Saunton Golf Club
Devon, England
Overview
Saunton Golf Club is known across the globe as one of the UK’s finest traditional links clubs. The two courses, The East and The West, both comfortably sit within UK Top 100 rankings and are steeped in history, with golf played here since 1897. The West was added in 1935, and although both courses saw heavy training use during Word War II, slight tweaks to the designs by Frank Pennink and re-laid greens returned Saunton to its former glory.
The club is known primarily as a golfers’ destination, without the additional off-course luxuries which can be found at many resorts. However, as the club will say themselves, “only St Andrews has two higher-ranked links courses on-site”, and so if you’re looking for a bucket list links trip in the south of England, Saunton has you covered!
Golf courses at Saunton Golf Club
East Course
Running through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the East Course at Saunton Golf Club is more than 120 years old and is a real links test for any golfer. The course plays 6444 yards with eight par-4s, all of which are over 400 yards in length, this is sure to challenge even the best hitters. Onsite, you can find a fully stocked pro shop and bar/restaurant to make use of post-round. There are practice facilities, including a driving range and putting greens.
West Course
The great 6187 yard, par-71 West Course is an undulating link with the majority of holes weaving between the dunes. With clever bunkers and raised greens, it proves a stern test for any golfers. It is a thinker’s course with a number of dog-leg holes which require good negotiation for an accurate approach. There are some fantastic views off the raised tee boxes and the greens that are set amongst the dunes offer a very visually appealing sight.
Accommodation near Saunton Golf Club
The Barnstaple Hotel
A superb hotel in a great location for easy access to the top golf courses in Devon and the centre of Barnstaple. There is a bar and restaurant, as well as an indoor and outdoor pool. The perfect hotel for a Devon golf break or tour.
The Royal & Fortescue Hotel
An elegant hotel situated in the heart of Barnstaple, The Royal & Fortescue oozes class. With multiple facilities such as a lounge bar, a fine dining restaurant and free parking onsite, The Royal & Fortescue hotel ticks all the boxes.
