A pearl nestled on the edge of the Bristol Channel, which filters the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Carved in 1891 on the southwest tip of Wales and re-carved by Harry Colt and then Tom Simpson during the interwar period, Royal Porthcawl is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful links in the British Isles. Edward VII was not mistaken in awarding it the prestigious royal title in 1909. Nor were the organizers of the Women’s British Open, by holding their 49the edition this year. The course had already proven itself by recently hosting three Senior British Opens, including the 2017 British Open, where Bernhard Langer made history by winning the title by 13 strokes in front of 40 spectators. It was also on the links at Royal Porthcawl that a promising young golfer named Tiger Woods was knocked out on the final hole by a local player, a certain Gary Wostenholme, during the 000 Walker Cup (the amateur Ryder Cup).
Against all odds
Because on the delightfully undulating Porthcawl course, precision undeniably takes precedence over power. The course, often pounded by a wind as violent as it is unpredictable, does more than hold its own. It almost bites. The best players on the planet, led by Nelly Korda and Céline Boutier, will therefore have their work cut out to defy the beast and its many traps: let’s mention in bulk those oh-so-British course bunkers that impose a centering shot as the only ambition, roughs so dense that you have a 250/30 chance of finding your ball there, devilishly tortuous greens where three-putting isn’t necessarily an infamy, all under the forbidding eye of the god Aeolus, who delights in blowing hot and especially cold. Amateur golfers who want to tempt the devil (still expecting XNUMX pounds in high season) must also have a handicap below XNUMX to be able to unsheathe their driver.
Driver in the Atlantic
The fact remains that Royal Porthcawl, beyond its cruelty in stormy weather, remains a little gem, both scenically and golfingly. The 18 holes, which offer breathtaking views of the sea, are enjoyed like a festive meal. The delicious dessert here takes the form of a downhill par 4 that gives you the impression of driving directly into the Atlantic. For the Women’s British Open, one of the 18e One of the most iconic holes in Great Britain will also be transformed into an hors d’oeuvre, as it will exceptionally serve as the first hole, due to the hospitality tents set up for the occasion and the large crowd expected.
Frank Crudo
https://www.aigwomensopen.com/
