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

Saunton Golf Club West Course Key Information

Shorter than the East, though not a great deal, the Saunton Golf Club West Course is just a little less demanding as well as more varied. And most importantly for many, it is even more fun. Both are in the Top 100 Golf Courses UK & Ireland, and it is one of the best links golf courses in England. Such was the demand for golf at Saunton by the mid-1930s that the members made the decision to create a second course. Herbert Fowler, who had designed the East, was asked to submit a design. The new course was built, but when the Second World War arrived, it was taken over by the military and used for training.

Many years later, the West Course was redesigned by Frank Pennink, and it finally reopened 50 years ago in 1973. In the late 1980s all of the greens were re-laid and 30 new bunkers added, and the back nine provides excellent variety which I really like as it features three of each par. It is an undulating links, and many of the holes are set between the dunes. Cross-ditches, grassy mounds and hollows, clever bunkering and raised greens all combine to produce an excellent challenge.

This is a course that calls for a strategic and subtle approach which, particularly when the fairways are firm and fast through the summer, will be well rewarded. I believe that the real golfing test here comes in the approach to the greens, many of which are relatively small and can be tricky to find. There are doglegs to negotiate and a fine selection of five par 3s, four of which are over 185 yards from the blues. Several tees are raised which then provide lovely views of the surrounding countryside, and a number of the greens are set right into the dunes, adding to the visual appeal of the layout all the way.

Saunton is a friendly and welcoming club which I always enjoy visiting, and the West is one of the very best golf courses in Devon.

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

Jamie Hudson

Without the vast dunes you get on the East but with some quirky interesting holes it’s of a similar visual appeal to its higher-ranked neighbour.

Mike Chapman

The West has always struggled a little in comparison with the East and once again will be second when the next round of enhancements is completed. That being said, it’s a very fair test, especially in the wind. Specific changes to the West will begin this Autumn/Winter (2024/25) which will be interesting to see.

Saunton Golf Club Location

Saunton Golf Club West 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 - 87
• 2023/24 - 78
• 2021/22 - 75
• 2019/20 - 69
• 2017/18 - 61
• 2015/16 - 61
• 2013/14 - 57
• 2011/12 - 59
• 2009/10 - 57

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