Devon has cemented its place as a golfer’s paradise, with five of its most scenic courses
The Saunton Swingers, Martin putting out with Stuart, Sean & Mark(Image: Saunton Swingers)
Five Devon golf courses have swung their way into a prestigious list of England’s top 100, highlighting the county as one of the UK’s premier destinations for the sport.
Leading the charge is Saunton Golf Club’s East Course in Braunton, which has clinched 20th place in National Club Golfer ‘s (NCG) annual rankings of England’s best courses. The list, curated by a panel of golf experts, course raters and journalists, celebrates venues that excel in design, scenery, conditioning, and heritage.
The East Course, established in 1897, lies among the dunes of Braunton Burrows and offers 18 holes of traditional links golf with views stretching across the River Taw and Torridge estuary.
Dan Murphy, chairman of the NCG Top 100 rankings, said: “The view from the clubhouse at Saunton is one of the finest in British golf. The sand dunes of Braunton Burrows lie ahead, between the River Taw and the Torridge estuary, accommodating 36 links holes of the highest quality. Saunton presents the kind of honest, relentless challenge guaranteed to identify a true champion.”
Four other Devon venues also made the cut. Royal North Devon in Westward Ho! placed 48th, marking its debut in the top 50. Founded in 1864, it is England’s oldest golf club and retains much of its historic layout, offering a unique experience with features like sleepered bunkers and freely grazing sheep and horses.
Saunton’s West Course came in at 61st, offering a 6,596-yard, par-71 layout that complements its East counterpart with a raw, challenging landscape nestled in the same dramatic setting.
East Devon Golf Club in Salterton secured 64th place, praised for its elevated heathland terrain and stunning coastal views. At 450 feet above sea level, it offers year-round playability and has hosted several England Golf Championships.
Yelverton Golf Club rounded out the Devon representation, ranked 90th. Set on a former tin-mining landscape, the course features dramatic undulations and historical remnants, offering a distinct and engaging round of golf.
The full NCG Top 100: England list is available