As a passionate Welshman - and a proud “girl dad” - seeing the AIG Women’s Open arrive at Royal Porthcawl this week feels extra special. Growing up in South Wales, Royal Porthcawl has always been the pinnacle of golf in Wales. Now, the world’s best female golfers are about to discover that it stands shoulder to shoulder with the best golf courses anywhere.
This isn’t the first time Wales’s premier golf course has hosted a major event. Royal Porthcawl has previously staged the Walker Cup (where a young Tiger Woods once teed it up) and three Senior Open Championships. But this Women’s Open feels bigger - and more significant - not just for Welsh golf, but for the growth of the women’s game overall.
The Players to Watch
This year’s field promises world-class drama. The defending champion, Lydia Ko, returns looking to go back-to-back after her impressive win last year. She’ll be joined by big names like Nelly Korda, fresh off a stellar season and always a threat when her putter heats up, and Celine Boutier, whose calm links game makes her one to watch if the wind picks up.
Keep an eye on Charley Hull too - the English star is hungry for a major breakthrough and would love nothing more than to lift the trophy close to home. With such depth in the field, this year’s Women’s Open could deliver one of the most competitive finishes yet.
Royal Porthcawl: A True Links Test
I’ve been fortunate enough to play Royal Porthcawl many times over the years, and each visit reminds me how lucky we are to have such an outstanding links course here in Wales - a nation that often feels like the underdog in golf. When people think of iconic links golf, they usually picture Scotland, England or Ireland first. But hand on heart, Royal Porthcawl goes toe to toe with the very best.
Like any proper links, the wind plays a huge part in the challenge. If it’s into your face on the first tee, just surviving the opening three holes can feel like an achievement in itself. Over the years, I’ve noticed how the course has continued to evolve and elevate. It has always presented well, but the attention to detail now is another level - from immaculate fairways to perfectly conditioned greens, it’s in fantastic shape to test the best in the world this week.
The Clubhouse: History and Hospitality
I’m not usually one for “stuffy” golf clubs - the kind where a visitor feels more tolerated than welcomed - but Royal Porthcawl strikes the right balance. Steeped in history, the clubhouse feels like an immaculate classic car: traditional, timeless, but never tired or dated.
Inside, the bar and lounge offer panoramic views over the sea - the perfect place to relive a round, share a few stories, and enjoy a well-earned meal. And if you fancy it, the wine list is worth exploring too.
A Proud Moment for Welsh Golf
As the world’s best women take on Royal Porthcawl this week, they’ll face the full test of true links golf - swirling winds, firm fairways, and punishing rough. But they’ll also experience what makes Welsh golf so special: warm hospitality, passionate fans, and a course that deserves its place on the global stage.
For Welsh golf fans - and especially for all the young girls dreaming of picking up a club - this AIG Women’s Open is a moment to savour. Here’s to a week of world-class golf in Wales.
