Royal Porthcawl Golf Club sits on the cliffs immediately north of Rest Bay, its 18-hole links wrapping along the Bristol Channel with the sea visible from every hole. Founded in 1891 and granted royal patronage in 1909, it is widely considered the best links course in Wales and a regular host of major amateur and senior championships.
Green fees are at championship-course levels. Booking is essential and members get strong preference; tee times for visitors are limited and concentrated outside peak season. Even if you don't play, the cliff path runs above the course and gives a free view of the holes along the sea — particularly dramatic in a south-westerly when waves break against the rocks below.