Rhos-on-Sea Golf Course, Glan-y-Mor Road, Penrhyn Bay,
Constructed on 120 acres of what was previously Rhyd Farm, the Rhos-on-Sea course is one it the oldest in Wales. About 1898 William Horton, JP. The owner of the farmland, Invited Henry Goldsmithto develop a seaside golf course. Goldsmith was responsible for the original layout of the course and for alterations and extension to Rhyd Farm to form a clubhouse. He spent an estimated £2,000 of his own money on the scheme and remained proprietor.
In 1934 Mr J Simpson of Simpson & Co. Golf Architects Ltd. were commissioned to redesign the course and the current layout is based upon their plans and drawings.
NEW GOLF CLUB, AT RHOS -ON-SEA. The Rhos-on-Sea Golf CIub's links are formally opened for play but they are not quite in playing condition although the professional expects them to be in a fit condition in a few days. The course is a full one of eighteen holes, over pasture land laid down many years ago. Splendid turf is found throughout. All the putting greens are good and large and are well protected with hazards. The first tee is within thirty yards of the clubhouse, and the whole course is a little over three miles in length. It runs in tangents over the vale lying between the Little Orme Head and the hill on which Llandrillo Church stands, its north-eastern boundary being the breakwater on the shore, and the southwestern boundary the new road to Llandudno. The valley extends right across the peninsular to Deganwy, and beyond it are seen the Carnarvonshire mountains just now snow- clad. On the right hand the Little Orme and its continuations inland, with the hill-top village of Penrhynside and, further on, the ancient mansion of Gloddaeth form picturesque features in the landscape and on the left rise the heights of Pydew, at the foot of which lies the pretty hamlet of Felynwynt.
Altogether the situation, from its views and its breasiness, is a fine one. Some of the land on the links is rather slow, and is sodden, in wet weather, but the course follows the higher parts. Where necessary the land has been or will be drained and-the shallow depressions will of course, add to the character of the round. The clubhouses is about five minutes from Rhos-on-Sea pier. Originally a farmhouse the building has been converted into the club quarters, with a cottage for the professional. The farm building with suitable alterations, give stabling and clubhouse accommodation. A new wing added to the house contains a dining-room, smokeroom, and two ladies' rooms. The views from the clubhouse include the Bay of Colwyn, the coast down to Rhyl also the whole of the links so that with field glasses the positions of players may be readily seen at any moment. The proposed Llandudno and Colwyn Bay light railway will pass within a few yards of the clubhouse and thence along the embankment between the links and the shore. To Llandudno railway station the distance is three miles, and to Colwyn Bay railway station it is a mile and a half. No footpaths cross the course, which will be reserved for the members of the club and their guests. Sunday play will not be objected to. Mr. Goldsmith, architect Manchester, on behalf of the club, has acquired the links from the ground landlord, Mr. Horton; Mr. H. Handy of the Rhos Abbey Hotel, is the secretary; and Mr. A. Stuart, late of Conway, is the professional. [Llandudno Advertiser 5 January 1900 page 4]
The Club House contains Ladies' and Gentlemen's Club Rooms, Dressing Rooms, Dining Room, Bedrooms, all handsomely fitted up and furnished. There is also good stabling and a bicycle house. The Club House stands on the sea front at the corner of the Marine Drive and Abbey Road, Rhos-on-Sea, one mile and a half from Colwyn Bay Railway Station, five- minutes’ walk from Rhos Pier and about a mile from Llandudno (Craigside Hydro). The Club Rooms are provided with all golfing and local papers, stationery and other matters for the convenience of members. [Weekly News for Colwyn Bay 1 February 1901 page 4