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Saunton (East), England |
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Saunton Golf Club
Braunton
North Devon
EX33 1LG
England |  | Herbert Fowler |  | Albert MacKenzie |
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 | +44 (0)1271 812436 |  | 8 miles W of Barnstaple |
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Golf Club Website
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 | Book in advance – handicap certificate required |  | Peter McMullen |
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If there is a need for another seaside Open Championship venue, then surely the East course at Saunton Golf Club is a worthy candidate. Saunton has never held an Open but it has hosted other important events. Sergio Garcia won the British Boys Championship here in 1997, beating R. Jones 6 and 5.
Saunton is located on the beautiful unspoilt North Devon coast. On the edge of Bideford Bay and the estuary of the River Taw, lie the Braunton Burrows. Unesco has designated the sand dunes at Braunton Burrows of international importance and it is the first site in the UK to become a biosphere reserve. The area is unique because there are more than 500 species of flora; many including the water Germander, are extremely rare. This area will now rank alongside Mount Vesuvius and the Danube Delta.
The East course, laid out in 1897, runs through a small part of this amazing expanse of sand dunes. Herbert Fowler added a bit of redesign magic in 1919 and very little has changed since. Fowler took full advantage of the natural terrain, routing the holes through the dunes with skill. This is the man who was responsible for the masterpiece at Walton Heath and Saunton is his finest seaside creation.
Bernard Darwin was in love with the ancient links situated just across the Taw estuary at Westward Ho! He frequently made the “reverent pilgrimage” to Royal North Devon. Darwin had probably never played the East course at the time of writing: “Saunton looks at first glance like a fine golf course.” Harry Vardon loved it, saying: “I would like to retire to Saunton and do nothing but play golf for pleasure.”
It’s a tough golf course. The East has eight par fours over 400 yards long and only two par fives. Scoring well is very difficult, even more so now that the 2nd hole, once a short par five, has been lengthened to almost 530 yards. There are two excellent short par threes, which demand accuracy, and there’s the tough 207-yard 17th hole, which often needs a decent crack with a wood.
One of the many delights of Saunton is that each fairway tunnels its way through the dunes, providing the feeling that you have each hole to yourself. Saunton has 36 of the finest seaside links holes, making an excellent venue for a golf day. Whilst the East course is the best, the West is very good too. You will need to go to St Andrews or Ballybunion to find such an outstanding collection of links holes. | |
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If the above course review article is not accurate, let us know by clicking here |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |   | | | I first played Saunton East 30 years ago on a hurried escape from holiday with two small kids, and was a little disappointed, feeling that it wasn't really in the dunes and so missed the best of the terrain. Returning with friends recently, my opinion was transformed. It is indeed a tough proposition in a strong wind, and it's easy to lose balls a few feet off the fairway, or even off some of the greens.
But it's never unfair or over-tricksy. The fairways are generous for most drives, but several narrow dramatically in places and you need sound course management to get round in a decent score.
There are a few weaker holes in the middle of the course, but from the 13th on the finish is very demanding. The course was in excellent condition throughout.
Saunton is in a beautiful setting, and in my view is well up with the likes of Deal and Burnham and Berrow as courses just outside the Open roster. it should be on every keen golfer's 'must play' list.
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| 19 August 2012
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| Do believe the hype. Saunton is set on perfect links land. For those not keen on very flat links there is no need for alarm. The course winds its ways through and over dunes of varying heights with such diversity in types of green settings: plateaus, flat to the fairway, in horseshoe dunes, half hidden (8th), or with only the cloth of the flag peeking over the punchbowl lid (16th). Mercifully for the first time visitor there are few blind shots. Although the carry over the marker post into the wind on the 8th must be daunting. Many of the par threes are sited on plateaus and without exception all are absolute gems. The origami-inspired green makes the 5th, my slight favourite even though some might complain it’s too short. Access to the course would be the main reason precluding it from hosting The Open. The television pictures of The Open at Saunton would be stunning with late afternoon sunshine bathing the course in a mixture of golden rays and shadows detailing the exquisitely-crumpled landscape. The course certainly has enough variety of challenge to keep anyone entertained, even if not scoring well, with greens easier to putt on than those at Royal St George’s, especially with 18th sited bang in front of the understated clubhouse. There can’t be many courses better than this. Magical. |
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| 15 June 2012
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| I played Saunton East course on 11th January 2012 on a sunny, 2 club wind, 10c day. It's similar to Royal Birkdale in as much that it sports dunes that stand guard either side of most of the fairways. As mentioned by other reviewers, the 1st is a bit of a beast. It measured 445 when I played it but played nearer 520 into the two club wind. I would imagine most would settle for a bogey. There were a few temporary greens due to work being carried out. The course was in ok condition for the time of year.  I was spoilt the previous week by playing Burnham & Berrow whos greens were the best Ive ever played. It was a bit disappointing so I would suggest if intending to play you phone ahead to check if all the greens are in play. The 3 par 3s have wonderfully shaped green all like upturned saucers. There's only one par 5, so there is a bit of a relentless amount of par 4s, but that's a minor gripe. I've had the good fortune to play some top quality links including Royal Birkdale, Royal Porthcawl and Burnham & Berrow. Saunton is indeed a fine quality links course. Maybe 10,11 and 12 aren't quite up to the other holes, but that's just because the other 15 are so good. Holes 13 in are top notch and a good test as you will really need to pure you ball sticking to get the better of them. There are some great views of the endless dunes that seem to go on as far as the eye can see. Saunton I feel is correctly rated as knocking on the door of the top 10 courses in England. Regarding the course being worthy of the open circuit, I feel it's a little light on yardage at 6637. The tour pros would murder it unless they really toughened up the bunkering. But this course is a must for any serious links golfer. |
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| 11 January 2012
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| Response: | | | Harrison Brown | 22 January 2013 | | Bunkering and length wouldn't toughen it up for the top Pro's, it's hole location where they struggle to get birdies. |
| | | We were looking forward to playing Saunton but have to say that my friend and i were thoroughly underwhelmed by this course. None of the holes were particularly stunning by any stretch of the imagination, there were perhaps 3 or 4 'good' holes, but none that really stood out. General condition of the course was below average for the time of year, the greens were slow and tee boxes were a little scruffy. Perhaps our expectations had been raised by reviews on this website. Perhaps if the green fee was £35 rather than the £75 that we paid we would not have felt so deflated. Open Championship contender? I must have missed something, just can't see it. Having said all this, the welcome was friendly enough but the green fee was too high. We'll try Royal North Devon next time, we won't rush back here though. |
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| 29 September 2011
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| Response: | | | Marty | 30 September 2011 | | Amazing review. The course shows one 4-ball rating but every other review shows 5 or 6 balls. I suppose this is what the site is for, to give your opinion. In my opinion Saunton is far from average and is one place I look forward to returning to in the future. Nick Faldo rates the place and I believe he knows a thing or two of Links golf at its best. | | | Tony White | 17 October 2011 | | Sad to hear you were underwhelmed with Saunton,I will admit too I was not impressed the first time out, but I thought with all those great reviews I must be missing something. So I tried again, and now I think it is the best days golf in England. It's the isolation, condition and pure golf and 36 different golf holes. Please don't give up, with a county card you can play 36 holes for £47, best value on Planet Earth.Happy golfing. | | | Edward Vale | 17 October 2011 | | Possibly a little scruffy, but it's a fabulous course. Not "spectacular" on the course itself (but it is from the clubhouse), but a genuinely top quality, challenging links course. | | | JAS | 18 October 2011 | | Hmmm....always a problem when the wallet dictates your expectations to you. If I'm absolutely honest, I found the greens a bit slower this year (played both the Easter & August challenges) than I'd expected. The simple fact is though...outside the current rota courses there are only a handful that could press to be considered on layout and challenge....and Saunton East IS definitely one of them...ok it will fail on accessibility and infrastructure but that takes nothing away from the course itself. If a par 71 has a SSS of 74 then you know it's a proper tough test...end of!! | | | garf | 25 October 2011 | | thanks for your measured replies everyone and for not just flaming me! :) i think it was the conditioning of the course that i found most disappointing, thats why i questioned the £75 green fee. we'll have a look into the 36 hole rate with the discount you mentioned Tony, thanks for that, and get another game down there next year. still think its keeping some heavyweight company ranking just outside the top ten in england :) |
| | | Awesome is the East course! Best collection of par 3's on any course I have ever played. The course a bit on the short side but still enjoyable with the many sand dunes and excellent hole designs. |
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| 24 July 2011
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| Response: | | | shab | 04 October 2011 | | Short? First hole? You're a far better golfer than me pal! |
| | | Played East course end of April. Excellent condition with greens running fast and true. Always easier to write a review when you play well and finished 8 over playing off 10, annoyingly double bogeying 1st and 18th. Thought the best holes were 3, 4, 8, 10 par 3 13th. Played with north westerly wind so some of the 430yd par 4's down wind were 5 iron, pitching wedge whilst into the wind driver, 3 wood to reach the green - lovely course and have arranged to get married in Saunton Sands hotel in 2012 so will be back to play again along with West - JA |
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| 08 June 2011
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| | Fantastic links course with isolated fairways and large greens; excellant condition all year round; lots of par 4's but great variety and in my opinion not a weak hole; Tee shot from hole 3 off the blues is my favourite; although Par is 71, SSC is invariably around 74 and this reflects the difficulty, especially in the wind; this is real golf, so enjoyable and well worth a visit (DB) |
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| 28 April 2011
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| | Recently returned to Saunton after a gap of 10 years, and yes, it is still the best of the best. One day I will move here and I will be happy to play these two course's for the rest of my life, between them they have absolutely everything. I think it is the feeling of pure isolation, especially in the early evening, there can be no better place for friends to play golf than here, and I mean worldwide. |
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| 20 April 2011
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| | To me, definitely the best course in the area. Is has absolutely everything and ticks all the boxes. Regarding the possibility of hosting the Open, it might never happen as a member confessed to me. They lack the infrastructures, namely the one and only narrow road leading to the club. There is no doubt the course would be up for it and they are still lengthening it for other Championships. This is really a model club, very friendly, with 36 great holes. And their yearly membership fee seems ridiculously low given the quality of the golf. Cedric |
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| 14 April 2011
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| | I have played Saunton East from time to time over the past 25 years, and each time I come back I am reminded what a fabulous test of golf it is.
Two points I wanted to add not covered in the reviews below. The first is that yes, there are 13 par fours, but look at the range of yardages and you will see that you have to play every club in the bag, even on a still day - 337, 362, 370, 380, 392, 402, 408, 414, 428, 434, 441, 455, 478.
Secondly, I played last Saturday as a visitor in a club Stableford - I was playing with and introduced by a member, but the third member of our three ball was a total "roll-up". So it seems that anyone with a handicap certificate can get the chance to play a competitive round off the back tips (yup, the full blue tees at 6779 yards), a real thrill. Mind you, it acts as a stern reminder that, even on a still day in March with not much growth in the rough, when faced with a proper championship links at full yardage you may not be quite as good a player as you think you are. But it's yet another reason to make the pilgrimage beyond Barnstaple and I am certain you won't regret it |
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| 20 March 2011
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| | The day we played Saunton was apocalyptic weather, on one hole I screamed a drive out of the middle and it never looked like getting over the dune with the line marker on the top.
The rain stung your face like needles, and my "wind proof" brolly was completely destroyed - as were any claims to water resistance from my clothes and shoes.
Nevertheless, we had a great time and would love to go back to finish the round !!! |
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| 21 January 2010
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| Just to set this review into some context it was my buddy and I’s first round of the year. We had made the 2 and a half hour trip to the seaside because all our local courses were snowbound for the 3rd weekend in a row so there may be an element of seeing Saunton through rose tinted glasses as we were so grateful just to get a round in.
I’ll try and keep it as balanced and objective as I can. The first thing that hits you is the view as you turn off the B3231 road to Croyde and into the car park. I’d defy any golf lover not to mutter at least Wow!! My buddy, who’d never played a links course before, blurted out a full blown PHWOAR!! The sight of a beautifully conditioned 18th fairway winding it’s way up out of the vast expanse of dunes is indeed a sight to behold and get the juices of anticipation flowing. A golf magazine front page if ever there was one.
The next thing I noticed was that members in the car park and in the clubhouse all had a smiling “good morning” for us. Mind you, I’d be full of the joys of spring too if this was my home club. Having drove a long way we were keen on a bit of breakfast before setting off but were a bit disappointed that only toast or teacakes and tea/coffee were available before 11.00. No sooner had we reluctantly agreed to the teacakes than the barman came back and said “The Chef has arrived early would you like bacon sandwiches?” Marvellous.
Had a quick ping on the range, now if forced to try and identify a shortcoming at Saunton it could be argued that the (irons only) range falls a bit short of what can be expected at a top class venue. Especially given that the 1st hole will generally require 2 decent hits with the longest 2 clubs in your bag. So after taking in the lovely views on arrival, meeting the friendly locals and sampling some tasty breakfast fayre. All of a sudden you’re standing on the 1st Tee and realising that there is a steel fist inside this velvet glove.
We elected to play the whites so 470 yards of brutal, into the wind PAR 4 lay in front of us. I duly started by leaking my drive right and donating a shiny new Pro V1 to the sand dune fairies. I did well to scrape a double bogey with a 3 off the tee. After a safe par at the Par 5 2nd the course then turns again into the wind (and the somewhat blinding winter sunshine). It was becoming clear that this course is very demanding of your long game accuracy. I found myself constantly questioning myself, taking driver on fairly tight fairways to give myself a chance of reaching Par 4 greens in 2. Then there’s Tiddler (the par 3 5th) which asks you for a bit of subtlety. The 8th is a totally blind tee shot over some dunes. On arrival on the fairway you find that the green is trying it’s hardest to hide away in more dunes on the back left of the fairway. The 10th is a rare short par 4 but makes up for lack of length by a particularly daunting approach to a 2 tiered green.
I could go on waxing lyrical hole by by hole but no, I’ll leave the description of the rest of the back 9 to your own imaginations, other than to say that 16 & 17 are great golf holes and any faux pas you have on 18 will be in full view of the Clubhouse bar/lounge. The course was in great condition and the greens fairly true. Yes, there was some G.U.R. areas around 16, 17 and the 18th tee but nothing to detract from the experience and to be fair this is the time of year such work has to take place. For £42 inclusive of a bar meal afterwards this has to be one of the best winter deals to be found.
In summary I found the East to be a fantastic test of golf, the long par 4’s are relentless. Leaving location and supporting infrastructure aside, if asked the question...”Is Saunton East a suitable course on which to hold a major Championship?” I would say yes. For the reasons left aside it probably couldn’t hold the Open but I believe it deserves say the British Senior Open or the British Ladies Open. Having now played about 20 of the top 100 I’m beginning to get a feel for what to expect and in my honest opinion I think Saunton East is more than worthy of a significantly higher ranking. It feels more like a 20 something than a 40 something to me. |
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| 20 January 2010
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| Response: | | | shab | 25 January 2010 | | Wowee. Now thats what I call a review. I can echo your sentiments. The view of the miles upon miles of green dunes is stunning. Didn't use the range so can't comment. Wish I was a member there too!!!!!!! Def in my top 3 favourites. | | | Anthony Daniels | 21 September 2010 | | Great review for a great course. It certainly is a brute as you have aptly described. In my opinion what makes Saunton Golf Club so good is the complete contrast offered by the West Course. It's a trickier, more fiddly and intricate little sister and a smashing course in it's own right. Look the two of you that have posted before, I too wish I was a member there. In fact, the membership rates are some £300 less than what I pay now for a far inferior course and club in Hampshire. Now, how can I engineer a job move to North Devon........?! |
| | | Played the wonderful East course in mid-december for £42 with a meal. Barmy day with blue skies and wore a t-shirt all day!!!!!! Locals were saying probably the brightest day of the winter. If this course is not a six ball I don't know what is. From the moment I viewed the dramatic green sand dunes as far as the eye can see, I knew it was going to be special. First tee has massive elevation and simply stuning views. Not a weak hole on the course. Each hole has it's own unique feel and blends in superbly with the natural beauty. Thank god the design acknowledged what a special place this is, and the course is bulit around the natural landscape. Stand out holes, where to start...... first is brutal but a great hole. Par 3 Tiddler is so sweet. par 3 17th is a brute and if you find the green here you can really call yourself a golfer. ( I did and then 3 putted!!!) Is a challenge but you can score well here if you a re a longish hitter. Locals told me the shorter hitter would prefer the West Course. Dry as a bone after recent wet weather. Not surprising really as we were informed by one local that the course rests on 600 foot of sand!!! I am already planning a return trip in January to play the West Course. If heaven is somewhere in North Devon gents, then I think I may have found it!!!!!! |
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| 13 December 2009
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| | I returned to Saunton to play both courses in April and we played in a heat wave with temperatures more akin to Spain. Played the West course in the morning and the bigger, grander East in the afternoon. It was a fantastic 36-hole combination and I’m not sure whether I prefer the less big West course to its older brother the East. If there were a criticism of the East course then it would be that there are not enough par fives to break the monotony of par fours and there are only three one-shot holes and two of those are mere flicks with a short iron. You hit the run of par fours at the 6th and it’s not until the 13th that you get a break. Naturally a course with thirteen par fours is tough and there is no doubt that the East course is a tremendous test but I wish it had a little more variation. That said, I would be a very happy man if Saunton were my home club. I think Saunton has the finest 36 holes of links golf in Britain, arguably only St Andrews comes close. |
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| 07 November 2009
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| Response: | | | shab | 20 December 2009 | | Lots of par 4's yes. But each are so diferent and unique for me it does not feel monotomous at all. | | | Kye | 28 June 2010 | | If you think 13 is a flick with a short item, try playing it into a strong north wind. I hit the ball a long way and play off 12 and have hit 3 iron into this green. Play it when the pin is on the ridge!! |
| | | Played this course on a Sunday at 3pm and was
luck enough to get a twilight rate of 35 pounds.
The first hole is brutal 460 yard par 4 into the wind,
this course had a nice variety of holes with many
elevated greens and forced carries on the drives.
The course was in excellent conditon, the greens
were fast and true. I was only sorry we could not
play the West course which looked almost as good.
The best value I got on my trip, would recommend
this course to anyone. |
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| 21 October 2009
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| | I played the East course in the middle of July. We turned up in a howling gale and this continued for the duration of our round. That is not to say that it made it any the less enjoyable, but it certainly made it tough. This is borne out when you see that the best score in our fourball through nine holes was ten points (not me!!), and the best score through 18 holes was 28 points (which was me!!! - it was irons only on the back nine!!). The course had suffered in the days before we arrived as it had absolutely chucked it down for days on end, including the morning before we arrived. That meant there were puddles on several fairways. The greens, however, were immaculate - a sign of a truly great track. It is difficult to pick memorable holes around the East course as they are all memorable and individual. On any given day, depending on which way the wind os blowing and how strong, I should think that any of the holes could be classed as memorable. On the next day, this will change completely, and that is the beauty and challenge of Saunton. On the day that we were there the memorable holes were 5 (hitting a four iron to a 113 yard par 3!), 9 (having the wind affect putts so significantly), 10 (having the wind stop your ball halfway up a 45 degree slope on the green!!), 14, 16 and 18 (three beautiful and fantastic golf holes). In fact, on any day the 16th would be classed as a truly great hole (despite the fact I fatted my second shot and my "friend" has photographic evidence!!!), and it is no wonder why Peter Alliss rates this as one of the finest holes in golf. The clubhouse is good, if a little dated, although they do serve one of the finest bacon and mushroom baguettes you will ever sample. Simply put, a visit to Saunton is essential for anyone who is serious or fanatical about their golf. I, for one, will certainly be back soon to hack my way round the West course. |
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| 05 September 2009
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| | An outstanding course through and through. We played in the Open Week for £25 and it was an absolute bargain. The opening hole is one of the hardest I have ever played. It is very difficult but very enjoyable throughout. Shame you can't see the sea but I feel that it would be even more difficult with a howling sea wind! The condition of all aspects, tees, greens and fairways, was fantastic. |
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| 05 August 2009
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| For me, Saunton is on a level with Ballyliffin in Ireland (The Old and the Glashedy) and St.Andrews in Scotland (the Old and the New) as having 36 holes of excellent links golf at one venue and I think it’s a much under rated golfing destination that all links loving golfers should try to play at some time. It makes no sense at all to make the journey here without playing the West course first, of course, so make sure your game is tuned up on its fairways before tackling the tougher East track.
 And what a start on the East, where the opening shot is played from a tee position high on top a sand dune in front of the clubhouse! Just check the scorecard though after you’ve cracked a very satisfying drive away to see that this par four hole measures 470 yards from the regular tees so already the scale of the East in relation to next door should be apparent. There are only three par threes (the first two of which are played to fantastic greens that fall away on all sides) and two par fives on the scorecard so that leaves a lot of par fours to be played (seven in a row from the 6th hole) which one of my playing partners felt was a little excessive. I have to agree the routing could be a little more balanced but let nothing like a tiddler of a technicality detract from such a marvellous course. “The Gap” is a wonderful two-shotter at hole 4 on the front nine and the quirky 8th has a blind tee shot followed by an approach to a blind green ringed by low-lying sand hills – delightfully old-fashioned. “Fowler,” the 16th, is a fantastic, dog legged par four named in honour of the East’s esteemed architect, played to a putting surface semi obscured by a ridge that runs diagonally in front of the green. My second shot round the dune on the right side of the 18th fairway somehow made it onto the green, twenty feet short of the hole but my attempt to imitate Sergio winning the British Boys Championships here in 1997 didn’t quite come off – that lucky Spaniard! Nonetheless, a tap in par finish was a great way to round off a wonderful 36 holes at a top links location.
Some people ask the hypothetical question of whether Saunton East is good enough to host an Open. My response to that is that there are at least two current Open venues that I’ve played, both on the west side of the UK, that Saunton - given the opportunity to toughen up its bunkering and allowed to tighten up some holes - could easily match. Just a pity the Devon club doesn’t have an enormous edifice of a clubhouse with matching egos inside to attract attention… Jim McCann |
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| 08 April 2009
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| | Played 2 rounds on the east course as part of a society late february and the course was in superb condition. As all low handicaps ranging from +2 to 3 the course provided us with a real stern challenge. The rough just 5 yards off many greens was almost unplayable which is why some high handicappers might get frustrated around here. We all throught the course was in great nick for the time of year even if some of the greens were on the 'bumpy' side but that is to be expected for the time of year that we played it. Some of the holes were brutal, the 1st, 4th, 7th and the 13th are all great holes. Was defintely worth the trip down but make sure to take plenty of balls |
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| 02 March 2009
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| | This is a course that is worth taking a long trip for. Played here at the end of November after plenty of rain, yet the course was bone dry and the greens were as good as you could hope for at the time of the year. The greens are amazingly true and great fun to try and read at times. Received a warm welcome from staff and members alke. Onto the course, well its tough from start to finish but always fair. The first 4 holes and the last 3 are the toughest. No weak holes here at all and if I had to choose the best I would go for the 2nd, 8th, 10th and 14th. Very good green fee rate aswell and excellent pro shop. The West course here is super aswell. Lucky members to have 2 such good courses to choose from!! |
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| 04 December 2008
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| | Saunton as a whole is as good a day’s golf as you’ll find by the sea. The East course itself gives you that tingle that you know you've got a treat in store. As others have said, it is laid out perfectly amongst the dunes, it's fairly level and the greens and tees are mostly adjacent so a 36 hole walk won't knock you out. One of the reasons it's such a joy to play is that you'll approach the greens with almost every club in the bag during the round. The precision of the layout means it is enjoyably tough, especially in the breeze which rotates nicely, without being brutal or unfair. Many greens have protective shoulders that throw off approaches so you need to be striking it well. They also have a lot of awkward corners that can hold some very tough pins on tournament days. The rough is ever present but you can always play from it. Of the holes, the 5th is a compelling short par 3 (chipping from long is one of the hardest shots on the course). It has a great finish, especially for match play, with a terrific risk/reward par 5 at 15 and strong par 3 at 17. The clubhouse has a wonderful terrace overlooking the 18th green for lunch and you feel like you are miles from anywhere, although it's easy to get to. I’d drive 4 hours from London to play there any day of the year, it's a treasure. |
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| 29 September 2008
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| | A wonderful course and with the correct infrastructure would be great Open venue. This is rated very low on the list of English course at number 11. I would rate it as number 2, with Royal Birkdale as number 1 (only because of the Open history) Saunton is miles better than the course currently ranked as number 2 (Woodhall Spa, Hothckin). It is a better and fairer test of golf with much more tradition, but is also much friendlier with excellent customer service. |
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| 14 May 2008
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| | I was fortunate enough to have played in the West of England a few years ago and got to play six rounds on the East course. I have played over 30 of the top 100 courses in GB&I and many in the States and this is truly one of the most under rated courses on this list. Without question Saunton's East course has the best three par 3s on any one course, The BEST. The wind can really make this course play drastically different day to day. The location of the club is part of the splendor, set amongst tall and wild sand dunes. With a little bit of added length and more room for spectators this would be an Open venue. Saunton is a must play for any links purist. The West course is excellent too. |
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| 20 March 2008
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| | This is one of the finest collections of golf holes of any links golf course in the UK. There is not one weak hole on the course and just when you think you've got a rest bite with a relatively easy looking hole, there are greens with contours that you can easily three put on. If that's not enough then the on shore breeze will certainly make the long par 4 holes very difficult indeed. This is a very true test of golf and the course, quite deserves to be in the top 100 UK golf courses. While your'e their, also have a go on the West course, it's also a very good course! |
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| 24 September 2007
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| | Wonderful course but so difficult! Blind shots, punishing rough, tiered greens this has it all. Scenery and views are magnificent, and you quickly realise you are playing somewhere very special.
You will need to be playing at your best to have any chance of matching your handicap, and virtually every hole is a serious challenge to your ability and stock of balls.
The green fee though high, reflects that you get the opportunity to play 2 wonderful courses the match of anywhere. It really is that good.
I look forward to returning.
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| 29 August 2007
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| | played here twice as part of a 9 day trip in may 2007. a lovely course in fine condition with some really special holes. this is worth going out of your way to play. as i'd read, however, the wonderful dunes were more part of the scenery than the golf course so for links lovers, it's not as exciting as it looks. the caddymaster and his crew added to the enjoyment. overall, very good, but NOT a potential Open venue. |
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| 18 July 2007
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| | Played this course in March and it deserves to be placed much higher in the rankings than it currently is. If it had better infrastructure it would have held an Open by now - put simply this is the best links course in England and I cannot wait to return to this golfing oasis. |
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| 17 March 2007
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| | A warm welcome was given by the starter, you are then faced with 470 yard par four with rubbish waiting left and right for the errant drive and yes there is a carry of some 150 yards. This course's length is not the dififculty but the feeling of trouble that lerks just off every fairway.The condition of the course was near to perfect the greens true and quick. Thanks to the professional and greenstaff for their develish placing of the pins. A great experience and challenge. |
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| 06 July 2006
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| | Standing at the first tee at the East Course in Saunton is quite an experience. Classic links extend all around you as you reach for the driver (nothing else is a viable option, as the tee shot on 1 requires a 200 yard carry over impenetrable terrain). A word of advice at this point: it is advisable not to attempt such a hazardous tee shot having visited the local hostelries of North Devon on the previous evening. Such establishments are well known to lure unsuspecting golfers with their fair maidens and even fairer pricing policies. Unfortunately, this author was undone by this unique combination of hospitality and course design, but having recovered with enough to be able to be ‘put down for a seven’, it was on to the second where the sheer magnificence of this course simply rolled on. If Saunton was located in, say, East Lothian or the East Neuk, it would perhaps be considered to be one of the greatest courses on the planet. It has rightfully been mentioned as a possible additional Open venue. I personally do not believe that, at present, this course could support an Open Championship. Road access would be tricky, and, to be slightly critical, the clubhouse is not up to it. Changing facilities were Spartan, and the service and food in the bar/restaurant area left quite a bit to be desired. This is a course with so much potential – the 18 holes are near perfect. Whether the management of the complex have the acumen, or desire to turn it into something truly special remains to be seen.
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| 04 July 2006
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| | Far and away the best course we played while staying the west of England. Simply magnificent golf and just as I imagine it should be during the British Open. Hard fast fairways and greens wispy long rough and great routing. We really enjoyed ourselves here at Saunton and our only regret was not having the time or stamina for the West course which looks pretty damn good too. |
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| 16 June 2006
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| | Played the East on a cold February afternoon, but it soon warms up!Great course and club members all very friendly, the views of the dunes are very impressive and the selection of par 3's,4's and a couple of 5's are great. At £35 with a meal on a winter rate it is worth every penny,and the greens are as good as any you will find in February. It may be off the beaten track but if you are in the Devon area you should not miss it. |
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| 26 February 2006
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| | Got a buzz when driving from Braunton into Saunton, I kept looking left trying to spot the dunes, soon I was in the friendly pro shop and was delighted to get a twilight green fee (£35), was pleased that they also paired me up with another visitor and we were allowed to play off the white markers. Having made a pigs ear all the way down the first hole we reached a rather shabby looking green (burnt patches, seeded, uncut and crow pecked) perhaps it was the just the first green but NO ALL OF THE GREENS were the same ! – also some of the fairways were ‘hooped’ off in areas where there was no grass. Do not get me wrong this course is sailing high in terms of rankings and the club is not short of a bob or two so I was disappointed by its condition. However the layout / set up is good and you do seem to be ‘on your own hole’ a lot of the time, we found the course not overlong from the white markers – only the 1st, 4th and 14th (toughest hole) made us struggle but there is relief in the aptly named 5th ‘tiddler’. An adder on the way to the 2nd tee gave us a shock so you have been warned !. |
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| 04 September 2005
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| | Saunton is amazing and it has everything going for it. Two fantastic courses and an excellent clubhouse (with views to die for), good food and friendly service…perfection. The East is a truly amazing links course – don’t expect to play to handicap here first time round, it’s tough. I have played here on a number of occasions and the condition has always been excellent. There are no weak holes here, just true, honest undiluted links golf…my kind of course. |
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| 14 April 2005
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| | A course of massive dunes hiding beautifully kept greens - the 18th is particularly memorable and the first tee shot quite an intimidating start from its high tee. Followed a Senior's foursomes competition around the course as a two ball and we couldn't keep up! |
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| 07 June 2004
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| | When I rang to arrange to play this course, the Secretary suggested a Wednesday morning.
Despite my relative youth, he suggested I play in the Competition the Seniors/Vets hold each week.
I was signed in as playing with a member, and if I had been in the "frame" in the Single Stableford Competition, the result would not have been decided on back 9 etc., but on date of birth.
Very enjoyable |
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| 27 May 2004
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| | Raw, traditional, facinating links with amazing dunes. Just loved the first tee shot - formidable! Must be one of the best links courses on the planet. |
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| 31 March 2004
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