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About Us

A Rich Heritage, A Timeless Experience

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of South Wales, Glynneath Golf Club has a history as captivating as the course itself. Founded in 1931 by a group of passionate professionals, the club began its journey with a spark of enthusiasm and a vision to create a golfing sanctuary. The search for a suitable location wasn't without its challenges—the original site near the Angel Hotel in Pontneathvaughan was deemed unsuitable due to a farmer's refusal to allow play on Sundays. However, perseverance led to the discovery of Penygraig Farm, where the club found its home on several acres of land rented for just £30 a year.

On May 5th, 1931, a pivotal meeting at the offices of the local paper, The Star, marked the official formation of Glynneath Golf Club. The founders, armed with determination, transformed the rugged terrain into a course that still echoes their dedication today. Some of the original holes, crafted with ingenuity, are still in play, bearing witness to the club's storied past. In its early years, it became a tradition for each captain to add a new hole during their tenure, ensuring the course's continuous evolution.

The club officially opened its doors on August 25th, 1932, with Mrs. Mary Jeffries ceremoniously driving the first ball. The clubhouse, a humble corrugated zinc structure, quickly became a gathering place for members. With a barrel of beer brought up from the village and a "tortoise" stove providing warmth, the clubhouse was as much about camaraderie as it was about golf. Sunday competitions were followed by the arrival of a food hamper from a local grocer, adding to the club’s unique charm.

By the end of 1931, Glynneath Golf Club had 27 gentlemen and 12 lady members, with fees set at 2 guineas and 1 guinea respectively. Membership was selective, a tradition that continued for many years, contributing to the club's close-knit community. The club's first secretary, David Thomas, was a respected local figure who helped shape the early years of the club. His legacy was carried on by subsequent secretaries, including Jack Hamer, who later became President, and Glyn Rees and Rhodri Ellis, both of whom were honoured as Life Members.

The care and development of the course were entrusted to dedicated greenkeepers like Lab Diplock, who served for over 30 years, and his son Jesse. Their commitment to maintaining the course's natural beauty was paralleled by others like Idwal Morris, who went on to become Club Captain and Seniors' Captain.

In 1973, the club took a significant step forward by purchasing the 92 acres of land it occupied, allowing for the construction of a new clubhouse. Although some members missed the charm of the original, the new clubhouse, opened by Miss Sybil Powell, the Ladies President and longest-serving member, on September 30th, 1978, marked a new era for Glynneath Golf Club.

That same year, work began on expanding the course to 18 holes. The architects lauded the course’s natural beauty, emphasising that while the new course might not be lengthy, its charm and challenges were undeniable. The addition of the new holes only enhanced what was already a golfer’s paradise.

Roll on to the early 2000s and the course was to see some significant improvements yet again. The Club had successfully acquired a sizeable section of land adjoining the former 4th hole, and this land would go on to host four new holes - often referred to as "the new holes" or "the top holes". These are our current holes 4 to 7, which improved not only the playing experience of the course, but also introduced some fantastic panoramic views down the Vale of Neath and across the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Glynneath Golf Club is also proud to host the Max Boyce Classic, a prestigious event that has attracted many stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment over the years. With Max Boyce himself serving as the current President, the club continues to blend tradition with modernity, offering an exceptional golfing experience in truly tranquil surroundings.

Join us at Glynneath Golf Club—where history meets the fairways, and every round is a walk through time.