This is it – the big one! Royal Porthcawl.
The course was founded in 1891 and was the 2nd Royal club in Wales, following Royal St. Davids. It has hosted Senior Opens, the Walker & Curtis Cups and the Ladies Open. They are setting up the course for the 2023 Senior Open at the end of the month.
It was as good as advertised. Beautiful view, great condition, and a challenging layout. The sea is visible from every hole. Our forecaddie was Steve, a retired police officer who also worked security for Prince Charles.
We had some unpleasantness during play. In front of us was a VERY slow group of American visitors. Behind us, one of the Porthcawl club officers. Things backed up after a few holes and the officer went ballistic, charging up to the group in front. Lots of words said. After the round, the gringos apologized to Kevin & I and bought us a round of beers. Silver lining!
After golf we taxied toLaleston, another village in Brigend county. The ‘Black Rabbit’ is an excellent restaurant attached to the Laleston Inn. The Inn is a 14th century stone house that has been converted into an ale house. Quirky to say the least. The owner is quite an interesting chap who opens the ale house ‘whenever he feels like it’.
