Minehead & West Somerset

Although Bath Golf Club (1880) is the founding father of Somerset clubs, Minehead & West Somerset Golf Club can fairly lay claim to possessing the oldest course in the county still playing along its original fairways.

Founded in 1882, Minehead & West Somerset’s original 9-hole course was laid out by John Allan (the professional at Royal North Devon) who also designed the oldest course in neighbouring Wiltshire two years earlier at Kingsdown Golf Club.

Minehead’s original course was laid out across an exposed rabbit warren bordering the shoreline of the Bristol Channel. In 1901 the course was extended to 18 holes when more ground further inland became available.

Undeniably the best holes are on the back nine, routed closest to the shore, where the links comes alive at the par three 10th, an interesting and well bunkered short hole that plays to the southernmost corner of the course. A Second World War pillbox serves as a stark reminder of darker days, counterbalanced by a cheery row of colourful beach huts.

The short par five 11th plays from an elevated tee at the beachside, from where there are gorgeous views across the Channel to Wales. Missing the fairway on the right from the tee is not an option and being wrong-sided on the extreme, two-tiered 11th green is simply asking for trouble. From here to the home green, which is situated precariously close to the clubhouse, there’s a run of solid and enjoyable links holes.

Minehead & West Somerset doesn’t have the same dramatic dunes or grand scale as enjoyed at nearby Burnham & Berrow, but make no mistake, Minehead is an honest links course with a modest green fee that won’t break the bank. There’s also the gorgeous ancient backdrop of Exmoor and the modern outline of the Skyline Pavillion at nearby Butlins.