Saunton Golf Club: East Course Review, Tee Times and Key Info

Saunton Golf Club East Course Key Information

The East Course at Saunton Golf Club is the slightly more demanding of two very enjoyable links at the club that complement one another perfectly and are both in the Top 100 Golf Courses UK & Ireland. Situated in the peaceful North Devon dunes, it was designed by Herbert Fowler of The Berkshire and Walton Heath fame. It is one of the best golf courses in England.

Golf was first played over this secluded linksland just south of Croyde over 120 years ago and this has headed most lists of the best golf courses in Devon ever since. It was originally just 9 holes, and then 12, before Fowler was invited to redesign the course completely following World War I. Ever since is has attracted major amateur events, and some people have even suggested it could be an Open Championship venue if it were not for access and logistical issues. I have played it a number of times and like it a great deal.

The East opens with a really strong par 4 played from an elevated tee. Just about maximum length and usually into the wind, a par here is very much one up on the card.

As you continue, you will find nothing that is unfair or contrived. Instead, there is hole after hole of testing golf where the premium is on accuracy. While it occasionally calls for some strength, this is a very fair test of golf that has rightly won the respect and admiration of many top golfers.

Even the shorter holes have their challenges. Tiddler, the appropriately-named par-3 5th, is a perfect example. At just 122 yards, the important thing is not to go long. Do so, and you will really have your work cut out to get back close to the pin and salvage par. The same is also true at the 10th, Plateau, a seemingly straightforward but attractive par 4. Once again there is a raised green, and there is also real trouble presented by two bunkers that sit at the base of the slope in front.

The long par-4 14th is a real tester whose name sums it up perfectly, Narrows! Here, it really does pay to stay straight. The dogleg closing hole is a fittingly strong two-shotter leading you back to a green surrounded by five bunkers under the watchful gaze of all those out on the delightful patio.

To my mind, Saunton East is one of the best links golf courses in England, enjoying a beautiful setting in the Devonshire dunes.

What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said...

Chris Boakes

I can’t help feeling that if Saunton East was not tucked away in the West Country and had a little more attention to detail, it would gain even more recognition. A serious, honest test of golf ability.

Jamie Hudson

I feel it’s fortunate to be in the top 100 - the landscape, dunes and greens are a wonderful base to work from, but they just don’t capitalise on it.

Matt Weavers

The club have gone with a “natural/blow-out” look for the rebunkering work. Unfortunately, the execution has been poor and as a result the reworked bunkers look ugly, unnatural and stand out compared to the revetted bunkers around them. The sand used is also a different colour and quality so the end result is not impressive. I always enjoy coming back to play the East and, despite the rebunkering issues, look forward to continuing to do so in the future.

Saunton Golf Club Location

Saunton Golf Club East Course scorecard

Best Courses Near To Saunton

ROYAL NORTH DEVON

Old Tom Morris designed this most natural of links where recent coastal erosion has led to some ongoing changes. This is golf at its most elemental and unfussy; the oldest course in England and a living museum of the game.

ST MELLION

There are two excellent and very different courses at St Mellion with the Nicklaus Signature Course a firm favourite in the Next 100. It is one of the best-looking and most challenging tests of golf in the area. Dense woodland, some wow-factor bunkering and various water features make both length and accuracy vital.

Best Places To Stay Near Saunton Golf Club

Saunton Sands Hotel - Book now via Booking.com

With excellent views over the golf course, Saunton Sands Hotel features a spa, 2 swimming pools and a popular restaurant. The elegant rooms have modern, en suite bathrooms and the Restaurant offers formal dining and a seasonal menu.

Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple - Book now via Booking.com

A few minutes away in the centre of Barnstaple, the Imperial overlooks River Taw. There is a formal restaurant serving 2 and 4-course dinner, as well as relaxed dining in the Colours Bar and terrace lounge.

Saunton Golf Club East Course Gallery

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Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I

• 2025/26 - 54
• 2023/24 - 55
• 2021/22 - 49
• 2019/20 - 45
• 2017/18 - 41
• 2015/16 - 35
• 2013/14 - 39
• 2011/12 - 36
• 2009/10 - 30

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