Devon and Cornwall Golf: 2026 Season Outlook
The far South West of England holds a run of classic links on a wild Atlantic coastline, from the ancient turf of Westward Ho! to the dunes of Saunton and the church-side fairways of St Enodoc. Here is the 2026 outlook and how to play them.
The headline: links season on the Atlantic coast
Devon and Cornwall play best from April to October, when the links turf is firm and fast and the long Atlantic days give plenty of golfing light. The region's temperate, maritime climate means golf is possible almost year round, but the prime window runs through the warmer months, with late spring and early autumn offering the best mix of conditions and quiet tee sheets.
This is a links coast first and foremost. The turf is naturally fast draining, the wind is part of the test, and the courses sit among dunes and along estuaries rather than inland parkland. For a visiting golfer it is one of Britain's most scenic and underrated golf trips, a long way from the famous Scottish and Irish links but cut from the same cloth.
The courses that anchor a trip
In Cornwall the must play is St Enodoc, whose Church course is one of James Braid's masterpieces, tumbling through huge dunes above the Camel estuary at Rock and regularly rated the finest course in the county. Up the coast near Padstow, Trevose offers a well loved championship links and a relaxed resort feel that suits a family golf trip.
Across the border in Devon, Saunton and its celebrated East course rank among the best links in England, a stern test laid out across rolling dunes near Braunton. Nearby, Royal North Devon at Westward Ho! is the oldest golf course in England, dating to 1864, a raw and historic links where sheep and horses still share the common.
How to plan it for 2026
The region splits naturally into two bases. North Devon clusters Saunton and Royal North Devon within a few miles of each other near Barnstaple, while North Cornwall pairs St Enodoc and Trevose around the Camel estuary. The two are roughly an hour apart by road, so a week can comfortably take in all four with a mid-trip move.
The practical 2026 notes are straightforward. Target April to October, book the marquee links well ahead in summer, and build in flexibility for the Atlantic weather, which can turn a calm round into a proper test in minutes. Green fees at the leading courses are quoted seasonally and sit at the premium end for the region, so treat any figure as indicative for the 2026 season and always confirm directly before booking.
What it means for your trip, and our take
For a 2026 South West golf trip, pair the two coasts. Open in North Devon with Saunton and the history of Royal North Devon, then move to North Cornwall for St Enodoc and Trevose, timing the trip for the settled months between late spring and early autumn. It is a drive-and-play trip that rewards a hire car and a relaxed itinerary.
Our take is that Devon and Cornwall offer some of the best value links golf in Britain, with championship turf, dramatic coastline and none of the booking scramble of the headline destinations. Plan around the two estuary clusters, respect the wind, and treat the coastline and the South West itself as half the reason to come.
Plan your Devon and Cornwall golf trip
From the dunes of Saunton and the history of Royal North Devon to the church-side links of St Enodoc and the resort golf of Trevose, tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge builds and costs the trip, with no obligation.
Questions
When is the best time to play golf in Devon and Cornwall?
The prime season runs from April to October, when the links turf is firm and the days are long. The mild maritime climate allows golf almost year round, but late spring and early autumn give the best balance of conditions and quiet fairways.
Which are the best golf courses in Devon and Cornwall?
St Enodoc's Church course is widely rated the finest in Cornwall, while Saunton's East course is among the best links in England. Royal North Devon at Westward Ho! is the oldest course in England, and Trevose is a much loved Cornish championship links.
How should I plan a Devon and Cornwall golf trip?
Use two bases, North Devon for Saunton and Royal North Devon and North Cornwall for St Enodoc and Trevose, about an hour apart. Aim for April to October, book the leading links ahead in summer, and confirm green fees directly before booking.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Course openings, renovation news and the trips worth taking. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Season, course and access details verified June 2026 from club, tour and golf travel sources; conditions and green fees change, so always confirm directly before booking. Last reviewed June 2026.