Royal North Devon Golf Club

Royal North Devon Golf Club was founded in 1864 and gained Royal status just three years later. It's still the oldest golf course in England played over its original fairways. Most golfers know it as Westward Ho! and once you arrive on the edge of Northam Burrows you can see why, it's raw, open and wonderfully unchanged.

Often featured in Top 100 lists, Royal North Devon has serious pedigree. J.H. Taylor, one of the great triumvirate, began here as a caddie before winning five Open Championships. The original Old Tom Morris layout was later refined by Horace Hutchinson, Harold Hilton and Herbert Fowler, names that still carry weight for anyone who loves classic British golf.

On the course, expect a true links examination where the elements are part of the challenge. The turf runs firm, the ground game is always in play and the fairways have plenty of natural movement, so a good shot can kick forward and a slightly off-line one can be punished. Bunkers are steep-sided, greens are subtle and the routing makes the most of the dunes and ridges without ever feeling over-built. It has hosted The Amateur Championship three times (1912, 1925 and 1931) and shares The West of England Championship duties with Saunton Golf Club, which tells you exactly the calibre of test you're in for.

It's also an ideal anchor round for a Devon break, especially if you want to pair it with another top links nearby.

Who is this for?
Golfers chasing authentic links golf and a genuine slice of English golfing history.

Who is it best for?
Low to mid-handicappers who enjoy creative shot-making, controlling flight in the wind and plotting their way round rather than simply overpowering it.