North Devon Golf trip

Royal North Devon Golf Club

A historic treasure on the North Devon coast

Royal North Devon Golf Club, founded in 1864, is the oldest golf club in England. Set along the coast of North Devon near the village of Westward Ho!, the course is still widely known by its original name. Playing here feels like stepping directly into the origins of the game.

Golf as it once was

This is links golf in its purest, most unfiltered form. The course lies on open common land, without fences or strict boundaries. Sheep graze freely across the fairways, contributing not only to the atmosphere but also to the natural maintenance of the turf. Wind, firm ground, and natural contours define everything—modern intervention plays almost no role.

Character, challenge & simplicity

Royal North Devon demands creativity and adaptability rather than power. The layout may appear simple, but it is tactically demanding due to constant wind, subtle greens, and the absence of artificial guidance. This is golf played with the land, not against it.

A clubhouse as a living museum

The clubhouse itself is a destination—a living museum filled with memorabilia, portraits, and artefacts spanning more than 150 years of golfing history. Every room reflects tradition and storytelling, reinforcing that Royal North Devon is more than a course—it is a historic landmark.

Royal North Devon (Westward Ho!) is not about spectacle, but about authenticity and soul. For the purist, it is not optional—it is a pilgrimage to the origins of the game.

Saunton Golf Club (East & West Courses)

Authentic links golf in North Devon

Saunton Golf Club offers one of England’s most classic links experiences. Located on the coast of North Devon, near Braunton and close to Barnstaple, the club sits within the vast dune system of Braunton Burrows. It features two full championship links—the East and West Courses—both shaped entirely by sand, wind, and space.

Historical significance

Founded in 1897, Saunton holds an important place in English golf history. The courses were designed with maximum respect for the natural terrain and remain among the purest expressions of traditional links architecture in the country. Over the years, Saunton has welcomed top golfers and built a reputation that extends far beyond Devon.

Strategic design & playing style

Both the East and West Courses demand strategy, creativity, and control. Rolling fairways, firm turf, and well-placed bunkers ensure that positioning outweighs power. The ever-present coastal wind adds constant variation, requiring golfers to adapt throughout the round.

Ilfracombe Golf Club

Authentic cliff-top golf

Ilfracombe Golf Club, founded in 1892, is one of those rare English courses that remains completely faithful to the game’s original character. Set along the rugged coastline of Devon, the course delivers an honest and unpolished golfing experience, far removed from the busier and more commercial golf destinations.

Playing style and character

Ilfracombe is a true cliff-top course where wind, elevation changes, and natural contours dictate the game. The layout rewards creativity and strategic thinking, with holes that constantly shift in character. Narrow fairways, natural rough, and straightforward greens create a genuine test without artificial features or modern excess.

A unique atmosphere & setting

What makes Ilfracombe especially memorable is its position directly above the charming seaside town of Ilfracombe itself. The town is known for its colourful harbour, historic streets, and relaxed atmosphere. After the round, players can walk straight into the village for fresh seafood, traditional pubs, and sweeping views across the Atlantic Ocean.

The combination of dramatic sea views, pure golf, and an authentic coastal town makes Ilfracombe far more than just a golf destination. Here, golf, landscape, and local culture blend into an experience that feels raw, honest, and unmistakably English.

Burnham & Berrow Golf Club

Historical background

Founded in 1891, Burnham & Berrow Golf Club is located along the Somerset coastline beside the Bristol Channel. Its Championship Course is widely regarded as one of the finest links layouts in South West England and has hosted numerous national and international amateur events, including qualifying for The Open Championship.

Course and design

The course is laid out on natural sandy linksland, shaped by dunes and firm terrain. Harry Colt was responsible for key design refinements in the early 20th century—elements that are still clearly visible today in the routing and green complexes.

The layout follows a classic out-and-back structure, with very few trees and a constant exposure to the wind. Strategically placed bunkers, relatively narrow landing areas, and well-defended greens define the challenge. Power alone is not enough here—precision and positioning from the tee are essential.

Playing character

Burnham & Berrow is known for its consistently excellent course conditions and high-quality greens. Due to its exposed setting, wind is almost always a factor. This is traditional links golf without theatrics, where ball control, course management, and accuracy take centre stage.