Vale Resort (Wales National Course)

Across Hensol's Championship Ground

The Wales National Course at Vale Resort opened in June 2003, with Olympic rowing champion Sir Steve Redgrave performing the official opening. Designer Peter Johnson had already developed the estate's Lake Course before creating a longer test across almost 200 acres of the former Hensol Castle grounds.

Johnson returned from the United States with the idea of building a course able to challenge modern hitting distances. The routing follows the land's contours through mature woodland, with fairways changing from generous landing areas to narrower corridors. Large bunker complexes and USGA-built greens add pressure near the targets.

The par-four 16th is a notable late test. At 495 yards, it asks for two well-struck shots before reaching a heavily undulating green where distance control remains difficult. Across the wider course, changes in width and elevation prevent its length from becoming the only source of challenge.