Historic, unforgiving, and breathtaking — this links course is ready to test the world’s best at the AIG Women’s Open 2025
Set along the rugged South Wales coastline, Royal Porthcawl Golf Club is more than a picturesque venue — it’s one of the UK’s toughest and most storied links. As it prepares to host the AIG Women’s Open for the first time, the stage is set for an unforgettable final major of the season.
With unpredictable weather, wide-open views, and no room for error, this is where legends are made.
A Course Steeped in History
Royal Porthcawl has been a part of British golf history since 1891. Over the years, it’s welcomed some of the game’s most prestigious events — from the Amateur Championship and the Curtis Cup to several Senior Open Championships. Its reputation as one of the most respected and demanding links courses continues to grow.
The 2025 AIG Women’s Open marks a milestone as the championship comes to Welsh soil for the first time — a significant moment for both the club and the sport.
Layout and Design
There are no dunes to hide behind at Royal Porthcawl. This exposed course leaves players at the mercy of the wind, which can swirl and shift at any moment. It’s a true links in every sense — rugged, beautiful, and brutally honest.
- Par: 72
- Yardage: Over 6,400 yards
- Design features: Natural undulations, strategic bunkering, fast, rolling greens
- Expect: Demanding tee shots, creative shot-making, and careful club selection — brute strength alone won’t cut it
Why it Tests the Best
Royal Porthcawl is not a course you play — it’s one you survive. Wind, terrain, and pressure all play their part in shaping every round. It’s a place where comebacks are possible and leads can vanish with a single mistake.
- Swirling wind makes ball flight control absolutely critical
- Precision and recovery skills are key when rounds go sideways
- Mental toughness will separate the contenders from the rest
Where to Watch: Must-See Holes
Whether you’re on site or watching from home, these are the holes where the drama tends to unfold:
- Hole 1 – Statement Start: A short but testing opener into the prevailing wind. With the sea flanking the left, expect nerves to show.
- Hole 5 – Par-5 Challenge: Long, uphill, and lined with gorse and bunkers — one of the toughest holes on the front nine.
- Hole 9 – Seaside Classic: Precision off the tee is key, but the green’s slope and bunkering add another layer of difficulty.
- Hole 16 – Risk & Reward: A short par 4 where boldness could lead to birdies — or disaster.
- Hole 18 – The Finishing Test: Set against the iconic clubhouse and coastline, this hole has all the ingredients for a championship-deciding finish.
Public grandstands are located at the 1st tee and 18th green, with additional views from a platform at the 17th green.