Abersoch Golf Club wins rave reviews for its Harry Vardon links as winter golf begins

Abersoch Golf Club has always known it has something special. This summer, an unannounced visitor confirmed it. On a Sunday in August, Paul Howard of the website Top100GolfCourses.com arrived to play and review the course, without the club knowing he was coming.

His verdict was glowing. "The 5th through the 8th holes elevate Abersoch into entirely different company," he wrote. "This is architecture of remarkable quality, a sequence of holes that would comfortably stand alongside celebrated stretches at many of Britain's finest links courses."

The club was founded in 1907 and its course was designed by the legendary Harry Vardon. It is known for its natural terrain, undulating fairways and fast, true greens. The front twelve holes run through classic links land close to the beach, while the back six are contrasting inland holes with countryside views, and the coastal breeze means no two rounds are quite the same.

Set at the heart of the Llŷn Peninsula, the 18-hole course looks out over Cardigan Bay to Snowdonia. The club describes itself as inclusive and approachable, with affordable membership packages and reasonable green fees, and it also has a simulator, a pro shop and accommodation.

The club's captains point to affordable membership packages, reasonable green fees, excellent food and some of the cheapest drinks in the village, and the club welcomes groups and societies. Club life continues through the winter. The first of the Winter Mixed 12-hole competitions drew a good turnout, played in blustery but sunny conditions. The winners were Sue Hampson and Paul Allen with a score of 28 points, pictured with lady captain Janet Taylor.

In a message to visitors, the club captains describe Abersoch as a fabulous place to play golf, to socialise, to meet new friends and to experience what the real Abersoch is like, adding that the club is proud of its growing reputation.

Visiting golfers and societies are welcome, and the club runs open competitions through the year.

Tee times, membership details and the full review are at abersochgolf.co.uk.