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:
Frank Pennink
Above distances are for the West course. Also at Saunton is the 18-hole East Course (par-71; 6,729 yards from back tees).
51.116391
-4.207393
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 (West)
Saunton Golf Club (West course): If you think Saunton's West course is simply an add-on or warm-up for the more celebrated East course, then think again. Like its sibling, the out-and-back West course is another seaside links gem. Some would even argue it is the more scenic of the two, laid out on undulating terrain that sits closer to the mighty dunes of Braunton Burrows.
The West's proximity to the expansive dunes of Braunton Burrows creates the opportunity for some excellent elevation changes on the layout's opening and closing holes. The sand hills also provide welcome protection from coastal breezes and Atlantic winds that regularly come in from the southwest.
Coastal links land is typically criss-crossed by water ditches, a phenomenon that is integral to several holes on the West course. These water channels meander through the good-length par-4 7th (Ditch), and two of the three back-nine par-5s, the 12th (Orchids) and 17th (Leonard Lake). In addition to the neatly cut ditches, you'll also need to avoid good quality pot bunkering, especially around the greens, and a never ending supply of long fescues that snaffle anything hit too far offline.
Perhaps even more than on the longer East, good course management and accurate shot-placement are important factors to building a good score. The West course is a great links course in its own right, and one to include with the East on any visit to splendid Saunton.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends (after 9 am).
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 70th best course (Golf World, 2025).
Britain & Ireland's 145th best course (Golf World, 2026).
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
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