Monks Island (Stableford) at Machynys Clwb Golff

Monks Island at Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club represents Jack Nicklaus's first design in Wales, opened in 2005 on a reclaimed industrial site along the Loughor Estuary in Carmarthenshire. The course occupies former steelworks and tinplate manufacturing land that was transformed into a links-style layout, with the routing taking advantage of the coastal setting and views across the estuary toward the Gower Peninsula. The Nicklaus design incorporates substantial earthmoving to create strategic bunkering and elevation changes on what was originally flat industrial terrain.

The course plays along the waterfront for several holes, with the estuary influencing wind conditions and shot strategy throughout the round. Nicklaus shaped the property to evoke links characteristics, including deep pot bunkers, undulating fairways, and large greens with significant internal contours. Water features appear on multiple holes, both as strategic hazards and remnants of the site's industrial past. The layout demands accurate approach play, as the greens reward proper angles and punish missed targets with challenging recovery shots.

Machynys has hosted professional events on the European Tour's developmental circuits and serves as a resort facility with lodging and dining amenities. The Stableford format referenced in the course name reflects a popular scoring system used in club competitions, though the course accommodates traditional stroke play as well. The transformation from industrial brownfield to golf course represents a significant land reclamation project in South Wales.