Saunton Golf Club – Saunton, North Devon
Sports Leviathan Golf Course Review
Club Name: Saunton Golf Club
Location: Saunton, Nr Braunton, North Devon.
Club Website: http://www.sauntongolf.co.uk
Course details/yardage etc: 2 x 18 hole championship links courses.
East is a 6400 yard par 71 layout (6700 yards off blue tees)
West is a 6150 yard par 71 layout (6400 yards off blue tees)
Reviewers comments:
The East course is the longer of the two, and probably the more difficult. Although the greens are flatter than the West, the extra length often means many approaches are made with a long iron or even wood if the wind gets up. The West is slightly shorter and requires more thought in placing the ball off the tee, as driver is often not required. Despite being shorter than the East the tricky greens and some long par 3’s make it a tough course to score well on.
Both boast beautiful greens and lots of elevated tees thanks to the dunes. Deep pot bunkers guard fairways and greens, and the rough is extremely thick and tough to hit out of.
Chipping and pitching is difficult at Saunton due to undulating greens and the many bunkers guarding them. Both courses have a Standard Scratch Score above par, and the CSS on the East can be as much as +5 in some competitions, showing how tough they can be.
The signature hole for me is the 5th on the East, known as the Tiddler. For a course which feels long, at just over 100 yards you would think this is an easy birdie chance, but it’s anything but. An elevated green with severe drop off into deep bunkers at the front make accuracy paramount. A wrongly placed shot can easily run down off the green and finish 30 yards away. If you go long on this hole you have a nigh on impossible up and down unless you are Phil Mickelson, and even he would struggle!
Both courses are always in excellent condition and it is a real tough test of golf in fabulous surroundings. If you are a beginner or once a year golfer looking for a friendly game with mates, this may be a little too much of a challenge, but for the golfer looking to test their game against top courses this is well worth a visit to play both East and West.
Facilities/Clubhouse:
Comments: The facilities at this course are simply superb. A driving range, large well stocked pro shop, 2 putting greens, large short game area, long practice area, and large bar/restaurant means every aspect of your needs are well catered for. There is a patio outside the clubhouse which overlooks the tricky 18th green on the East course, and is a pleasant place to enjoy a post round drink.
Facilities Rating: 10/10
Cost: £75 per round
Other comments: It is expensive to play here, but the quality of the courses warrant the price. It may not be the best venue for your society of once a year golfers, but for keen golfers it’s a great test of golf.
Sports Leviathan ‘is it worth playing’ rating: 9/10
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