Newquay Golf Club

Rescued from residential development after local protests in 1897, Newquay Golf Club sits on a dramatic clifftop above Fistral Beach on Cornwall's north coast. It's a genuine seaside test, with fairways cut through gorse and heather and several holes skirting the cliff edge, so you'll want to keep one eye on the Atlantic and the other on your ball.

Wind is the headline act. On a calm day the course can feel welcoming, but when it freshens up you quickly learn that flighting it down and shaping shots is worth far more than chasing yardage. The turf tends to play firm underfoot, so the ball will release, and a controlled run-in can be the percentage play into the greens.

By modern standards it's not long, but it's far from a soft touch. A number of holes ask for sensible placement off the tee to stay short of the gorse, and the greens can be quick with subtle breaks that make you earn your pars. Between shots you're treated to cracking views across Fistral Bay, especially on the outward side, and the whole place has that traditional members' club feel, a refreshing contrast to the surf-town buzz down in Newquay.

Who is this for?
Golfers after a characterful Cornwall coastal round where wind, bounce and smart decisions shape the score. A great shout for couples or small groups mixing golf with beaches, food and a lively town.

Who is it best for?
Mid-to-high handicappers who enjoy strategic golf and don't mind a walk, plus better players looking for a wind-exposed test that rewards imagination over power.