Sink with precision, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for Merlin Golf Course
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
11
11 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
59
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
11
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
4
3 days , 5 days , 6 days , 7 days
Merlin Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for Merlin, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
Top Drills
Featured Drills for Merlin
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Putting Aid: Alignment Sticks, Ball Gate, 50 in a Row
Make 50 putts in a row from in between two alignment sticks and through the ball gate.
Sand Long
Hit two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the sand.
Driver | Around the Stick
Curve the ball around the alignment stick using using driver only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Sand | Perpendicular Ball Lines | 3 Landing Zones
Align a bucket of balls in the sand (avg. bucket is 40 balls) into 2 perpendicular lines 20 balls per line and hit-and-land sand shots inside landing zones. Count the number of successes.
Single Tee, 50 in a Row
Make 50 putts in a row.
Putting Aid: Alignment Mirror, 50 in a Row
Make 50 putts in a row using an alignment mirror.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about Merlin.
Contact Information
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
Giving lessons at Merlin Golf Course? Get featured here.
Facilities
Location
St. Eval Road, Mawgam Porth
Course Description
Mawgan Porth Golf Club is a hilltop heathland golf course on the North Cornish Coast between Newquay and Padstow. The course offers a gentle terrain with a challenge for lower handicaps, set against ocean views and windy conditions typical of the coast. The club emphasizes a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with on-site facilities including a patio, café options, a driving range, and a pro shop, and welcomes visitors and members alike. Located in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, it provides convenient access from the A30 and is close to Newquay Airport, with nearby dog-friendly policies on leads.
north cornish coast golf • heathland golf course • mawgan porth • coastal golf • tee time booking • driving range • golf course overview • newquay proximity golf • padstow golf • cornwall golf club • pro shop • garden coast golf • golfing holidays cornwall • ocean view golf • family friendly golf
Course Information
Holes
18
Par
71
Type
Links
Opened
1991
Google Reviews
Merlin Golf Course Social Media Presence
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Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for Merlin
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 11 Programs
% match to course practice profileSave par on approaches, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Save par on approaches, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedHit within 10 yards, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
12 Week Flagship Program for Merlin
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for Merlin. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 12 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Putting · 3 ft (1m) only
Sink All Short Putts
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 2.0
Short Game · Sand
Check your clubface: does it match your target?
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 25.0
Short Game · Pitch
Pitch 20–35 Yds From Fairway Or Rough
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 16.0
Short Game · Pitch
Pitch 20–35 Yds From Fairway Or Rough
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 16.0
Short Game · Sand
Sand 10–25 Yds
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 11.0
Driving Range · Woods (Hy,5W,3W)
3-Wood Dispersion Control For Beginners
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Mid irons (7,6,5)
Mid-Iron Distance Accuracy
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Driving Range · Wedges (LW,SW,GW,PW)
Reduce Wedge Misses
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Driving Range · Driver
Tighten up: reduce your driver spread to a minimum
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Reduce misses, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Save par consistently, for a 12-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Land 2-3 feet away, for a 12-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Feel the green, for a 26-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Control 3-wood dispersion, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Achieve distance accuracy, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Advanced accuracy, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Prepare for Tournaments at Merlin
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Merlin
Get answers to common questions about playing Merlin and what to expect.
How difficult is Merlin for mid-handicap golfers?
Merlin is regarded as a strategically complex layout. The 120 slope rating keeps it accessible for developing players. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 71.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at Merlin?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at Merlin?
With a course rating of 70 and par 71, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 71 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is Merlin and how does yardage affect play?
At a full length of 6500 yards, it balances distance with positional strategy.
What type of course is Merlin and how should I play it?
Architecturally, it reflects a Links style. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make Merlin strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
Nearby Courses
Practice Programs for Nearby Courses
Explore practice programs for courses near Merlin. These programs are designed to help you prepare for your next round.
Treloy Golf Club - Merlin Golf And Country Club
Mawgan Porth, CON
Newquay Golf Club - Newquay
Newquay, CON
Aldenham Golf & Country Club - Church
Watford, Hertfordshire
Aldenham Golf & Country Club - Village
Watford, Hertfordshire
St. Enodoc Golf Club - Holywell
Wadebridge, Cornwall
St. Enodoc Golf Club - Church
Wadebridge, Cornwall
The Point at Polzeath
Nr Polzeath, CON
Perranporth Golf Club - Perranporth
Perranporth, CON
St Kew Golf Club - St Kew
Bodmin, CON

