Saunton (West)

Saunton (West)

Nearby Courses

25 miles away

Saunton (East)

20 miles away

Royal North Devon

22 miles away

Bude & North Cornwall

Formed in 1897, Saunton Golf Club was originally a nine hole course that was extended to 12 holes by 1906 and to 18 holes in 1908. After a successful few decades, which included exhibition matches with stars including Harry Vardon, John Henry Taylor, James Braid and Henry Cotton, architect Herbert Fowler was recalled to create the West Course in 1935. However, in 1939 the Second World War ‘interrupted play' and the courses and clubhouse were occupied by the military until 1951. After the war period the Saunton West Course was re-designed by Frank Pennink and re-opened in 1974.

Further work was required to bring the standard of the greens up to those of the outstanding East course and they were all re-laid in 1987 and 1988.
The closing holes are the highlight of the round, with a pair of stunning 190-yard par 3s at 16 and 18, one from the top of a hill and the other where a two-shot swing can decide a match.

Since then it has hosted a large number of prestigious events, including the 1997 British Boys Championship that was won by a young Sergio Garcia.

The only club that can boast a better pair of seaside links than Saunton East and Saunton West is St Andrews.

On the West Course, the opening hole is played through two towering dunes, but after this the layout becomes less imposing and a more subtle links game comes to the fore.

Elevation changes are common on the 6,403-yard par-71 layout and of course, small bunkers dictate strategy off the tee. A number of streams and doglegs also mean that good course management is vital.

The closing holes are the highlight of the round, with a pair of stunning 190-yard par 3s at 16 and 18, one from the top of a hill and the other where a two-shot swing can decide a match.

The West course is slightly shorter than the East but hazards dotted all over the place means it provides a sound test. After 36 holes on these two courses, relax in the Clubhouse, where full bar and catering facilities are available, or weather permitting, sit on the patio and enjoy watching fellow golfers on the 18th green.