Saunton East

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): 6,779 yards (6,201 metres)
• Course Type: Traditional links

The East Course is the older and more renowned of the two, originally redesigned by Herbert Fowler in 1919. It is revered for its strategic layout, natural dunes, firm fairways, and exceptional challenge in windy conditions. The course winds through the undulating Braunton Burrows, offering dramatic elevation changes, tight driving zones, and small, well-defended greens.

Signature Traits:

• Excellent variation in hole length and direction
• Superb conditioning with fast greens
• Demands control over power, particularly in coastal wind