2 Nights, 2 Rounds
Saunton Golf Club is home to two of England's best links courses, and the quality is such that plenty of golfers reckon if the R&A ever expanded the Open Championship rota, Saunton would be right in the conversation. It is not just talk either. The club has proper tournament pedigree, hosting the Brabazon Trophy in 2022 and both the R&A Women's Senior Amateur and Senior Amateur Championship in 2024.
Set in the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the terrain is classic links stuff, rumpled dunes, firm turf and that ever-present coastal breeze that can turn a sensible shot into a proper decision. Herbert Fowler, the architect behind Walton Heath and The Berkshire, laid the foundations here, with later input credited to English Amateur Champion Frank Pennink alongside Donald Steel and Ken Cotton. Between them, you get two distinct tests on one site, plenty of variety for a weekend, and surfaces that drain quickly and stay playable when inland courses are slogging through winter.
The East Course is the championship layout, a proper examination that stretches over 6,700 yards and demands accuracy off the tee and smart club selection into greens that can run firm and fast depending on the wind. The West Course offers a different flavour, shorter but no less engaging, with tighter fairways and smaller greens that reward precision over power. Both courses share that classic links character, low-running approaches, deep pot bunkers and enough wind to make you think twice about the club in your hand.
If you are building a golf break in Devon, Saunton is an easy anchor venue, especially if you fancy pairing it with Royal North Devon, England's oldest course, just down the coast at Westward Ho! Play one course one day, swap the next, then finish it off in the clubhouse with a well-earned pint and a look back over the dunes.
Who is this for?
Golfers who want the real links experience, firm turf, seaside wind and two genuine championship courses on the same property.
Who is it best for?
Societies and low-handicap groups planning a North Devon links run, especially anyone doubling up with Westward Ho! at Royal North Devon and looking for year-round playability.
* Where applicable, the relevant promotions will be applied during the booking process. T&Cs may apply.
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
Herbert Fowler's East Course at Saunton is ranked just outside England's top ten and at 6,779 yards provides a stern test to even the most skilled golfers. The rugged sand dunes of Braunton Burrows are the setting for this fine true links destination, a site that has been designated as being of international importance by UNESCO.
The real challenge of the East Course from the back tees is the tough par-4s, seven of which measure over 400 yards with carries over heavy rough and sand dunes. The charm of the course is accentuated by the feeling that every hole is cut distinctly through the dunes.
The 16th hole on the East Course seems somewhat out of character with the rest of the course, it consists of a blind risk and reward dogleg with a long approach to a hidden green. Being a stand out hole it is not surprising that it is named after the architect responsible for building it, 'Fowler'.
| Par | 71 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Herbert Fowler, Ken Cotton |
| Opened for play | 1897 |
| Blue | 6,779 yards | SSS 72 |
|---|---|---|
| White | 6,427 yards | SSS 71 |
| Red | 5,960 yards | SSS 76 |
| Yellow | 5,744 yards | SSS 69 |
The West Course was originally opened in the 1930s but was used as a training field during the Second World War and subsequently lay dormant for some 40 years until the esteemed Frank Pennink revived it in the 1970's.
Donald Steel later supervised the relaying of all the greens and he has stated that he considers Saunton’s West course greens some of his best work. Emulating the general characteristics of the East course, the West requires clever positioning off the tee and accurate approaches to run your ball into the green complexes.
The West may be shorter than the more prestigious East Course, but it remains a considerable test, with a network of burns and streams interspersed through the dunes to test your short game.
Both courses are reputed to boast some of the finest putting surfaces in England, and together they represent a truly terrific links golf tour in Devon.
Saunton Golf Club is located just off the Saunton Road (B3231), 3 miles West of Braunton, 8 miles from Barnstaple train station.
Address: Braunton, Devon, England. EX33 1LG
| Par | 71 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Herbert Fowler, Frank Pennink, Donald Steel |
| Opened for play | 1935 |
| Blue | 6,596 yards | SSS 73 |
|---|---|---|
| White | 6,200 yards | SSS 71 |
| Yellow | 5,801 yards | SSS 70 |
| Red | 5,314 yards | SSS 72 |
Mark
✓1 Sep 2026
Really enjoyable experience. Staff and members were friendly and welcoming. Special mention of the started Andy/Alan who made sure I was informed of anything needed to know and kept checking in throughout the round to make sure I was ok.
Roy
✓29 Jun 2026
The highlight of our trip. The course was such a challenge and and in wonderful condition. We just felt so privileged to be playing it. A very tight track with some real tough holes, but not impossible and our group loved it. Absolutely recommend this course and can see why both east and west are in UK top 100. The welcome was wonderful and the sausage rolls at halfway house were fantastic.
John
✓28 May 2026
Great Course, love playing it. This was our second visit and as enjoyable as the first. Fantastic links layout with some challenging Par 3 holes. Thoroughly enjoyable.
David
✓25 May 2026
As with the East course this course was excellent. Fantastic condition and great facilities.
David
✓25 May 2026
Exceptional golf course. Everything about it was perfect. Great clubhouse and facilities. I would advise any golfer to play this course. A truly great experience.
Jerome Dominic
✓19 May 2026
Too many holes the same.
Jerome Dominic
✓19 May 2026
Great challenge
Ailsa
✓25 Apr 2026
Nicky
✓3 Apr 2026
Loved the course , it was in excellent condition . Great half way house and very friendly staff on the course and in the club house. We will be back as we would like to play the West course.
Helen
✓27 Mar 2026
Yes
Yes
£50 plus discretionary
None
There is 1 bar on site
There is complimentary car parking
