Wales National
The Wales National Course at The Vale Resort is one of the longest layouts in Europe, a Peter Johnson design that opened in 2003 and stretches to 7,433 yards from the back tees as a par 73. Set in mature parkland in the Vale of Glamorgan just west of Cardiff, it is the bigger and bolder of the resort's two courses and a proven host of professional and amateur events.
Photo: Golf at The Vale Resort via Google.
The verdict
Wales National is built for length. Peter Johnson routed it through rolling parkland with generous landing areas, water in play across several holes and large, well defended greens, and from the championship tees it is a serious examination at well over 7,400 yards. Most visitors will play it forward, where it becomes a thoroughly enjoyable resort test rather than a slog.
As half of a 36 hole resort with a large hotel, spa and one of the best practice setups in Wales, it is an ideal base for a buddies trip or a corporate day near Cardiff. It will not displace the great Welsh links in a purist's affections, but for accessible, well conditioned parkland golf with everything on site, the Vale earns its place on a South Wales itinerary.
Wales National at a glance
- Opened
- 2003
- Designer
- Peter Johnson
- Type
- Parkland resort
- Par
- 73
- Yardage
- 7,433 yds
- Green fee
- Resort rates, indicative
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from The Vale Resort and leading course databases. Peter Johnson designed the Wales National Course, which opened in 2003 and plays to a par 73 of 7,433 yards from the championship tees, among the longest in Europe. Green fees vary by season and day of week; the resort publishes current rates, which are indicative for 2026. Always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The Wales National asks you to drive it well. The fairways are wide enough to swing freely but the sheer length means you must move the ball forward off the tee, and the par 5s are genuine three shotters from the tips. Choosing the right set of tees is the single biggest decision you will make here.
Water is the recurring hazard, threading through the middle of the round and tightening the approach on several holes, while the greens are large and contoured enough to reward a confident long iron. The closing stretch runs back toward the resort and can swing a match, particularly when the wind funnels across the open parkland.
It is a course that flatters a good ball striker and exposes a wayward one through sheer scale. Play it from a sensible tee, take the aerial route into the bigger greens and the Wales National is a satisfying, modern parkland round to anchor a Cardiff golf break.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Resort course, open to visitors and hotel guests; tee times bookable year round |
| Green fee | Seasonal resort rates that vary by day of week and time; the resort publishes current pricing (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Through the resort golf desk or as part of a stay and play package |
| Best months | April to October for the firmest parkland conditions, though it plays year round |
| Getting there | Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, about 20 minutes west of Cardiff and close to the M4 |
| On the day | Buggies available given the length; a strong practice ground and second course on site |
Compare and reserve times through our tee time booking partner, or let us hold the times as part of a trip.
Access and fees verified June 2026; resort pricing changes by season and package, so always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
The obvious base is the Vale Resort itself, a large hotel with a spa, multiple restaurants and both of its courses on the doorstep, which makes it a natural home for a golf group or a corporate day. Stay and play packages bundle the golf with rooms and dining.
Cardiff is twenty minutes east and adds city hotels, a lively dining scene and easy onward links to the rest of South Wales, so you can pair the Vale with Celtic Manor and the great coastal courses of the south for a fuller trip.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Wales National.
Build a South Wales golf trip
We secure tee times on the Wales National, pair the Vale with Celtic Manor and the best Welsh links, and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Wales National questions
Who designed the Wales National Course and when did it open?
The Wales National Course at The Vale Resort was designed by Peter Johnson and opened in 2003, formally launched by the Olympic champion Sir Steve Redgrave.
How long is the Wales National Course?
It plays to a par 73 of 7,433 yards from the championship tees, which makes it one of the longest golf courses in Europe. Forward tees bring it back to a far more manageable length.
Can visitors play the Wales National Course?
Yes. It is a resort course open to visitors and hotel guests, bookable year round through the resort golf desk or as part of a stay and play package.
What else is at The Vale Resort?
The Vale is a 36 hole resort with a second course, a large hotel and spa, several restaurants and one of the strongest practice setups in Wales, all about 20 minutes from Cardiff.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; resort rates indicative for 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.