I recently played both on consecutive days and have listed a few thoughts below. A massive caveat as I have only played each one time, but I would give the slight edge to Porthcawl.
- Agree that the highs at Pennard are higher than at Porthcawl, and believe holes like 7 and 11 are quite original and special (although they have stuck a bunker in at the 11th greenside, which spoils the hole slightly)
- Pennard was a difficult walk - both in terms of the terrain, but also in terms of the green to tee transitions. I walk and carry every round throughout the year, and that was one of the most difficult walks I've had.
- I thought Porthcawl was great when categorised in that 'championship' venue discussion. What I mean is that, for me, courses like Hoylake, Lytham and Birkdale seemed to have been homogenised for The Open, and therefore, there isn't anything I would say is really unique to the world of golf, whereas at Porthcawl, I still thought there were fantastic holes and greens that you don't see on championship courses. Specifically, I am thinking of the 1st green, the approach at 2 and 3, the 5 green (severe back to front and pinched), the entire 10th hole, and 18 green. There is enough variety there to stimulate and excite.
- The 17th hole at Pennard is not great in its current form. The approach has no risk / reward balance that makes going for the green tempting. I don't mind the fairway narrowing towards the green, but the penalty is a lot ball in the bushes, and they have become too invasive throughout the hole. It needs to be cut back substantially. It could be a fine hole, but in it's current version, it's not great.
- The 7th at Pennard must be seen by all those who love golf architecture. Does anyone know if the green used to be approached from a different side? I love the current hole, but can't imagine anyone who would have built that green with the hole playing the way it does. If so, hats off - that is quite something!
On a 10 round split, it would be close, and I'd love to play both again and again. But I think I would give the edge to Porthcawl: 6-4.