SPORT
Surrey’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine
England’s Atlantic links
For the discerning golfer, and let’s face it we all like to hail to that distinction, few places in Britain can match the south west for the quality of its links courses and accompanying spectacular scenery. Helen Heady looks at these challenging courses.
Trevose's 4th green against the Atlantic backdrop & Trevose Head
The south west Atlantic links comprise a tantalising trail of six championship golf courses: Burnham & Berrow in Somerset, Royal North Devon and Saunton (East & West) in Devon and Cornwall’s St Enodoc and Trevose. All as good as Cornish cream, Devon cider and Somerset cheddar cheese rolled into one!
Easily accessed via the M5 by car, the first stop along the trail is the engaging Burnham & Berrow. Established in 1890, the 6,925 yard, par 71 course has evolved over the decades, but today’s layout is largely the work of the renowned Harry Colt. It is noted for its distinct sand hills that form stubborn, natural obstacles whilst the swirling winds that whip in from the nearby Atlantic provide a links challenge not for the faint hearted.
The club’s first professional was one of the great triumvirate, JH Taylor, five times an Open Champion, who described the course as: “one of the most sporting courses conceivable.” Testament to the quality of the course, Burnham has hosted a string of prestigious amateur tournaments in its 125-year history including The Brabazon Trophy and The R&A British Boys Championship.
Further down the coast, travelling southwest, is Saunton, set in the giant sand dunes of Braunton Burrows, which boasts two championship courses, East and West, recognised amongst the greatest links in the world. There’s not a single weak hole on the East course and the lasting impression of a round played there is that it comprises a thorough examination of a player’s game. The West course is an exceptional test too. It was here in 1997 that a 17-year-old Sergio Garcia won the British Boys Championship, just two years before making his Ryder Cup debut. Many feel the West course to be a tougher mental challenge with precision the key.
The quality of Saunton is perhaps summed up by England’s most successful golfer, Sir Nick Faldo, who once said: “I’ve no doubt if the East Course were located on the coast of Lancashire or Kent it would have hosted an Open Championship.”
A near neighbour is the incomparable Royal North Devon, or Westward Ho! as it is popularly known. Dating back to 1864, RND is England’s oldest links and it has hardly changed in nearly 150 years. Set on common land on which livestock – cows and sheep – still graze, some say it is like taking a step back in time and seeing how golf was played in Victorian England. Though fairly flat, the 6,650 yard course is a truly challenging links. The second hole, for example, is a testing par four, whilst the distinctive, massive cape bunker on the fourth makes for a daunting hole.
Easily accessed via the M5 by car, the first stop along the trail is the engaging Burnham & Berrow. Established in 1890, the 6,925 yard, par 71 course has evolved over the decades, but today’s layout is largely the work of the renowned Harry Colt. It is noted for its distinct sand hills that form stubborn, natural obstacles whilst the swirling winds that whip in from the nearby Atlantic provide a links challenge not for the faint hearted.
The club’s first professional was one of the great triumvirate, JH Taylor, five times an Open Champion, who described the course as: “one of the most sporting courses conceivable.” Testament to the quality of the course, Burnham has hosted a string of prestigious amateur tournaments in its 125-year history including The Brabazon Trophy and The R&A British Boys Championship.
Further down the coast, travelling southwest, is Saunton, set in the giant sand dunes of Braunton Burrows, which boasts two championship courses, East and West, recognised amongst the greatest links in the world. There’s not a single weak hole on the East course and the lasting impression of a round played there is that it comprises a thorough examination of a player’s game. The West course is an exceptional test too. It was here in 1997 that a 17-year-old Sergio Garcia won the British Boys Championship, just two years before making his Ryder Cup debut. Many feel the West course to be a tougher mental challenge with precision the key.
The quality of Saunton is perhaps summed up by England’s most successful golfer, Sir Nick Faldo, who once said: “I’ve no doubt if the East Course were located on the coast of Lancashire or Kent it would have hosted an Open Championship.”
A near neighbour is the incomparable Royal North Devon, or Westward Ho! as it is popularly known. Dating back to 1864, RND is England’s oldest links and it has hardly changed in nearly 150 years. Set on common land on which livestock – cows and sheep – still graze, some say it is like taking a step back in time and seeing how golf was played in Victorian England. Though fairly flat, the 6,650 yard course is a truly challenging links. The second hole, for example, is a testing par four, whilst the distinctive, massive cape bunker on the fourth makes for a daunting hole.
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The 18th of Saunton GC's West Course
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Big sky at Trevose
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Hole 2 at Burnham & Berrow
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The 5th hole at Saunton Golf Club's West Course
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View over Trevose Golf & Country Club
While JH Taylor may have served as Burnham & Berrow’s first pro, it is here at Royal North Devon that the golfer started his career as a caddie and later finished it as club president. With such heritage, the clubhouse serves as a treasure trove of golf memorabilia, second only to the R&A, so it is definitely worth lingering over a pint of beer in the nineteenth hole after a round.
From Devon, the next stop lies in north Cornwall, via a gentle yet stunning coastal road known as the Atlantic Highway that offers breathtaking views over the north Atlantic Coast. Just past Port Isaac where the popular TV series Doc Martin is filmed, there is the pretty coastal town of Rock, often referred to as Britain’s St Tropez and the Kensington of Cornwall thanks to the well-heeled holidaymakers that return each year.
In addition to sailing, waterskiing and windsurfing, Rock is also home to the stunning course at St Enodoc. Designed by James Braid over 125 years ago, it lies in a fantastic setting amongst the dunes overlooking the estuary and with views over the north Atlantic coast. The 6,547 yard Church Course, so called because of the Norman church uncovered in the middle of the course, and where Sir John Betjeman is buried, is renowned for its towering Himalaya bunker that entirely blocks the view of the sixth green from all but a slither of fairway. Whilst the Himalaya is reputedly the highest bunker in Europe, it is the tenth hole, played down the valley to the church, that is considered the course’s signature hole. The shorter Holywell Course, which has also just undergone major renovation, includes nine par threes, but is still regarded as a little gem and easier than the main course.
Across the Camel River from St Enodoc, and just up from Constantine and Booby’s Bays in the lee of the magnificent Trevose Head, lies the Trevose Golf & Country Club. The main 6,973 yard championship course was originally laid out by Harry Colt and remains a true test of golfing skills. Its traditionally quick greens throughout the year that regularly combine with a wicked wind means it’s deceptively tough. Complete with holiday flats and eco lodges, Trevose conjures up a relaxed holiday atmosphere where the nine-hole Headland Course is an enjoyable alternative to the main course, as is the par-three Short Course which runs around streams, over hills and detours past the ruins of the fifth century Roman church and the second century St. Constantine’s Well.
From Devon, the next stop lies in north Cornwall, via a gentle yet stunning coastal road known as the Atlantic Highway that offers breathtaking views over the north Atlantic Coast. Just past Port Isaac where the popular TV series Doc Martin is filmed, there is the pretty coastal town of Rock, often referred to as Britain’s St Tropez and the Kensington of Cornwall thanks to the well-heeled holidaymakers that return each year.
In addition to sailing, waterskiing and windsurfing, Rock is also home to the stunning course at St Enodoc. Designed by James Braid over 125 years ago, it lies in a fantastic setting amongst the dunes overlooking the estuary and with views over the north Atlantic coast. The 6,547 yard Church Course, so called because of the Norman church uncovered in the middle of the course, and where Sir John Betjeman is buried, is renowned for its towering Himalaya bunker that entirely blocks the view of the sixth green from all but a slither of fairway. Whilst the Himalaya is reputedly the highest bunker in Europe, it is the tenth hole, played down the valley to the church, that is considered the course’s signature hole. The shorter Holywell Course, which has also just undergone major renovation, includes nine par threes, but is still regarded as a little gem and easier than the main course.
Across the Camel River from St Enodoc, and just up from Constantine and Booby’s Bays in the lee of the magnificent Trevose Head, lies the Trevose Golf & Country Club. The main 6,973 yard championship course was originally laid out by Harry Colt and remains a true test of golfing skills. Its traditionally quick greens throughout the year that regularly combine with a wicked wind means it’s deceptively tough. Complete with holiday flats and eco lodges, Trevose conjures up a relaxed holiday atmosphere where the nine-hole Headland Course is an enjoyable alternative to the main course, as is the par-three Short Course which runs around streams, over hills and detours past the ruins of the fifth century Roman church and the second century St. Constantine’s Well.
Lighthouse for luxury
The refurbished Trump Turnberry opens its doors on 1 June. A Luxury Collection Resort, the hotel is set amongst a historic landscape. This, and the careful renovation of Turnberry’s Ailsa Championship golf course, has resulted in one of the most luxurious retreats in the world.The £200m renovation of Trump Turnberry has seen the main hotel building, which has been under construction since September 2015, fully refurbished. This includes the magnificent remodeling of all guest rooms and suites plus the Championship Ailsa golf course, the hotel’s bars and restaurants, the Golf Academy and the iconic Turnberry Lighthouse.
The re-opening marks a new chapter in the hotel’s illustrious 110 year history, which has hosted four of the most exciting Open Championships. Through the years, Turnberry has also housed some of the most influential people in modern history, served the United Kingdom through two World Wars and was the birthplace of Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland in 1307.
The hotel, located along the majestic Ayrshire coastline, consists of 192 state-of-the-art guest rooms, including four suites named after Tom Watson, Nick Price, Stewart Cink and Greg Norman, past winners of the Open Championships hosted at Turnberry. Included in this iconic renovation is The Grand Tea Lounge & Bar, The Duel in the Sun restaurant and 1906 restaurant, as well as the creation of the Donald J. Trump Ballroom, a 500 person grand ballroom, which reputedly will be the most luxurious meeting facility anywhere in Europe.
Adding to all of this is the restoration of the Lighthouse, which for over a century has acted as an iconic image of Scotland and Scottish golf. The Lighthouse has been transformed into a fine halfway house, creating an unrivaled experience. It will offer a spectacular two-bedroom presidential suite, (prices start at over £3,500 per night), offering breathtaking views across to the Isle of Arran, the famous Ailsa Craig and beyond.
Ralph Porciani, general manager, confirms: “Trump Turnberry sets a new standard for luxury and service beyond that currently available elsewhere. During refurbishment, every detail has been scrutinised to ensure we deliver an experience of the highest calibre, which will attract guests from every corner of the globe.
“We are bringing back experienced staff who have worked within the property for decades, as well as hiring new talent to bring new ideas and fresh life to everything we do. This is the perfect combination to offer our guests a truly memorable experience.”
Guests have a selection of game shooting opportunities throughout Ayrshire, home to some of the finest shoots in Scotland, and is an excellent base for pheasant and partridge shooting. The Turnberry team works with a local shooting concierge to create bespoke sporting experiences for parties from single days to a full week.
A range of experiences are available for guests, including exhilarating outdoor pursuits within the onsite Turnberry Adventures’ facility and The Spa at Turnberry. The hotel is located 25 miles (20 minutes) from Glasgow Prestwick Airport, 55 miles (one hour) from Glasgow Airport and 100 miles (one hour and thirty minutes) from Edinburgh Airport.
Overnight accommodation rates for the hotel start from £389, including breakfast.
In addition, Trevose offers an outdoor swimming pool, several tennis courts, a games room, a top quality seafood restaurant, Constantine, as well as the popular Colt’s Clubhouse Bar, making it popular with families as well as golfers.
Off the course, the links have much to offer. Along the north Atlantic Highway you will be enchanted by exquisite coastal villages such as Clovelly and Port Isaac, bustling market towns such as Wadebridge and Barnstaple and quaint fishing ports like Rock and Padstow.
Unique attractions include the fascinating Lost Gardens of Heligan and the impressive Eden Project, which are both highlights. Historians will find Bath a must with its architecture and historic Roman Baths. For the active, the region also offers trekking, hiking, surfing and cycling.
As Russell Mayne, Saunton’s general manager, explains: “Whilst England’s Atlantic links boast some of the finest links golf in the country, we are also lucky enough to be located within a region that offers an enormous variety of activities and attractions off the course. Moreover, the Atlantic links offer excellent value for money – average summer green fees are around £70 – for courses of such calibre that they are comparable to many of the popular Scottish and Irish links. In addition, our courses benefit from being relatively undiscovered and quiet.”
The region’s gastronomic delights include the exceptional Padstow seafood restaurants of famous local chef Rick Stein, Nathan Outlaw’s restaurant at the St Enodoc Hotel and Damien Hirst’s 11 The Quay in Ilfracombe.
In recent years, the overall standard of accommodation in the south west has risen dramatically, witnessed by a host of character B&Bs, modern seaside hotels such as the Saunton Sands and comfortable country club apartments and lodges at Trevose. A visit to this beautiful area really is a must.
Off the course, the links have much to offer. Along the north Atlantic Highway you will be enchanted by exquisite coastal villages such as Clovelly and Port Isaac, bustling market towns such as Wadebridge and Barnstaple and quaint fishing ports like Rock and Padstow.
Unique attractions include the fascinating Lost Gardens of Heligan and the impressive Eden Project, which are both highlights. Historians will find Bath a must with its architecture and historic Roman Baths. For the active, the region also offers trekking, hiking, surfing and cycling.
As Russell Mayne, Saunton’s general manager, explains: “Whilst England’s Atlantic links boast some of the finest links golf in the country, we are also lucky enough to be located within a region that offers an enormous variety of activities and attractions off the course. Moreover, the Atlantic links offer excellent value for money – average summer green fees are around £70 – for courses of such calibre that they are comparable to many of the popular Scottish and Irish links. In addition, our courses benefit from being relatively undiscovered and quiet.”
The region’s gastronomic delights include the exceptional Padstow seafood restaurants of famous local chef Rick Stein, Nathan Outlaw’s restaurant at the St Enodoc Hotel and Damien Hirst’s 11 The Quay in Ilfracombe.
In recent years, the overall standard of accommodation in the south west has risen dramatically, witnessed by a host of character B&Bs, modern seaside hotels such as the Saunton Sands and comfortable country club apartments and lodges at Trevose. A visit to this beautiful area really is a must.
essence info
Website: www.atlantic-links.co.ukTelephone: 01637 879991
Course websites:
www.burnhamandberrowgolfclub.co.uk,
www.sauntongolf.co.uk,
www.royalnorthdevongolfclub.co.uk,
www.st-enodoc.co.uk and www.trevose-gc.co.uk
The south west Atlantic links comprise a tantalising trail of six championship golf courses: Burnham & Berrow in Somerset, Royal North Devon and Saunton (East & West) in Devon and Cornwall’s St Enodoc and Trevose. All as good as Cornish cream, Devon cider and Somerset cheddar cheese rolled into one!