England's Atlantic Links

Often overlooked in the grand scheme of British golf, England's West Country is home to a number of classic links courses set in truly glorious locations, writes Alex Jenkins

The 4th at Saunton (East)WHERE TO PLAY
SAUNTON (East) *****
If the powers that be broke new ground by deciding it was time for the West Country to hold an Open Championship, the East Course at Saunton would almost certainly be the chosen venue. Laid out over wonderfully undulating links land on Devon's unspoilt north coast a few miles west of the pleasant market town of Barnstaple, Saunton is a full-strength championship track that winds its way through dramatic dunes and demands accuracy from the tee. It would be a poor decision to make a round on the East your first on a trip to these parts, as it has the potential to seriously bite. Fortunately however, the club has a second course – the West – which is a very fine layout in its own right and provides an excellent work out before tackling its longer and tougher brother. Long, wispy rough, hard and fast greens and classic pot bunkers, combined with an exceptional routing make the East one of the most majestic – and most unheralded – courses in the land.
YARDAGE: 6,779
PAR: 71
Designed by Herbert Fowler
Greens Fee: From £74 in high season
Others: A handicap certificate is required
Contact: sauntongolf.co.uk

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Written by Alex Jenkins

Click here to see the published article.

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