Saunton,
nr Braunton, Devon EX33 1LG
Office
+44 (0)1271 812 436Pro shop
+44 (0)1271 812 013Fax
+44 (0)1271 814 241Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Albert MacKenzie (Head PGA Professional).The Course:
18 holes. Seaside links. Gently undulating terrain - easy to walk.
Surroundings:
Coastal duneland.
Designer:
Herbert Fowler
Above distances are for the East course. Also at Saunton is the 18-hole West Course (par-71; 6,403 yards from back tees).
51.114075
-4.206227
8 miles W of Barnstaple
From Barnstaple take the A361 to Braunton, then the B3231 to Saunton. Golf club is on your left heading west out of Saunton.
Saunton (East)
Saunton Golf Club (East course): Saunton's much celebrated East course occupies a wonderfully open and natural area of coastal duneland. This scenic and absorbing out-and-back layout is home to an abundance of excellent links golf holes that thread their way between good-size dunes. Between you and the ocean is a stunning area of even bigger sand hills, which thankfully provide some protection from Atlantic winds that blow in from the southwest.
The East course at Saunton is undoubtedly one of England's national golfing treasures. A classic, unadulterated and challenging links course from first to last. The number of blind drives demanded by the layout is kept to a minimum. Most of the time it's reasonably clear what's required from the nicely elevated tees, simply a matter of executing the shot! The greens are firm and true, as good as any in Britain, and the overall standard of upkeep on both Saunton's courses is usually excellent.
Assuming your objective is to score well, you'll definitely need to hit the fairways on several long par-4s. You'll not get much 'run' on the ball if you mess with the ball-grabbing rough and fine array of bunkering. Alternatively, you may simply want to enjoy the unspoilt naturalness of this glorious coastal gem. In which case a few journeys into the nether world beyond the crisp, undulating fairways should not be an undue worry.
Visitors welcome on weekdays, and after 9 am on weekends.
Must book in advance. Proof of handicap may be requested.
Contact club for full details, discounts, subsequent day replay rates, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Players generally walk this course. Golf carts and/or caddies available if pre-booked.
Good
The nearby village of Braunton, is reputedly one of the largest villages in England. It took its name from the Goidel saint, Brannock, who came from South Wales as a missionary and started to convert the native Britons to the christian faith around 550 AD. The township that grew up around Brannock's church was named Brannockstood, which later became Brauntona and at the end of the nineteenth century, Braunton.
England's 21st best course (Golf World, 2024).
Britain & Ireland's 48th best course (Golf World, 2025).
World's 95th best public access course (Golf World, 2025).
Saunton, nr. Braunton, North Devon
+44 (0)1271 890 212
Visit websitePerched high on a cliff with miles of golden sands below, the Saunton Sands Hotel offers 4-star accommodation and wonderful views, stretching along the dramatic coastline and across the fascinating World Heritage Site at Braunton Burrows.
No
Saunton (o.7 mi)
Royal North Devon
Chevron Championship: Carlton Woods near Houston in Texas provides the stage for the first women’s major championship of 2025, where Nelly Korda defends her title. (April 24-27).
Soudal Open: successor to the Belgian Open, the Soudal Open takes place on the quiet, wooded North course of Rinkven Golfclub. Belgian stars Thomas Pieters and Nicolas Colsaerts will be vying for top honours. (May 22-25).
Rory McIlroy: with his 2025 win in The Masters, Rory joined the pantheon of golfing greats who have achieved a career Grand Slam of men’s majors ... Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods are the only others in this select band.
Bernhard Langer: he may have played in his last Masters Tournament, but the 67-year-old German will be trying to extend his own record, and win a 13th senior major title at the 36th Regions Tradition. (May 15-18).
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club: With a clubhouse that might befit a Roman Emperor, and a golf course to match, you can be sure of a memorable outing at Rome's most talked about golf facility.
Jim Fazio's original layout was much changed to create a modern Ryder Cup course ... now one of the Eternal City's (and Italy's) most revered.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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