Since its foundation in 1894, the championship links of the Royal St. David's Golf Club has occupied the dune land between Harlech Castle and the sea.  Apart from the quality of the holes and the severity of the test, the views of the Snowdonia, Harlech Castle and, from the 16th tee, the Lleyn Peninsular across Tremadog Bay, place Harlech among the finest golfing experiences in Britain.  Most of the course is a SSSI and a profusion and variety of wild orchids is found in the rough in early summer.

The course itself is noted  for long and testing par fours  and five short holes, which vary in length and direction.  The last five holes form a loop through the dunes that provide a finish the equal of any.

Over the years the Club has played host to over 50 major championships and matches, including the Men's, Ladies' and Boys Home Internationals, the British Ladies', Youths, Boys and Senior Amateur Championships, the Welsh Amateur, Ladies' and Professional Championships, the Club Professionals Championship and the Wales Seniors Open.

The Honours Boards in the Clubhouse show the names of four Open Champions,
five Amateur Champions, an American Amateur Champion, a Masters Champion a
Canadian Ladies' Amateur Champion and countless English and Welsh Champions
of both sexes.