South West England
The counties of Cornwall & Devon in Englands South West are a bit off the beaten track for some travellers. Picturesque villages, stunning scenery, beautiful coastal walks are just part of the experience. But for those who venture down south, they are in for a golfing treat.
Cornwall
Located in Cornwall just across the river Camel in the village of Rock, St Enodoc Golf Club is home to one Englands finest courses. The Church course is one of James Braid's masterpieces and a must play! About an hour down the coast is Trevose Golf Club with its wonderful 18 championship course, 9 hole Headland course and a challenging Short course to keep you occupied. Even further south are the links of Perranporth, Mullion and West Cornwall that offer superb views and fabulous golf. Trevose also has first rate lodge style accommodation.
Devon
In Devon you'll find the 36 holes of the East & West courses at Saunton that provide a classic links experience. Just down the coast you'll find what has been called the cradle of English golf Royal North Devon or as sometimes known Westward Ho! Golf has been played here continually since 1864 making it the oldest course in England still in play. Ilfracombe Golf Club is a clifftop course that doesn't get much attention but is a real hidden gem.
The Brend Hotel group has several very nice hotels in Devon including the Barnstaple, The Royal and the Saunton Sands Hotels.
Due to the temperate climate it is possible to play golf year round. Cornwall is home to some beautiful villages such as Padstow and St Ives, the former being home to the famous Rick Steins seafood restaurant. Along side good golf Cornwall is famous for stunning scenery, rich culture and reputation for gastronomy.
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Course Profiles
Royal North Devon Golf Club
Royal North Devon at Westward Ho! is the oldest golf course in England and dates back to 1864. A club steeped in history RND is known for its wonderful firm running links golf and with it tipping out at over 7000 yards from the back tees the course is a stern test especially when a stiff breeze gets up. The best holes are as follows: Hole 4 is famous for its cape bunker (see photo) and devilish green complex. Hole 5 is a short par three played up to a green which is well protect with bunkers. Hole 6 is the legendary crumbled fairway which doesn't offer many flat lies. Be sure to visit the museum in the club house with its wide assortment of hickory clubs and memorabiliaSt Enodoc Golf Club
St Enodoc Golf Club is located in North Cornwall just across the Camel Estuary from the lovely village of Padstow. Golf was first played at St Enodoc in 1888 with the club officially being formed two years later. In 1907 James Braid was brought in to lay out an 18 hole course which is essentially the one played today. The majority of the Church course as it is known is played through links terrain with a section which is more parkland in style. There are many wonderful holes but the highlights are the down hill 3rd hole with a road and a stone wall across the fairway. The 4th with its mini version of the 'Road hole'. The famous 6th hole with its massive himalaya bunker making the second shot blind. The tough par four 10th hole with the 11th century church behind the green, from which the course is named. There follows the amazing 14th green which is too be seen to be believed. And lastly the recently extended par five 16th which runs along a ridge of sand dunes overlooking the estuary. All in all one of the best golfing experiences in not only in the UK but in the world.Trevose Golf Club
Southerndown is unique. Nature has crafted an unusual ‘limestone-heath’ on which we play our golf. The massive limestone outcrop, which rises over 70 metres from the sea and gives us such superb views, accounts for the course’s free drainage; the overlying soil supports acid-loving heathland vegetation such as heather, bracken and gorse; and the westerly winds have deposited centuries of sand to give the front eight holes a springy, links-style character.Saunton Golf Club
The land at Saunton Burrows has hosted golf since 1897 and given us today’s premier golf course in the West Country since Herbert Fowler (famed designer of Walton Heath, The Berkshire, and Delamere Forest to name just a few) created the East course in the 1920s. This venue has been used ever since for major amateur championships, notably the 1937 English Amateur when Frank Pennink was victorious.Perranporth Golf Club
Designed by James Braid in 1927 Perranporth Golf Club remains virtually untouched from its from its original form. Set high on the hill on sandy ground the course commands great views over the village and beach of the same name. Known for its blind shots and wild landscape the course is not for the faint hearted.West Cornwall Golf Club
West Cornwall Golf Club was founded in 1889 which makes it the oldest club in Cornwall. The course looks out over St Ives Bay and further afield the Atlantic Ocean which provides beautiful views. The course itself is par 69 but provides a wonderful links golf experience with some quirky features which offers a fun time for any visitor.Mullion Golf Club
Just a few miles from the most Southerly point on the British mainland, Mullion Golf Course epitomises the best of playing golf in Cornwall. The far reaching views from the Towans above the cliffs are magnificent. Lamorna and Mousehole can be seen across the ever changing seas of Mounts Bay and the familiar sight of St Michael’s Mount is viewed from a different angle from the cliff top tees. The fine scenery and views continue down to the links holes running towards the beach and Gunwalloe church.-
Royal North Devon Golf Club
Royal North Devon at Westward Ho! is the oldest golf course in England and dates back to 1864. A club steeped in history RND is known for its wonderful firm running links golf and with it tipping out at over 7000 yards from the back tees the course is a stern test especially when a stiff breeze gets up. The best holes are as follows: Hole 4 is famous for its cape bunker (see photo) and devilish green complex. Hole 5 is a short par three played up to a green which is well protect with bunkers. Hole 6 is the legendary crumbled fairway which doesn't offer many flat lies. Be sure to visit the museum in the club house with its wide assortment of hickory clubs and memorabilia -
St Enodoc Golf Club
St Enodoc Golf Club is located in North Cornwall just across the Camel Estuary from the lovely village of Padstow. Golf was first played at St Enodoc in 1888 with the club officially being formed two years later. In 1907 James Braid was brought in to lay out an 18 hole course which is essentially the one played today. The majority of the Church course as it is known is played through links terrain with a section which is more parkland in style. There are many wonderful holes but the highlights are the down hill 3rd hole with a road and a stone wall across the fairway. The 4th with its mini version of the 'Road hole'. The famous 6th hole with its massive himalaya bunker making the second shot blind. The tough par four 10th hole with the 11th century church behind the green, from which the course is named. There follows the amazing 14th green which is too be seen to be believed. And lastly the recently extended par five 16th which runs along a ridge of sand dunes overlooking the estuary. All in all one of the best golfing experiences in not only in the UK but in the world. -
Trevose Golf Club
Southerndown is unique. Nature has crafted an unusual ‘limestone-heath’ on which we play our golf. The massive limestone outcrop, which rises over 70 metres from the sea and gives us such superb views, accounts for the course’s free drainage; the overlying soil supports acid-loving heathland vegetation such as heather, bracken and gorse; and the westerly winds have deposited centuries of sand to give the front eight holes a springy, links-style character. -
Saunton Golf Club
The land at Saunton Burrows has hosted golf since 1897 and given us today’s premier golf course in the West Country since Herbert Fowler (famed designer of Walton Heath, The Berkshire, and Delamere Forest to name just a few) created the East course in the 1920s. This venue has been used ever since for major amateur championships, notably the 1937 English Amateur when Frank Pennink was victorious. -
Perranporth Golf Club
Designed by James Braid in 1927 Perranporth Golf Club remains virtually untouched from its from its original form. Set high on the hill on sandy ground the course commands great views over the village and beach of the same name. Known for its blind shots and wild landscape the course is not for the faint hearted. -
West Cornwall Golf Club
West Cornwall Golf Club was founded in 1889 which makes it the oldest club in Cornwall. The course looks out over St Ives Bay and further afield the Atlantic Ocean which provides beautiful views. The course itself is par 69 but provides a wonderful links golf experience with some quirky features which offers a fun time for any visitor. -
Mullion Golf Club
Just a few miles from the most Southerly point on the British mainland, Mullion Golf Course epitomises the best of playing golf in Cornwall. The far reaching views from the Towans above the cliffs are magnificent. Lamorna and Mousehole can be seen across the ever changing seas of Mounts Bay and the familiar sight of St Michael’s Mount is viewed from a different angle from the cliff top tees. The fine scenery and views continue down to the links holes running towards the beach and Gunwalloe church.
Accommodation Cornwell & Devon
St Enodoc Hotel
The St Enodoc is a privately owned Cornish boutique Hotel in an exquisite hideaway with sweeping views over the Camel Estuary, Rock. Originally built in 1924 as a private house, St Enodoc was transformed in 1999 into one of Cornwall’s first seaside-chic boutique hotels. It’s a modern coastal retreat flooded with light, delivering a fresh and contemporary style with an emphasis on brightly coloured furnishings and fabrics.The Royal Hotel, Bideford
Welcome to Bideford’s finest hotel. Standing proudly by Bideford Bridge, and with glorious views over the River Torridge, this unique luxury hotel has a history dating back to the golden age of the 17th century when Bideford was the busiest port in North Devon. Today this hotel oozes charm and character whilst offering you fabulous comfort and exceptional cuisine.The Royal & Fortescue Hotel,Barnstaple
The Royal & Fortescue is an astonishingly charming luxury hotel situated at the head of Barnstaple’s historic High Street. Steeped in history, this elegant Georgian hotel offers stylish accommodation and a vibrant convivial atmosphere. With two restaurants to choose from, as well as a gorgeous lounge bar and sleek new cocktail bar, there’s nowhere better to unwind.The Barnstaple Hotel,Barnstaple
We’re The Barnstaple Hotel - a luxurious accommodation provider that is both corporate and family friendly. We invite you to escape with us and join our welcoming staff who will provide a first rate service, excellent fine dining, rooms you’ll want to return to time after time, and the best leisure facilities in North Devon. The spectacular Barnstaple Leisure Club is right on site so you can feel both pampered energised when staying with us. Plus, we’re the closest Barnstaple hotel to the fabulous golden sands of Croyde, Saunton and Woolacombe, whilst North Devon's famous cycleway - The Tarka Trail - is just moments from the front door, perfect for exploring the area.Trevose Hotel
Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves, sea gulls singing and the cleansing scent of fresh Cornish sea air. With state of the art fit outs every effort has been made to ensure our accommodation will provide you with a comfortable and relaxing stay. Catering for groups of between 2 to 6 persons, we have a range of accommodation types to suit all budgets.-
St Enodoc Hotel
The St Enodoc is a privately owned Cornish boutique Hotel in an exquisite hideaway with sweeping views over the Camel Estuary, Rock. Originally built in 1924 as a private house, St Enodoc was transformed in 1999 into one of Cornwall’s first seaside-chic boutique hotels. It’s a modern coastal retreat flooded with light, delivering a fresh and contemporary style with an emphasis on brightly coloured furnishings and fabrics. -
The Royal Hotel, Bideford
Welcome to Bideford’s finest hotel. Standing proudly by Bideford Bridge, and with glorious views over the River Torridge, this unique luxury hotel has a history dating back to the golden age of the 17th century when Bideford was the busiest port in North Devon. Today this hotel oozes charm and character whilst offering you fabulous comfort and exceptional cuisine. -
The Royal & Fortescue Hotel,Barnstaple
The Royal & Fortescue is an astonishingly charming luxury hotel situated at the head of Barnstaple’s historic High Street. Steeped in history, this elegant Georgian hotel offers stylish accommodation and a vibrant convivial atmosphere. With two restaurants to choose from, as well as a gorgeous lounge bar and sleek new cocktail bar, there’s nowhere better to unwind. -
The Barnstaple Hotel,Barnstaple
We’re The Barnstaple Hotel - a luxurious accommodation provider that is both corporate and family friendly. We invite you to escape with us and join our welcoming staff who will provide a first rate service, excellent fine dining, rooms you’ll want to return to time after time, and the best leisure facilities in North Devon. The spectacular Barnstaple Leisure Club is right on site so you can feel both pampered energised when staying with us. Plus, we’re the closest Barnstaple hotel to the fabulous golden sands of Croyde, Saunton and Woolacombe, whilst North Devon's famous cycleway - The Tarka Trail - is just moments from the front door, perfect for exploring the area. -
Trevose Hotel
Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves, sea gulls singing and the cleansing scent of fresh Cornish sea air. With state of the art fit outs every effort has been made to ensure our accommodation will provide you with a comfortable and relaxing stay. Catering for groups of between 2 to 6 persons, we have a range of accommodation types to suit all budgets.