Machynys Golf

Machynys Peninsula Golf and Country Club, known as Monk's Island, is an 18-hole links-style championship course located near Llanelli in Carmarthenshire, Wales, situated within the Millennium Coastal Park between Llanelli and Swansea. The course was designed by Gary Nicklaus, acting on behalf of his father Jack Nicklaus, and opened in 2005, making it the first Nicklaus Design course to be built in Wales. It measures 7,121 yards from the back tees and plays to a par of 72, with a standard scratch score of 74 from the tournament tees, reflecting its considerable difficulty.

The layout is routed across the Machynys Peninsula beside Carmarthen Bay, with views across to the Gower Peninsula. The front nine has a more parkland character while the back nine takes on a truer links feel closer to the water. The construction involved the creation of around 25 acres of lakes, both salt and freshwater, which come into play on numerous holes. Up to five tee positions per hole are offered, making the course accessible to a range of handicap levels despite its championship length. Half the site has been preserved as wild habitat, supporting a variety of birds, plants, and insects.

Among the most notable holes are the par-four 16th, which plays across a lake directly behind the clubhouse with views across the bay, and the par-four 4th, which Gary Nicklaus has described as one of the most demanding on the course despite its shorter length. The club has hosted over a dozen championships since opening, including two R&A events, four Ladies European Tour Championship of Europe events, and has been used as an Open Championship qualifying venue. In 2025 it was selected to host the PGA Club Professionals Championship.