Swing into spring: the best golf courses in the South West
Posted by Sophie Boyce on Updated on
State-of-the-art facilities and views to stir the soul
With its gently rolling hills, spectacular scenery and varied courses, the South West is a great destination for a golfing holiday. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer indulging in a weekend away, booking in for a day’s tuition or curious to try something new, we’ve rounded up the best golf clubs in the South West.
Bigbury Golf Club
Owing to its wide fairways and fast greens, Bigbury is a popular golf club that’s challenged golfers of all abilities for many years. With dedicated greens, chipping zones and a full length practice ground, the club has an abundance of facilities for keen golfers and beginners, while golf days and junior coaching sessions will develop confidence and skill.
Also on site is an incredible sea-view clubhouse, bar and restaurant – with an expansive patio presenting the perfect excuse to dine al fresco in the warmer weather. A well-stocked bar and a menu of fresh dishes provide a lovely haven after a few testing rounds on the course.
Nearby properties: Avocet, Beachfront, Overcombe and Clifftop
Isle of Purbeck Golf Club
© Isle of Purbeck Golf Club
With panoramic views across Dorset’s iconic heathland, the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club features two courses of varying difficulty. With the Dene Course catering for beginners and the Purbeck Course for accomplished golfers, make a day of it with the Winter Warmers breakfast or stop by at the clubhouse for a twilight drink.
For a touch of fun in the summer months, don’t miss the family-friendly footgolf course. The full 18-hole course with views over Swanage Bay and Poole Harbour is a great alternative day out for competitive families.
St Enodoc Golf Club
© Neville Wootton via Flickr
The undulating terrain and challenging holes at St Enodoc Golf Club make it one of Cornwall’s most popular spots for the golfing elite. Perched high on golden dunes, the club overlooks the picturesque Camel Estuary and enjoys views of Padstow to one side and the glistening Atlantic coast to the other.
One of two courses designed by iconic Scottish golfer James Braid, the Church Course is regarded one of the West Country’s finest links layouts, threading its way between the dunes and boasting the biggest bunker in Europe, the cavernous ‘Himalaya’. While still challenging, the gentler 18-hole Holywell Course stretches over 4,000 yards, with a combination of par 3s and par 4s promising a great day on the green.
Nearby properties: Rosemain, Ferryside, Driftwood and Trehayl
Mullion Golf Club
Sitting high on the cliffs of the Lizard Peninsula, Mullion Golf Club is home to England’s most southerly course. The place to be for golf with a view, the 18-hole course is said to be the most thrilling and unorthodox, with the 11th tee hugging the cliff edge. While Mullion is a members’ club, visitors and societies can also expect a warm welcome, regardless of handicap.
Nearby property: Compass Point and Laflouder Thatch
Trevose Golf and Country Club
© Trevose Golf and Country Club
Catering for golfers of all standards, the award-winning Trevose Golf and Country Club is home to a myriad of prestigious sporting events, having hosted the McGregor Trophy and the English Men’s County Finals in recent years.
Perfect your swing in the state-of-the-art performance centre, where the latest launch monitors and video analysis systems plus eight covered practice bays await. For the humble novice, experienced golfers are on hand with daily tuition to help fine tune your technique, with one-to-one lessons and a custom golf club fitting service.
Nearby properties: Trelawn, Pentyak, Tater Du and Poldhu
Tiverton Golf Club
One of Devon’s finest parkland courses, Tiverton Golf Club eases golfers into their round with an 18-hole course boasting spectacular scenery. While smooth tree-lined slopes lead you towards the third hole alongside the Grand Western Canal, severe cambers and a tough middle section will see competitive spirits soar.
A spacious clubhouse boasting majestic views over the Blackdown Hills is available to members and visitors – with delightful one-off specials and an indulgent Sunday carvery to enjoy before or after a round.
Nearby property: Upcott Farm
Royal North Devon Golf Club
Founded in 1864, Royal North Devon is the oldest golf course in England, boasting 18 testing holes and a reputation as one of the country’s toughest links layouts. With a warmly welcoming clubhouse, restaurant and on-site golf museum, the club also has its own tailored coaching programme, making it a great spot for beginners to take up a new sport. Plus, a fantastic social calendar means there’s always an event to look forward to on and off the green – from live music to quiz nights.
For more sporting inspiration, visit our Golf Stays page or view all properties here.
Main image courtesy of © Trevose Golf and Country Club
Posted by Sophie Boyce
When she's not out for a roast by the coast, Sophie loves exploring with her husband and their golden retriever pup, Obi. She writes about all things Cornwall and is a strong believer that there’s no such thing as too many house plants.