Borth and Ynyslas
The oldest course in Wales sits on a thin strip of dune land between the railway and the sea on Cardigan Bay. Established in 1885 and reshaped by the great Harry Colt in 1947, Borth and Ynyslas is a par 70 of about 6,085 yards, the only true links in Ceredigion, running out and back through the marram grass with the wind off the Irish Sea as its defence.
Photo: Borth and Ynyslas Golf Club via Google.
The verdict
Wales has grander, more famous links to the north and south, but for sheer history and unspoiled charm Borth and Ynyslas is special. It was established in 1885, which makes it the oldest course in the country, and it occupies a classic strip of links land on Cardigan Bay, hard against the railway line and the dunes. When Harry Colt came through in 1947 to revise the layout, he left behind a proper out and back links that has changed little since.
This is not a long course, and on a calm day a good player will score. But calm days are rare on this exposed coast, and when the wind blows off the sea Borth and Ynyslas becomes a stern, old fashioned test of ball control and nerve. Add the setting within the Dyfi National Nature Reserve and the views across the bay to the mountains of Snowdonia, and you have a round that golf travellers treasure for its authenticity. It is welcoming, good value and gloriously unpretentious.
Borth and Ynyslas at a glance
- Established
- 1885
- Redesign
- Harry Colt, 1947
- Type
- Seaside links
- Par
- 70
- Yardage
- About 6,085 yds
- Access
- Public, visitors
Establishment date, designer, par and yardage verified June 2026 from Borth and Ynyslas Golf Club and leading course databases. The club was established in 1885, the oldest in Wales, and the course was redesigned by Harry Colt in 1947, a par 70 of about 6,085 yards. Recent visitor green fees have been around 40 pounds per round and 50 pounds per day; figures are indicative for 2026 and change by season, so always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Borth and Ynyslas plays in the traditional out and back fashion, the front nine running away from the clubhouse along the spine of the dunes and the back nine turning for home. The corridors are tight in places, framed by marram and gorse, and the firm links turf runs the ball toward the trouble if you stray from the line. Length is rarely the issue here; control is everything.
The wind defines every round. With it behind you the course can be reached and scored upon, but into it the same holes demand a flighted, knocked down ball and a clear plan, and the small, firm greens give nothing away to the approach that lands hot. The crossing breeze on the exposed holes is the truest test of a player's hands.
The closing stretch brings you back along the bay with the dunes funnelling the wind and the views opening across the water to the hills beyond. Borth and Ynyslas rewards patience, a low ball flight and an appreciation for the old way of playing links golf. It is a round to savour rather than to conquer.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Members club that welcomes visitors and green fee play; tee times bookable through the club |
| Green fee | Recent rates around 40 pounds per round and 50 pounds per day, lower than the marquee Welsh links (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Contact the club in advance, especially in summer and at weekends; visitors are warmly received |
| Best months | May to September for the warmest, driest links conditions; the wind is a factor year round |
| Getting there | Borth on Cardigan Bay, about 15 minutes north of Aberystwyth, with a railway station beside the course |
| On the day | Exposed seaside links; pack wind and rain layers and a low ball flight, and respect the nature reserve |
Access and fee guidance verified June 2026; rates change by season, so always confirm directly before booking with the club or your trip planner.
Where to stay nearby
Aberystwyth, the lively university and seaside town just to the south, is the natural base, with a good range of hotels, guest houses and restaurants and an easy run up the coast to the course. Borth itself is a small seaside village with simpler accommodation right by the links for those who want to roll out of bed and onto the first tee.
For a wider mid Wales and Cardigan Bay golf trip, pair Borth and Ynyslas with the historic links at Aberdovey just across the Dyfi estuary and the great courses of the north Wales coast. It is a beautiful, uncrowded corner of the country to build a links itinerary around.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Borth and Ynyslas.
Build a Wales golf trip
We book the Borth and Ynyslas tee times, pair them with the best of the Welsh links and arrange the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Borth and Ynyslas questions
Who designed Borth and Ynyslas and when did it open?
Borth and Ynyslas Golf Club was established in 1885, making it the oldest course in Wales, and was redesigned by Harry Colt in 1947. It sits on Cardigan Bay in Ceredigion.
What is the par and length of Borth and Ynyslas?
Borth and Ynyslas is a par 70 of about 6,085 yards, a classic seaside links where the wind off Cardigan Bay is the chief defence.
Can visitors play Borth and Ynyslas?
Yes. Borth and Ynyslas welcomes visitors and green fee play. Recent green fees have been around 40 pounds per round and 50 pounds per day, indicative for 2026, so always confirm directly before booking.
Is Borth and Ynyslas really the oldest course in Wales?
Yes. Established in 1885, Borth and Ynyslas is recognized as the oldest golf course in Wales and the only true links in Ceredigion, set within the Dyfi National Nature Reserve.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Establishment date, designer, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.