Royal Porthcawl becomes the epicentre of world golf this week with the hosting of the AIG Women’s Open 2025. The prestigious Welsh links welcomes the best players on the planet with a course that, according to the weather forecast and the analysis of those who know the course firsthand, promises to be one of the most demanding tests of the year. Wind, rain, and a long and complex layout combine to offer one of the purest and toughest challenges on the calendar. A true battle where survival will be more important than shining.
One of those who knows the secrets of the course best is Alejandro Larrazábal. The Spaniard, winner of the British Amateur at Royal Porthcawl back in 2002, returns this week to the Welsh course as the coach and caddie of amateur Paula Martín, one of the great promises of Spanish golf. His analysis of the course leaves no doubt: “It’s going to be a very tough test. The course is quite long and complicated. Here, there’s always a west wind blowing, the one coming from the Atlantic, so the conditions are strong and fierce.”
In terms of distance, the course measures 6750 yards, the same as Erin Hills, the course where this year’s US Open was played. It’s true that it doesn’t have the rough that defended the American course, but it has a weather element that can be just as crucial.
The wind is decisive at Royal Porthcawl, “it’s the great defence of the course,” adds Carlota Ciganda. It is expected to blow at a medium-high intensity throughout Thursday, with an average of 20-25 kilometres per hour. It’s not trivial. “It’s very difficult to have a calm day. It’s always the same west wind, and that completely conditions the strategy. There are holes that are always played against or crosswind from the left, making them extremely tough,” explains the Spanish coach. In this regard, he identifies two key stretches, holes 1 to 5 and holes 14 to 17. “The beginning and the end are devastating. If you manage to get through there alive, you’ve already done a lot.” The first four holes, in particular, are played with a headwind, making them even longer. The demand is going to be maximum.
In this edition, the course has undergone a slight logistical adjustment. A change that doesn’t alter the essence of the course but significantly modifies the sequence of play. “All the holes have been shifted. What is now the 1st was the 18th before, and for me, it’s the most emblematic of the course. Playing against the ocean, with all that it implies, made it very special. Now, opening with it will also be a huge challenge.” The pity perhaps is that the final hole is a reachable par five that doesn’t match the course’s demands. It will also provide opportunities to see eagle attempts. Additionally, the 9th hole, a par four on occasions, has become a par five.
Royal Porthcawl combines extremely demanding holes with a somewhat more benign intermediate stretch. “After the 5th hole, there’s a breather. There you have clearer birdie opportunities. You need to gain momentum because you know that 14 to 17 await you at the end to test you again. That’s why it’s so important to minimise damage on the key holes. If you get through the first five and those last four with minimal damage, you can achieve a good result,” assures the coach.
Specifically, the first four are extremely demanding as they are played against the wind. The most difficult stretches don’t feature any par fives, which are where the greatest advantage can be gained on the course.
The course conditions are optimal, it’s perfect with the fairways somewhat firm in ideal links conditions. The greens aren’t particularly fast for now, but if the wind blows as usual, at 25 miles per hour or more, they don’t need to be faster. “The course defends itself,” Larry points out.
The weather forecast points to intermittent rain on Thursday, especially in the afternoon, and constant wind throughout the week. “You have to be prepared for everything. The weather here is unpredictable, and you have to know how to adapt on the fly. You have to come mentally very strong,” he emphasises. Patience and composure. Anyone who gets frustrated is out of the tournament, as is the case with any links course.
Paula Martín and Carlota Ciganda also agree that the greens are another major headache on the course and that it often pays to play to the centre of the green and avoid complications. They are very undulating, and “missing on the sides means getting into a lot of trouble.”
Nelly Korda also highlighted how precise you have to be from the tee. In fact, she emphasised that you have to leave the driver in the bag more than she would like as it could get you into serious trouble. At least on the 2nd, 7th, and 17th, you’ll have to play more conservatively, even if that requires a longer second shot.
With players like Lottie Woad in top form, Nelly Korda seeking her first Women’s Open, and a long list of contenders, Royal Porthcawl presents itself as the ideal judge to decide the champion of the last major of the year. A course that gives nothing away, that demands everything. The spectacle is guaranteed.
