
Old Colwyn Course
Old Colwyn Golf Club

About this course
Old Colwyn Golf Club sits on elevated ground above the North Wales coast between Colwyn Bay and Llandudno, offering views across the Irish Sea toward the Great Orme headland. Designed by James Braid and opened in the 1930s, the course occupies a hillside site that provides both the characteristic undulation of Braid's work and the exposure to coastal winds that define links-adjacent golf in this part of Wales. The layout measures just under 5,500 yards from the back tees, making it a compact test that emphasizes accuracy and course management over length. The routing takes advantage of the natural slope and contours, with several holes playing across the hillside and others climbing or descending through changes in elevation. Braid's strategic bunkering remains evident in the design, positioned to challenge approach shots and reward thoughtful play. The greens feature the subtle breaks and false fronts typical of his portfolio, requiring careful reading on what can be deceptively quick surfaces in dry conditions. Old Colwyn serves a local membership and visitors seeking traditional parkland golf with coastal character. The club maintains a welcoming atmosphere common to smaller Welsh clubs, where the emphasis remains on accessible, enjoyable golf rather than championship length or tournament pedigree. The setting provides a quieter alternative to the busier courses in nearby resort towns while retaining the scenic qualities and design integrity that make North Wales an appealing destination for golfers exploring the region.
Quick facts
- Location
- Old Colwyn, Conwy, Wales
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1907
- Designer
- James Braid
- Holes
- 9
- Par
- 34
- Length
- 2,732 yards
- Difficulty
- 34.2/120
Getting there
Most visitors to Old Colwyn Golf Club arrive via Manchester Airport, roughly an hour and a half west along the A55 North Wales Expressway, which traces the dramatic coastline where the Irish Sea meets the Welsh shore. The drive transitions from the urban sprawl of Greater Manchester into the rugged beauty of the Clwydian Range before descending toward the seaside villages of Conwy's northern coast. Old Colwyn itself sits tucked between the larger resort towns of Colwyn Bay and Llandudno, and the club occupies elevated ground above the coastal road, offering glimpses of the water through breaks in the Welsh hedgerows as you climb toward the clubhouse.
FAQ
Common questions about Old Colwyn
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Old Colwyn was designed by James Braid.
Yes. Old Colwyn is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Old Colwyn is 34.
Old Colwyn plays 2,732 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Old Colwyn is 120.
Old Colwyn is a 9-hole course.



