North Wales

Thousands of people flock to the north of Wales each year to soak up the atmosphere and to play one of over 50 courses in the area.

Abersoch Golf Club is a hidden gem, nestled in sand dunes and features a signature 246-yard par 3, 3rd hole with elevated tee and panoramic views requiring an accurate drive over both gorse and a water hazard to a sloping green.

A day ticket costs from £35 to £38 on weekdays and weekends respectively.

Why not make a weekend of it, as the 'Welsh Riviera' boasts hotels, bars and restaurants galore. The Porth Tocyn Country Hotel or Llysfor Guest House are both recommended by the club, which can be accessed on the A497 from Porthmadog to Pwllheli or the A499 from Caernarfon to Pwllheli, continue on the A499 for about 6 miles to Abersoch.

Chirk Golf Club's par five ninth at 664-yards is one of the longest holes in Europe, so if you get a birdie make sure you let the locals know as you'll likely be one of few. Overlooked by Chirk Castle, and set in over 200 acres of countryside, it really is a breathtaking course.

Green fees will set you back £25 during the week, and £30 during the weekend. Chirk Golf Course ideally located near the A5 from Bangor or the M6.

Central Wales

Central Wales is a vast area, which offers a classic variety of golfing test and you can enjoy some superb scenery at the same time.

Aberystwyth is, of course, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK and is home to one of Wales' finest golf courses, Aberystwyth Golf Club, designed by the legendary six times Open Champion, Harry Vardon. Couse fees are £30 to £35 for weekdays and weekends respectively. It can be accessed from the A44 to Aberystwyth.

The club recommends The Glengower Hotel, which offers clean accommodation at affordable prices.

Llanymynech Golf Club is Europe's only dual nationality course. You can play one round of golf in two separate countries, courtesy of Offa's Dyke running through the course. On the 4th hole you tee off in Wales and putt out in England. The 5th and 6th hole remain in England before you are cordially welcomed back into Wales on the 7th tee.

Prices are a little steeper:

• Monday £30 per round; £40 per day
• Tuesday to Friday £35 per round; £45 per day
• Weekends/Bank Holidays (Subject to availability) £45 per round

The club recommends Rhandregywen Hall, Llangollen Breaks or Le-grobarns as excellent accommodation, and is reachable on the A5 from Shrewsbury.

South Wales

Visitors to the area are simply spoilt for choice, as is clearly illustrated by the fact that in and immediately around Cardiff alone there are no less than 18 courses.

Take a short drive from the Capital and you will find Royal Porthcawl, rightly regarded as one of the best links courses in the world, while other gems in the region include Southerndown, Pyle & Kenfig, Marriott St Pierre and Clyne, the latter providing some stunning views of Swansea Bay.

Royal Porthcawl has been described as being one of the twelve finest courses in the world. The course has a magnificent setting sloping down to the seashore. The absence of sand hills usually found on links courses enables the golfer to see the sea from every hole and to enjoy memorable views south to Somerset and Exmoor, and northwest across Swansea Bay to the Gower Peninsula.

The 2011-12 winter green fee rates, from 1 Nov 2011 to 31 Mar 2012 are as follows: the midweek green fee is £55. There is also a midweek 36 hole and dormy house package available for £140.

Royal Porthcawl overlooks the Bristol Channel on the Glamorgan Coast between Cardiff and Swansea, and can be accessed from the M4, junction 37.

Clyne Golf Club is the UKs first designated area of outstanding natural beauty. The course is laid out on the high ground of Clyne Common about three to four hundred feet above sea level.

Green fees are £40 for weekdays and £50 for weekends.

Reduced green fees can also be obtained by booking a package with the following local hotels, all of which are recommended by the golf club:

• The Dragon Hotel, in Swansea City Centre
• The Village Hotel, Fabian Way, Swansea
• The Winston Hotel, in Bishopston, Gower
• Fairways Bed and Breakfast, in Mayals, Swansea