Royal Porthcawl is the crown jewel of Welsh golf – a links of true championship calibre that’s hosted everything from The Amateur to the Senior Open, the Walker Cup to the Women’s British Open. From the opening tee to the final green, sea views are constant, as is the wind. The layout hugs the Bristol Channel, with firm, undulating fairways, deep revetted bunkers, and raised greens that repel all but the best-struck approaches. The front nine plays closest to the sea and can be brutal when the tide’s up and the wind’s howling. The back nine climbs inland and offers more shelter, but no less difficulty. The par-4 6th, running along the sea wall, is one of the finest and most exposed holes in British golf. This is a course that demands total control – particularly of trajectory and spin. But it’s also fair, traditional, and beautifully conditioned. There are no weak holes. Porthcawl is a championship venue in every sense – but one you’ll want to return to, not just survive.