinctive outlier in Welsh golf – not quite links, not quite parkland, but something entirely its own. Set high on a limestone ridge above the Glamorgan coast, it delivers firm, fast-running fairways and panoramic views across the Bristol Channel. There are no bunkers here – just thick gorse, natural hollows, tight turf, and the ever-present wind. The course drains superbly and plays firm year-round, making it one of the most reliable all-season venues in the region. Holes are routed across open, rolling ground, and many feature elevated tees and exposed greens. The 10th, a par-3 dropping off the ridge into a valley, is a standout. Accuracy is essential – stray into the gorse and your ball is gone. While not long on paper, Southerndown plays with teeth when the breeze picks up. It’s beloved by purists and has hosted many top amateur events. There’s something old-world and refreshing about the place – no frills, just fast fairways, real challenge, and the sound of sheep on the wind.