How to Play the Best Golf in Devon and Cornwall
England's southwest holds the country's most underpriced great links: two championship courses in the largest dune system in England at Saunton, the oldest course in England at Westward Ho!, and James Braid's seaside masterpiece at St Enodoc. None costs more than 225 pounds in 2026. Here is how to get on all of them, in the right order.
Photograph: Saunton Golf Club, North Devon, via Google
Why the West Country is the value play in English links
While the Open rota courses push toward 500 pounds, Devon and Cornwall quietly sell world ranked links golf for a fraction of it. The 2026 published peak rates tell the story: 175 pounds for Saunton East, 225 for St Enodoc's Church course, 140 for Trevose, and roughly 120 for Royal North Devon, the oldest course in England. The catch is geography: the region is a five hour drive from London, which is exactly why the tee sheets stay humane and the golf stays underpriced. Treat it as a destination, not a detour.
This guide covers access, fees and routing. For the full regional picture see the Devon and Cornwall hub, and for the complete fee tables, green fees in Devon and Cornwall.
The courses, and how to get on
Saunton, East and West · North Devon
Two full links threaded through Braunton Burrows, the largest sand dune system in England. The East, Herbert Fowler's championship test, is the headline: 175 pounds at peak in 2026, with the club's own seasonal card offering afternoon rates from 100 to 140 pounds depending on month and late twilight from 75 pounds. The West is gentler and pairs naturally for a 36 hole day. Visitors book online or through the office; summer mornings need weeks of notice, afternoons rarely do. Always confirm directly before booking.
Royal North Devon, Westward Ho!
The oldest golf course in England, playing over Northam Burrows since 1864, where sheep and horses still graze the common land and the sea rushes pot bunkers guard greens that have not moved in a century. The published visitor rate of about 120 pounds in 2026 is one of the great bargains in the game. Access is simple: book ahead online, respect the history, and do not expect lush conditioning; this is golf as it was, on purpose.
St Enodoc, Church course · Rock, Cornwall
James Braid's rollercoaster through the dunes above the Camel Estuary, with the half buried 12th century church beside the 10th and the towering Himalayas bunker at the 6th. The Church course's 2026 peak rate is 225 pounds, and the club asks visitors for evidence of handicap, so carry a certificate or app record. Tee times release online and summer sells out earliest of any course in this guide. Our full St Enodoc Church course profile covers the round hole by hole.
Trevose, near Padstow
Harry Colt's 1925 championship links above Constantine Bay, the most complete golf resort in Cornwall, with accommodation on site, a second short course and a beach the family will forgive you for. At 140 pounds peak in 2026 it is the easiest premium booking in the region, and staying on site makes morning times trivial. Book golf and lodging together for the smoothest version.
The deeper Cornwall add ons
With extra days, keep driving southwest: Perranporth, a James Braid links over wild dunes above the surf town; West Cornwall at Lelant, the county's oldest club, with views across to St Ives; and Mullion on the Lizard peninsula, the most southerly course in England. All welcome visitors at modest fees and none needs more than a few days of notice outside August.
Fees and booking at a glance
| Course | 2026 peak fee | Access notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saunton East | 175 pounds; afternoons 100 to 140 by month | Online booking; West course pairs for 36 |
| Royal North Devon | About 120 pounds | England's oldest course, 1864; book online |
| St Enodoc Church | 225 pounds | Handicap evidence requested; books out first |
| Trevose | 140 pounds | Resort lodging unlocks morning times |
| Perranporth / West Cornwall / Mullion | Modest, varies | Days of notice outside August |
Rates from club rate cards and the National Club Golfer 2026 survey, June 2026. Check tee time availability or browse Devon and Cornwall golf stays.
The route that works
Fly or train to Exeter, or fly to Newquay for the Cornish end, and rent a car; nothing here works without one. The natural loop runs north coast first: two nights near Braunton or Instow for Saunton and Royal North Devon, then 90 minutes down the Atlantic Highway to the Camel Estuary for St Enodoc, staying in Rock or Padstow, with Trevose 25 minutes on. That is four rounds in five days at a humane pace, with the Cornwall extras extending toward Land's End if the trip allows. Eat in Padstow, time the St Enodoc round for morning light on the estuary, and book August accommodation before you book anything else.
Plan your Devon and Cornwall golf trip
Tell us your dates, group size and which links matter most. One concierge books the tee times in the right order, places the overnights and costs the trip to the head. No obligation.
Devon and Cornwall questions
Do I need a handicap certificate to play in Devon and Cornwall?
At most of the courses, no, but St Enodoc asks visitors for evidence of handicap to play the Church course, so carry a certificate or your app record. The other clubs welcome competent visitors without formality. Dress codes are relaxed traditional: golf clothing on the course, and the clubhouses are friendlier than their histories suggest.
What do the green fees cost in 2026?
Published 2026 peak rates: Saunton East 175 pounds, St Enodoc Church 225 pounds, Trevose 140 pounds and Royal North Devon around 120 pounds. Saunton's own seasonal card shows afternoon rates from 100 to 140 pounds depending on month, with late twilight from 75 pounds. All fees are indicative and seasonal; always confirm directly before booking.
What is the right order to play the courses?
Geography decides it. Start in North Devon with Saunton and Royal North Devon, which sit either side of the Taw estuary near Barnstaple, then drive about 90 minutes down the Atlantic coast to the Camel Estuary for St Enodoc, with Trevose 25 minutes further on. Deeper Cornwall, Perranporth, West Cornwall at Lelant and Mullion, extends the trip toward Land's End if you have the days.
When is the best time to play the West Country links?
May, June and September. Early summer brings the best light and firm turf before school holidays fill the coast; September is quieter with the sea still warm. July and August play well but the roads and villages are at peak tourist load, and accommodation prices jump. Winter golf is real here, the mildest corner of England, with most courses open year round at reduced rates.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Course access changes, openings and the trips worth taking. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Access rules and published fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.