Golf weekends in Wales

Wales is the country English and Irish golfers keep meaning to visit and never quite do — which is exactly why it is such a good weekend. It has world-class links strung along a wild coastline, they cluster tightly enough to play two or three in two days, and the green fees are a genuine fraction of what the equivalent courses charge across the border. If value matters at all to you, this is the short break to book.

South Wales is the convenient one, on Cardiff and Swansea's doorstep: Royal Porthcawl — the finest links in the country, where the sea is in view from every hole — with Pyle & Kenfig, Southerndown and the clifftop drama of Pennard on the Gower all within a short drive. It is the easiest Welsh weekend to reach and the best introduction.

North Wales is the spectacular one — natural links between the Irish Sea and the mountains of Snowdonia. Nefyn runs along a headland with the sea on three sides and a world-famous beach pub halfway round; Conwy, Royal St David's beneath Harlech Castle and Darwin's beloved Aberdovey complete a stunning, great-value trip. It is also an easy hop from the northwest of England.

Welsh fees are low to start with — see the affordable golf guide and when to visit to keep them lower still.

The good news for a Welsh weekend is that even the marquee courses — Royal Porthcawl, Royal St David's — are far easier to book, and far cheaper, than their English or Irish equivalents, so you can be more relaxed about tee times than you would on the Open coasts. Pick a base that matches the two courses you most want, play the shoulder months for the lowest fees, check what it costs, and let the trip planner pull it together. Book a bed in Porthcawl or Conwy early in summer.