Best golf courses in Devon

Comprising of hilly landscapes, dramatic coastal cliffs, and pristine sandy shores it’s no wonder Devon is known as a golfer’s paradise. Featuring a plethora of beautiful, natural golf courses this is a fantastic destination for a UK golf break, where every swing is accompanied by breathtaking views.

Below we have composed our list of the very best golf courses in Devon, offering inspiration for your next UK trip.

Renowned across the globe as one of the UK’s finest traditional links clubs, Saunton Golf Club has been a cornerstone of the golfing community since 1897. Nestled amidst the rugged Devon landscape, this esteemed club offers a challenging 6774-yard, par-71 course that has stood the test of time for over 120 years.

While logistical constraints may have prevented it from hosting The Open Championship, Saunton's East Course is nothing short of championship-calibre and is one of the best layouts in England. Featuring a variety of testing holes, the course demands precise and solid ball striking from players.

From raised greens to strategically placed bunkers, every aspect of Saunton's design keeps golfers on their toes, ensuring an exhilarating and unforgettable experience on the links.

Saunton East Course facts Length: - Back tees: 6774 - Front tees: 5898 Par: 71 Architect: Herbert Fowler, Tom Mackenzie, Martin Ebert Founded: 1897 Course type: Links

Standing out as one of Devon's top golf courses is Saunton West. It's a 6187-yard, par-71 course that rolls over the landscape, threading between sand dunes. The course keeps you thinking with its tricky bunkers and elevated greens, making it tough for any golfer.

You'll need to be sharp on the dog-leg holes, navigating them carefully for a good shot. There are some fantastic views on several raised tee boxes, and the greens nestled amongst the dunes look fantastic.

Saunton West Course facts Length: - Back tees: 6596 - Front tees: 5314 Par: 71 Architect: Herbert Fowler, Frank Pennink, Donald Steel Founded: 1935 Course type: Links

Opening in 1992, the Dartmouth Championship Course is a par-72 thoughtfully crafted by British architect Jeremy Pern. Leveraging the natural undulations of the land, alongside strategically placed water hazards and elevated tees, Pern has sculpted a challenging yet inviting course with breathtaking views.

Among its standout features is the formidable 4th hole, a test of precision where golfers must navigate a narrow path between a winding stream on the left and a steep bank on the right. Guarded by two ponds, reaching the green on this demanding par five demands both skill and strategy, making it a memorable challenge for players of all levels.

For an excellent stay & play package, pair the Championship Course with a stay at The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf & Spa. This is one of our favourite countryside estates and is a must-visit when in the southwest of England.

Dartmouth Championship Course facts Length: - Back tees: 7156 - Front tees: 5684 Par: 72 Architect: Jeremy Pern Founded: 1992 Course type: Parkland

Established in 1864, Royal North Devon Golf Club holds the distinction of being the country's oldest course and has earned a spot among the top 100 courses worldwide by Golf World. The onsite 18-hole links course presents a formidable challenge, intensified by the consistent sea breeze.

Spanning over 7,000 yards from the back tees, the course offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, with sweeping panoramas of the sea. While appearing deceptively flat at first glance, it's not until you step onto the first tee that you truly grasp and appreciate the subtle undulations that characterize this historic course.

Royal North Devon course facts Length: - Back tees: 7044 - Front tees: 5685 Par: 72 Architect: Old Tom Morris Founded: 1864 Course type: Links

The Oaks Championship Course presents golfers with an exhilarating 18-hole par 73 experience, spanning 7,252 yards of picturesque parkland characterized by rolling fairways lined by mature trees, impeccably maintained greens, and plenty of water hazards.

Golfers encounter nerve-wracking tee shots, especially at two of its challenging short holes. Hole 3, dubbed "Kingfisher," and the dramatic 18th, known as "The Splash,". Both require nerve and precision as golfers must navigate their shots over daunting ponds to reach the greens. This course provides a challenge for players of all handicaps, with the 18th hole serving as a thrilling climax, requiring a bold shot over the shimmering lake, framed by the clubhouse in full view.

Woodbury Oaks Course facts Length: - Back tees: 7252 - Front tees: 5637 Par: 73 Architect: Hamilton J Stutt Founded: 1992 Course type: Parkland

The Old Course at Bovey Castle stands as a testament to both natural beauty and challenging play, making it a top choice among golfers in Devon. Designed by J F Abercromby in 1926, this historic course has earned international recognition for its intricate layout and stunning surroundings.

Set amidst the picturesque castle estate, golfers of all skill levels are drawn to its meandering fairways, characterised by tricky small greens and the ever-present rivers Bovey and Bowden, which add an element of strategy to every round. The course's complexity and scenic charm have solidified its reputation as one of the finest golf courses in Devon.

Bovey Castle Old Course facts Length: - Back tees: 6299 - Front tees: 5201 Par: 70 Architect: J F Abercromby Founded: 1926 Course type: Parkland

This course stands as a gem among Devon's golf offerings, renowned for its challenging yet picturesque layout. Spanning 6,528 yards with a par of 72, it's the longest out of five courses at Ashbury Golf Resort.

Set amidst the scenic estate, Ashbury's Kigbeare Course boasts some of the resort's finest holes, characterised by expansive greens and strategic pin placements. To master the Kigbeare, precision putting is key as well as accurate tee shots to stay safe down tree-lined fairways.

Ashbury Kigbeare Course facts Length: - Back tees: 6528 - Front tees: 5331 Par: 72 Architect: Hamilton J Stutt Founded: 1992 Course type: Parkland

A must-visit for all golfers in Devon is Ilfracombe Golf Club. Situated along the picturesque North Devon coastline, overlooking the Bristol Channel towards South Wales and Lundy Island, this course offers stunning ocean views from every hole. With 18 well-maintained parkland holes spanning just 5,795 yards, it provides a challenge for golfers of all levels.

Plus, each tee box offers beautiful views where you can ‘see the sea from every tee’. With its remarkable beauty and great course maintenance, Ilfracombe Golf Club is a fantastic destination for a North Devon and South Wales golf tour.

Ilfracombe Golf Course facts Length: - Back tees: 5796 - Front tees: 5314 Par: 72 Founded: 1892 Course type: Parkland