No 30 - Saunton - East

Saunton East carves through the Braunton Burrows and provides a tough test with one of the most difficult first holes in the Top 100

Saunton East
Rob Smith
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published

30 SAUNTON – East

Architect: Fowler 2006 position: 28 Stats: 6,427 yards; par 71; SSS 71 GF: £40-£100 T: 01271 812436 W: sauntongolf.co.uk

Carved through the magnificent Braunton Burrows, the East is one of two aesthetically very pleasing, excellent golf courses at Saunton.

The holes change direction on a frequent basis, and although they combine to make the East a tough test, they do tend to merge into one in the memory bank, especially around the turn.

The course does, however, finish with three quite outstanding holes.

Its chief protection is Fowler’s spot-on bunkering, which adds hugely to the challenge.

The course is usually presented in excellent condition, and the friendly, well-appointed bar and restaurant serve up great views over the links. RS

+ Great value; tough test; possibly the hardest 1st hole in our Top 100 - Locker rooms in need of an upgrade; can get busy Enter your review of Saunton East course below

Rob Smith
Rob Smith
Contributing Editor

Rob has been playing golf for over 45 years and been a contributing editor for Golf Monthly since 2012. He specialises in course reviews and travel, and has played approaching 1,250 courses in almost 50 countries. In 2021, he played all 21 courses in East Lothian in 13 days. Last year, his tally was 78, exactly half of them for the first time. One of Rob's primary roles is helping to prepare the Top 100 Courses of the UK&I, of which he has played all, as well as the Next 100 where he is missing two in Scotland and two in Ireland. He has been a member of Tandridge for over 30 years where his handicap hovers around 15. You can contact him at r.smith896@btinternet.com.

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