Featured Course - Saunton Sands

What they say

Saunton Golf Club was officially formed in May 1897. The East Course began as a 9-hole layout, expanded to 12 holes by 1906, and became a full 18-hole course in 1908. In 1919, it was redesigned by renowned architect W. Herbert Fowler, and despite a few minor changes since the war, it remains largely true to his original vision. The East Course is a pure links, with holes that weave naturally through the dunes, shaped more by nature than by man. Consistently ranked among the UK’s top courses, Saunton is a must-play for any serious golfer.

What Tom says...

So why hasn’t The Open ever come to Saunton? Honestly, it’s not about the course - it’s all down to logistics. Saunton doesn’t have the big infrastructure or easy access you’d find at more built-up venues. But what it does have is something pretty special: pure, untouched links golf. Fast fairways, massive dunes, proper punishing bunkers, and that coastal wind that can turn a simple par 4 into absolute chaos. It’s all here - just without the noise and the crowds.

Fairways

Finding the fairways at Saunton is absolutely key - miss them, and you’re in trouble. The rough is thick, unforgiving, and more than happy to swallow your ball whole. Stray off line and you’ll spend the day scrambling to save bogey (or worse). You might want to think twice about hitting driver - sometimes a Mini-driver, Fairway Wood or long iron is the smarter play to keep yourself in position.

Bunkers

The bunkers at Saunton really make you think. They’re never just there for show. Off the tee, they’re placed with real intent - sometimes tempting you to take them on, other times waiting just beyond the ‘safe’ shot. It’s the kind of course that rewards smart decisions over raw power. Lots of the traps are tucked into slopes or set into the dunes, so if you miss your spot, getting up and down takes a bit of imagination as well as touch.

Greens

The greens at Saunton are classic links -slightly raised, subtly crowned, and quick. Miss your spot and you’re facing a tricky pitch, a long putt, or a crafty bump-and-run. They’re firm but fair, and reward smart thinking just as much as precision.

East Course

Saunton East has real championship pedigree - it’s hosted the British Boys’, English Amateur, and R&A events. The routing is brilliant, winding through the dunes with variety and scale. Every hole asks proper questions, especially off the tee, with smart bunkering and tricky green setups. And best of all? There’s no let-up- it’s strong from the first tee to the last putt.

West Course

The West Course may be shorter, but it’s no less rewarding. It’s tighter, more strategic, and asks for control over power. The routing is subtler, but still pure links—wind, bounce, and shot-shaping all play a part. A brilliant complement to the East, and a great test in its own right.

Tom's Verdict

Saunton Sands is links golf at its purest. Honestly, if we were judging on golf courses quality alone, Saunton (East) could join The Open rota tomorrow and no one would bat an eye. It’s that good! Add Saunton to your bucket list.