Royal North Devon Golf Club

Wednesday: the oldest course of England (1864), Royal North Devon GC. A must-play! Totally different from all the other courses we’ve played. Steeped in history, and not a lot seemed to have changed. Sheep will accompany you, during the round, but they won’t bother you, these traditional grass-mowers. The course is a great experience and will not be forgotten for a long time.

Royal North Devon, or Westward Ho! as it is often fondly referred to, is a very special place. Perhaps it should be called Royal North Heaven!

That much is obvious from the moment you drive into the car park and are informed, by an unmissable sign on the side of the historic clubhouse, that you have just arrived at England's oldest course.

However, many of those who play here regularly or are planning a visit to this beautiful part of the North Devon coastline will already be aware of that fact. Royal North Devon is well known for being the cradle of English golf, and it's ranking of first in seniority, when it comes to links golf in England.

In terms of the golf course it is one that can hold it's own when compared to some of the best in the country.

The stretch of holes from the fifth through to the 11th are an absolute treat offering plenty of variety, an array of risk and reward shots and some fabulous green complexes.

Choosing the correct line off the tee at the seventh is also of paramount importance if you are to give yourself the best angle of attack into a green that sits perfectly into the landscape and has a stunning backdrop.

Royal North Devon is ground zero for links golf in England, a course that should be experienced several times to fully appreciate its many virtues and one that is vastly underrated.

The course at Westward Ho! dates back to 1864 which makes it the oldest course in England! The links starts and finishes with two flattish holes which transitions you from the club house through the farmland to the links land. Holes 3 to 8 are superb with the Cape bunker on the 4th being particularly memorable. The 6th is about the most humpy bumpy fairway you could imagine. The middle of the course winds through the Sea Rushes (a spiky plant) which adds an exciting challenge. After your round don't miss a visit to the club house with its museum to the history of the club and golf in general.

tres beau links a l anglaise; panorama a 360 degrés; panorama formidable et météo toujours douce;

Einer der ältesten Linksplätze und auch der älteste Ladiesclub der Welt. Unbedingt das Golfmuseum im Club ansehen. Heimatplatz von Trish Johnson.