East Devon Golf Club
Historical significance
East Devon Golf Club, founded in 1895, is one of England’s oldest golf clubs and is renowned for its distinctly classic charm. The course sits on historic ground that has been played for well over a century and has largely retained its original character.
Location and character
East Devon is not a traditional links course, but rather a clifftop heathland layout. Perched high above the coastline on an elevated plateau, the course features heather, rough grasses, and open, wind-exposed holes. Its cliffside setting provides sweeping views out to sea and ensures a near-constant influence of the elements, giving the course a natural and honest feel.
Playing style and surroundings
The routing follows the natural contours of the land, blending heathland features with coastal influences. Fairways are firm and gently undulating, greens are seamlessly integrated into the terrain, and bunkers are used sparingly but effectively. The classic clubhouse and tranquil setting enhance the timeless atmosphere. East Devon offers a refined and characterful golf experience where elevation, heather, and coastline come together in a truly distinctive way.
Teignmouth Golf Club
Historical significance & setting
Teignmouth Golf Club, founded in 1895, sits high on an exposed plateau above the coast of Devon. This elevated setting delivers sweeping views over sea and countryside, but also creates a unique playing environment—mist and sea fog can roll in unexpectedly, dramatically reducing visibility. This ever-changing atmosphere is a defining feature of Teignmouth, adding a slightly mysterious edge to the experience.
Design & character
The course was designed by Alister MacKenzie, and his philosophy is clearly evident. The layout follows the natural contours of the plateau, with strategic lines, intelligent bunkering, and greens that reward positioning and insight. While often described as a links, Teignmouth is better understood as an elevated course with strong links influences—shaped by wind, space, and subtle terrain.
Playing style & experience
Golf at Teignmouth is about judgment and adaptability. Wind is almost always present, distances can be deceptive, and when fog drifts across the course, the round becomes a test of trust and focus. No two rounds feel the same, reinforcing the sense of playing in direct dialogue with nature.
A pure golf experience
Teignmouth remains a traditional members’ club, free from commercial distraction and true to its heritage. The atmosphere is relaxed, the course honest, and the setting ever-present. For golfers who appreciate character and individuality, Teignmouth is not a routine stop—it’s a distinctive experience, where elevation, landscape, and design shape every shot.
Warren ‘Dawlish’ Golf Club
Location & character
Warren Dawlish Golf Club is spectacularly set on a narrow strip of land between the railway line and the sea at Dawlish Warren, along the south coast of Devon. The course has a distinctly links character: open, windswept, and right by the water.
From almost every hole, you have uninterrupted sea views. The salty air, the sound of the surf, and the ever-present coastal wind create an authentic British golf experience. This is golf in its purest form—strategic, honest, and shaped by the elements.
The course & playing experience
Warren Dawlish is an 18-hole, par-68 links that may appear compact on paper but plays more challenging than the scorecard suggests. Its relatively short length demands precision over power. Narrow fairways, well-placed bunkers, and fast, undulating greens reward smart club selection and creativity.
Wind is a constant factor here and often dictates strategy. On calm days, the course is accessible to golfers of all levels; when the sea breeze picks up, it transforms into a tactical test where course management makes all the difference.
Thanks to its flat layout, the course is easy to walk and ideal for golfers who appreciate traditional links golf without extreme elevation changes.
Atmosphere & facilities
The club is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors are greeted with genuine hospitality and quickly feel part of the club. The clubhouse offers beautiful views over both the course and the sea—perfect for a relaxed lunch or a drink after your round.
The combination of authentic links golf, coastal scenery, and friendly charm makes Warren Dawlish a memorable and enjoyable destination.
Bovey Castle Golf Course
Historical context
Bovey Castle Golf Course is set within the estate of the historic Bovey Castle, a 19th-century manor located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. The castle forms the centrepiece of the estate and strongly shapes the atmosphere of the course. This combination of historic country estate and golf course creates a distinctive setting rarely found elsewhere in England.
The course and playing style
The course is laid out across rolling, wooded terrain and makes full use of the land’s natural contours. Narrow fairways, strategically positioned bunkers, and several water hazards define the challenge. Elevation changes and the contrast between open and sheltered holes demand precision, thoughtful shotmaking, and careful course management.
Golf experience and surroundings
Bovey Castle Golf Course offers a peaceful and refined golfing experience within a protected natural landscape. Its location in Dartmoor provides sweeping views, quiet surroundings, and a strong sense of isolation from modern distractions. It is a course where the environment plays a central role, combining golf with landscape and history without the feel of a large-scale commercial resort.
Thurlestone Golf Club
Authentic links golf on the South Devon coast
Thurlestone Golf Club is spectacularly located on the southern coast of Devon, near the village of Thurlestone. The course runs partly along and above the cliffs, with an exposed setting constantly shaped by sea and wind — a landscape that is both visually stunning and technically challenging for golf.
Architecture & character
The course was designed by Harry Colt and bears his unmistakable signature: natural routing, strategic bunkering, and greens that reward positioning and thoughtful play. While Thurlestone is often described as a links course, it also features clear cliffside and downland influences, giving it a distinctive character within English golf.
Playing style and strategy
Thurlestone demands precision, creativity, and disciplined course management. The wind is almost always a factor, fairways follow the natural contours of the land, and margins for error are small — especially on the holes along the coast. This is not a course for brute force, but for intelligent shot-making.
Breathtaking views
What truly makes Thurlestone unforgettable are the panoramic views over the sea and coastline, with the iconic Thurlestone Rock serving as a striking landmark. Here, the landscape is not just a backdrop, but an essential part of the experience.
Thurlestone Golf Club combines classic Colt architecture with a dramatic coastal setting — a course where beauty and strategy come together perfectly.
Yelverton Golf Club
Authentic heathland golf
Yelverton Golf Club is a characterful heathland course beautifully positioned on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon. The layout flows naturally through open moorland and heather-covered terrain, combining rolling hills with dense vegetation to create a varied and memorable golfing experience in a rugged, untouched landscape.
Historical context
Founded in 1893, Yelverton is one of England’s classic traditional golf clubs. The course design fully respects the natural terrain, allowing the layout to retain its authentic and timeless character. This historical approach gives every round a direct connection to the early days of the game.
A pure golf experience
Yelverton is known for strategic holes that reward thought and precision rather than brute force. Wind, elevation, and natural contours shape the challenge, while the silence and openness of Dartmoor create an almost timeless atmosphere. This is golf for the purist—honest, demanding, and entirely focused on the essence of the game.
