Sean, clearly the membership contract you signed encourages positive reinforcement. I think I understand why you favor Pennard, which would be the same reason you love courses like NB and Prestwick I'm guessing.
I wish! In a nutshell, while I can still play and walk, I usually prefer courses with strong natural character. To me, Porthcawl has mostly holes which can be seen on any one of many courses...that is not the case for Pennard. Porthcawl is a course manufactured on the land whereas Pennard is of the land. All the humps and hollows which folks profess to love about TOC are present at Pennard....and there is elevation change to boot. I like Porthcawl as well, but it doesn't possess the characteristics which wow me. Its more of a modern style links which is very good, but somewhat bland here and there. Though I can understand the issues with Pennard's conditioning...it has to take a knock and this is only my only reservation about the course. As I say, from a design/terrain perspective, it knocks Porthcawl into touch.
I did the matchplay test and its a blowout!
1. P...the terrain is far better than RP
2. RP by default
3. RP
4. P...I will always go for the cool 5 over a 3
5. P...very good 3 compared to a runway par 5 slogging uphil
6. P...superb par 4 compared to another runway fairway
7. P...not discussion necessary
8. P...yet another stunning hole over great land with a cool green VS a dullish 5
9. Half...both excellent holes
10. Half...both very good
11. P...awesome par 3..RP's is good as well, but far more conventional
12. P...by default...RP's 5 is dull
13. Half
14. Half...both very good holes
15. RP...great par 4 of distinction
16. P...nod goes to the par 5 of two very good holes
17. Half...P's 5 is a bit too wild, but RP's 5 is a bit too dull...again
18. P...much the more interesting drive and approach
Pennard...just like soda.
Ciao