Best Golfing Activities in Devon: Top Courses and Fun Tips
Golfing in Devon offers a sublime blend of scenic beauty and challenging fairways. If you're looking for the best golfing activities in Devon, the region boasts a diverse range of courses. From the rolling landscapes of Woodbury Park to the rugged coastline of Saunton, there's something for all golfers.
Devon features some of the finest courses in the UK. Whether you choose the historic Royal North Devon Golf Club, the picturesque East Devon, or the luxurious Bovey Castle Golf, you'll find an exciting mix of parkland, moorland, and coastal layouts. Each course delivers unique challenges, making it a golfer's paradise.
Don't miss out on these top sites:
- Woodbury Park Golf Club: A 27-hole parkland course.
- Saunton Golf Club: Notable for its tricky bunkers and elevated greens.
- Exeter Golf & Country Club: Offers a mix of traditional golfing and leisure.
With its lush countryside and stunning coastline, golfing in Devon is an experience you won't want to miss.
Discover Devon's Premier Golf Courses
If you're a golf lover, Devon offers an array of stunning courses. From clifftop challenges to moorland mastery, each course provides a unique setting and test of skill.
Saunton Golf Club Experience
Saunton Golf Club features two highly regarded links courses. The East and West Courses offer distinct challenges amidst the natural beauty of the North Devon coast. Known for their fast greens and deep bunkers, both courses provide a stern test for golfers of all levels.
The Charm of Royal North Devon Golf Club
Established in 1864, Royal North Devon Golf Club is the oldest golf course in England. This links course offers a taste of golfing history with its wide fairways and fast greens. The course is located in Westward Ho! and boasts panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Thurlestone Golf Club's Coastal Challenge
Thurlestone Golf Club provides a unique coastal challenge. Situated along the South Devon coast, the course offers breath-taking views of the sea. The undulating fairways and strategically placed bunkers make it a test of accuracy and skill. The 3rd and 4th holes are particularly memorable, with dramatic coastal scenery.
Bovey Castle Golf Club: Moorland Mastery
Built in 1926 by J F Abercromby, Bovey Castle Golf Club is set within the Dartmoor National Park. The Old Course is a stunning, moorland course that combines natural beauty with a challenging layout. Its intricate design and elevation changes provide a demanding round of golf. The castle backdrop adds an element of grandeur to the golfing experience.
Teignmouth Golf Club: Clifftop Views
Teignmouth Golf Club offers clifftop views along with a quality golfing challenge. This course, designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie, features well-placed bunkers and fast greens. Located overlooking Lyme Bay, the views are as memorable as the golf itself. The 12th hole, perched on the cliff edge, is a highlight.
Bigbury Golf Club: Seaside Rounds
Located on the South Devon coast, Bigbury Golf Club offers seaside rounds that combine beautiful scenery with challenging play. The course provides stunning views of Burgh Island and the English Channel. Its links-style layout requires precision, especially when the coastal winds pick up.
East Devon Golf Club: A Heritage of Golf
Nestled on the cliffs above Budleigh Salterton, East Devon Golf Club boasts a rich history and a picturesque setting. As a heathland and cliff-top course, it provides a unique and enjoyable round of golf. The layout features gorse, heather, and well-protected greens, making it a course that tests strategic play. The 16th hole, with its panoramic views, is particularly noteworthy.
The Allure of Devon's Links Courses
Links courses in Devon offer stunning scenery and historic value. They provide challenging play along rugged coastlines, making them a must-visit for golfers.
Heritage and History at Royal North Devon
Royal North Devon is the oldest golf course in England. Founded in 1864, it is known for its rich history and traditional links layout. The course is located in Westward Ho! and showcases natural sand dunes and firm, fast fairways.
Playing here feels like stepping back in time, with holes that have remained largely unchanged for over a century. The course itself challenges golfers with its undulating terrain and unpredictable coastal winds.
Highlights:
- Established in 1864
- Traditional links design
- Located in Westward Ho!
- Natural sand dunes
- Historic and unchanged layout
Saunton's Sandy Challenges
Saunton Golf Club features two highly regarded links courses, the East and West. The East Course, designed by Herbert Fowler, is often considered the more challenging due to its narrow fairways and strategic bunkering.
The West Course, although slightly shorter, is no less demanding with its own unique set of obstacles. Both courses are nestled in the Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, enhancing their natural beauty.
Highlights:
- Two courses: East and West
- Designed by Herbert Fowler
- Braunton Burrows location
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Strategic bunkering and narrow fairways
Both Royal North Devon and Saunton provide a unique chance to enjoy golf amidst breath-taking scenery. If you love links courses with a bit of history and challenge, these spots are perfect for a day on the green.
Luxury Golf Breaks in Devon
Devon offers some premium golfing activities combined with luxurious amenities that cater to both relaxation and recreation. Enjoy golf alongside top-notch spa services, fine dining, and sumptuous accommodations within this stunning region.
Spa and Golf Combinations
Pairing a day on the greens with a relaxing spa session creates the perfect balance. Bovey Castle stands out for offering an excellent mix of golf and spa services. After a challenging round on their 18-hole championship course, you can unwind at their on-site spa. The spa offers treatments like massages, facials, and hydrotherapy, ideal for rejuvenation.
Saunton Golf Club also offers access to nearby luxurious spa facilities. A day spent on their East or West Course can be followed by a relaxing spa experience, enhancing your break. This combination ensures you leave feeling both invigorated and relaxed.
Ashbury Golf Hotel combines extensive golfing facilities with spa and wellness services. The range of treatments available includes sauna sessions, massages, and beauty therapies. This blend of activities ensures every aspect of your well-being is catered to.
Stay and Play Offers
Devon provides excellent stay and play packages that cater to both avid golfers and those looking for a restful retreat. Ashbury Golf Hotel is among the top choices, boasting 103 intricate holes spread across several courses, including Kigbeare, Oakwood, and Beeches. Each day brings a new challenge and adventure on their varied fairways.
Bovey Castle Hotel offers luxury accommodations along with access to their well-maintained course. The stay and play deals often include dining at their elegant restaurants such as Smith's Brasserie. This combination ensures that you have everything you need for a memorable golf getaway.
For more premium deals, Saunton Golf Club provides visitors with a chance to play on one of their two beautiful courses. With various inclusive packages, you can enjoy comfortable lodging and meals, making it a hassle-free golfing holiday.
For additional options, check out Golf Breaks UK for a wide range of offers tailored to your golfing preferences.
Enhancing Your Game: Devon's Golf Facilities and Coaching
Devon offers a range of facilities and coaching opportunities designed to help you enhance your golfing techniques. From modern clubhouses with all amenities to getting tips from seasoned professionals, Devon has everything you need.
World-Class Clubhouses and Restaurants
Devon's golf courses often feature clubhouses equipped with modern facilities. For example, the Clubhouse at Woodbury Park was rebuilt in 1998 and includes amenities you would expect from a premier golf club. These clubhouses usually have:
- Fine dining restaurants
- Bars
- Pro shops
- Locker rooms
Thurlestone and Teign Valley Golf Club are noted for their picturesque settings and offer some of the best restaurants for post-game relaxation. Make sure to take advantage of these facilities to relax and refuel after a game.
Learning from Devon's Professionals
Devon is home to many PGA-qualified coaches who offer structured programmes for all skill levels. Facilities like Dainton Park provide coaching services that include:
- Floodlit driving ranges
- Indoor teaching studios
- Outdoor practice areas
- State-of-the-art TrackMan 4 launch monitors
These professionals can help you improve your swing, putting, and overall technique. They use advanced technology to analyse and give you precise feedback, ensuring your progress in a systematic way.
Improving Skills on Challenging Courses
Devon's golf courses offer a variety of challenges that can help sharpen your skills. Woodbury Park's 18-hole course stretches 7,314 yards and is known for its challenging layout. There's also a shorter 9-hole course that is perfect for quick practice sessions.
Courses like those at Teign Valley provide varied terrains that test different aspects of your game. Whether you're navigating the bunkers or aiming for that perfect drive, these courses are designed to challenge you while offering beautiful scenery.
Take advantage of these challenging courses to practice different shots and refine your game strategy. The variety in course design ensures that every game feels unique and demanding.
Exploring Devon Beyond the Fairway
Devon has more to offer than just excellent golf courses. Golfers can enjoy a variety of activities including exploring natural beauty, seaside towns, and historical sites.
Natural Beauty and National Parks
Devon boasts stunning landscapes and several national parks. Dartmoor National Park presents a rugged moorland with tors and ancient woodlands. Hike through its trails or visit the Wistman's Wood for a mystical experience. Exmoor National Park offers rolling hills, dense forests, and dramatic coastline views. The park is perfect for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.
Devon's countryside showcases lush fields, peaceful villages, and beautiful gardens. Take a leisurely walk through Castle Drogo’s gardens or enjoy a picnic by the lush greenery of Bicton Park Botanical Gardens. You can find unique flora and fauna across the region, making Devon a nature lover's paradise.
Seaside Towns and Sandy Beaches
Devon is home to charming seaside towns and golden sandy beaches. Visit Torquay, known as the English Riviera, for its mild climate and vibrant harbour. Here, you can relax on Meadfoot Beach or explore the quaint shops and cafes lining the waterfront.
The Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers dramatic cliffs and fossil hunting opportunities. Lyme Regis is particularly famed for its fossils and stunning Cobb harbour. For a more serene setting, head to Woolacombe Beach, a favourite for families and surfers alike with its vast sandy expanse.
Seaside towns like Salcombe offer beautiful beaches and sailing opportunities. Stroll along the harbourfront, taste local seafood, or take a boat trip to nearby hidden coves and secluded spots.
Cultural Attractions and Historical Sites
Devon is steeped in history and culture. Explore ancient castles like Powderham Castle, which dates back to the 14th century, and Tiverton Castle, with its medieval history and beautiful gardens. These sites provide a glimpse into the region's rich past.
Discover Exeter Cathedral, an impressive example of Gothic architecture with its detailed facade and vast interior. Wander through the Exeter’s Underground Passages, which offer a unique perspective on the city’s medieval history.
Don’t miss visiting the picturesque village of Clovelly, where time seems to have stood still. With its cobbled streets and donkeys for transport, it feels like stepping back in time. You’ll also find a range of museums and art galleries, such as the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter, showcasing diverse collections from art to natural history.
Planning Your Visit to Devon's Greens
Getting the best value and keeping up-to-date with events is essential for an enjoyable golf holiday. Below are some specific tips to help you plan your trip more effectively.
Finding the Best Golf Courses Deals
Search for deals on golf packages by checking the official websites of clubs such as Woodbury Park and Saunton West. Many clubs offer seasonal discounts, weekday specials, and group rates.
Consider booking early or during off-peak times to get better rates. Comparison sites and golf booking portals can help you compare prices and find the best deals.
Contact local tourism boards for information on exclusive offers or packages combining golf with accommodation. Always read the fine print and be aware of any booking conditions.
Events and Tournaments Schedule
Stay informed about events and tournaments hosted by Devon's golf courses like those at Saunton and Thurlestone. Most clubs post their events schedule on their websites.
Look for annual tournaments that might interest you. Participating in, or even just watching, these events can enrich your visit.
Plan your trip around these tournaments if you want to enjoy a lively atmosphere and meet fellow golf players. Some local events also offer pros’ tips and workshops.
Subscribing to Newsletters and Updates
Subscribe to newsletters from Devon’s top golf clubs to receive updates directly to your inbox. Newsletters often feature special offers, exclusive promotions, and insider tips.
Follow social media pages of the clubs to stay updated on flash deals and announcements. Many clubs also run social media-exclusive competitions and giveaways.
Ensure to join golf forums or online communities where members share their latest finds and deal codes. Staying connected has its perks in discovering last-minute opportunities.
This structured approach to planning ensures you make the most out of your golfing break in Devon. Happy golfing!
