Saunton West Course

History:

Saunton Golf Club was established in May 1897 as a 9‑hole course on the windswept dunes by Braunton Burrows. It was soon extended to 12 holes by 1906 and became a full 18‑hole course by 1908. A clubhouse was built in 1907 and still stands today near the current 16th hole on the East Course. After World War the course diminished to 12 holes, celebrated Golden Age architect Herbert Fowler was commissioned in 1919 to restore and enhance it. His redesign, completed in the early 1920s, created the East Course that quickly gained acclaim as one of England’s finest links layouts. Notable pre-war exhibitions included matches featuring Harry Vardon, J.H. Taylor, James Braid, and Henry Cotton—the club celebrated these by hosting special events at the opening of a new clubhouse in 1929. In 1935, rising demand led to a second course. Fowler created the original West Course, but like the East, it was commandeered during World War II and used by U.S. troops preparing for D-Day. Reconstruction began post‑war, but it wasn't until 1974, under architect Frank Pennink, that the West Course reopened. In 1987–88, Donald Steel upgraded the greens and added irrigation to bring them in line with the East Course.

Throughout its history, Saunton's courses have hosted elite amateur competitions, including the British Ladies' Amateur (first in 1932), English Amateur, Senior Amateur (latest in 2024), and the Brabazon Trophy. The East Course also served as a Ladies European Tour venue (Sands International, 1983–85), and a young Sergio García won the Boys' Championship here in 1997.

Saunton’s land, part of the UNESCO-designated Braunton Burrows, is a protected SSSI, SAC, and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Description:

• Holes: 18
• Par: 71
• Yardage (Championship Tees): 6,403 yards (5,855 metres)
• Course Type: Links

The West Course, though shorter and newer, offers no less of a challenge. Originally laid out in 1935 by Herbert Fowler and fully redeveloped by Frank Pennink in the 1970s (and later refined by Donald Steel), the West Course plays through more varied terrain and offers slightly more room off the tee than its sister course.

Despite its slightly reduced yardage, the West Course features tighter greens, more elevated tees, and undulating approaches that require finesse and creativity.

Signature Traits:

• A more modern-feeling links with subtler greens
• Elevated tee shots and sweeping vistas of the dunes
• Demanding short game test, especially around the green complexes

Strategic bunkering and varied hole routing