St Enodoc Golf Club (Church)

Cornwall's north coast delivers one of Britain's most compelling short golf breaks – two James Braid masterpieces within 30 minutes of each other, exceptional coastal accommodation, and authentic links golf that rivals Scotland without the journey north. This isn't a week-long expedition requiring detailed logistics. It's a focused 36-hole escape showcasing why serious golfers make the pilgrimage to England's Atlantic peninsula. St Enodoc represents James Braid's most individual design – a spectacular links course where the famous Himalaya bunker and dramatic dunes beside the Camel Estuary create golf theatre that lingers long after the final putt drops. Perranporth offers perhaps the purest natural links test in southwest England, where Braid's 1927 layout remains virtually unchanged, running through magnificent duneland with panoramic Atlantic views. Stay at The Headland Hotel, a five-star clifftop retreat overlooking Fistral Beach that positions golfers perfectly between both courses. One or two nights provides ample time for two rounds of championship links golf, exceptional seafood dining in nearby Padstow, and genuine Cornish hospitality. This is links golf without complicated itineraries – just authentic coastal experiences and two courses that deserve every golfer's attention. The Perfect Weekend Links Escape This focused golf break delivers maximum impact with minimum complexity. Two James Braid-designed championship links courses, one premium coastal hotel, and 36 holes of authentic seaside golf that compares favourably with Scotland's finest – all achievable in a single overnight or relaxed two-night stay. Why this works brilliantly: Two Braid masterpieces – St Enodoc and Perranporth showcase the legendary architect's genius for natural, dramatic links golf Perfect positioning – The Headland Hotel sits 20 minutes from Perranporth, 30 minutes from St Enodoc, eliminating complicated travel logistics Complete experience – World-class golf, dramatic coastal scenery, and five-star comfort all within easy reach Stay at The Headland Hotel overlooking Fistral Beach, where clifftop luxury meets practical golf access. The five-star property combines award-winning spa facilities, multiple dining options, and ocean views with simple drives to both featured courses. This isn't a golf resort with manufactured experiences – it's authentic Cornish hospitality providing the perfect base for serious links golf. The Two Essential Cornwall Links St Enodoc Golf Club – Church Course The Church Course represents James Braid's most individual and memorable design, occupying magnificent duneland beside the Camel Estuary near Rock. St Enodoc delivers an experience that feels utterly unique – part links, part downland, with elevation changes that create strategic complexity and visual drama on almost every hole. The legendary par-four 6th hole confronts golfers with the Himalaya bunker, a vast sand chasm that dominates the fairway and demands either tactical positioning or outright bravery from the tee. The 10th plays alongside the ancient St Enodoc Church where Poet Laureate John Betjeman lies buried, the churchyard adding unexpected historical resonance to the round. Few courses worldwide pack such variety and character into a par-69 layout stretching just 6,010m (6,572 yards). Advance booking proves essential during April through October, with the club maintaining immaculate conditions year-round. The 30-minute drive from The Headland Hotel travels through beautiful Cornish countryside via the A39 to Rock. Perranporth Golf Club Perranporth might be Britain's most underestimated championship links. James Braid's 1927 design runs through spectacular natural duneland high above Perran Bay, where the routing takes brilliant advantage of tumbling terrain to create a par-72 examination that rewards thoughtful play over brute force. The course remains virtually unchanged since opening, a testament to Braid's instinctive understanding of links golf fundamentals.] Blind shots feature prominently – the course demands local knowledge or careful study of marker posts – but the strategic interest compensates for occasional uncertainty. The 5th and 14th tees command panoramic views across three miles of golden sand and aquamarine Atlantic, moments to pause and appreciate Cornwall's natural splendour. Fast, true greens provide consistent putting surfaces ranked amongst the southwest's finest, whilst the natural contours create challenge without artificial difficulty. The club offers self-catering accommodation in caravans and lodges set peacefully within the course, though most visitors prefer the luxury and facilities at The Headland Hotel just 20 minutes away via coastal roads through Newquay. Sample Itineraries: One or Two-Night Golf Escapes Below is our quick trip guide. For more help in planning your Cornwall golf trip, visit Golf South West. Option 1: One-Night Express (36 Holes) Day 1 – Arrival and Perranporth Arrive Newquay mid-morning (by car, train, or Newquay Airport flight). Check bags at The Headland Hotel, then drive 20 minutes south to Perranporth for an early afternoon tee time. The natural links demand concentration but reward strategic play with spectacular coastal views. Post-round, return to The Headland for check-in, spa relaxation, or Fistral Beach walk. Dinner at The Headland's RenMor restaurant for fine dining with ocean views, or The Deck for Mediterranean-style poolside cuisine. Day 2 – St Enodoc and Departure Early breakfast at The Headland, then a 30-minute drive to St Enodoc for your morning tee time. Experience Braid's dramatic dunes, the famous Himalaya bunker, and the historic churchyard setting. Post-round lunch at St Enodoc's clubhouse. This compact itinerary delivers two championship links courses and luxury accommodation with minimal travel time. Option 2: Two-Night Classic (More Relaxed Pace) Day 1 – Arrival and Settle In Arrive at The Headland Hotel by mid-afternoon. Enjoy welcome refreshments on the terrace overlooking Fistral Beach, then explore Newquay town centre or walk the coastal path to Towan Beach. Dinner at The Headland's RenMor restaurant for fine dining with ocean views, or The Deck for more casual Mediterranean-style cuisine. Day 2 – St Enodoc Morning tee time at St Enodoc. Play the spectacular Church Course. Post-round lunch at St Enodoc clubhouse, then afternoon return to The Headland for spa treatments, pool relaxation, or coastal walks from the hotel. Evening dinner at The Headland – choose between RenMor's fine dining or The Ugly Butterfly’s with beachside views. Day 3 – Perranporth and Departure Leisurely breakfast at The Headland, then 20-minute drive to Perranporth for a mid-morning tee time. Experience Braid's pure natural links with its blind shots, dramatic dunes, and magnificent bay views. Post-round lunch at Perranporth's clubhouse, enjoying course views, then afternoon departure. Seasonal Timing: May through September offers the warmest conditions and longest daylight, though July-August brings peak crowds. April-May and September-October provide the sweet spot – excellent playing conditions, quieter courses, and competitive pricing. Winter golf (November-March) remains perfectly viable given Cornwall's mild climate and excellent course drainage, with far fewer visitors and potential accommodation discounts. Alternative Routing: Some golfers prefer playing St Enodoc first (considered the premier course), then Perranporth. Others enjoy building toward St Enodoc as the climax. Both sequences work perfectly – choose based on tee time availability and personal preference. Cornwall Travel Logistics Getting There: Newquay Airport (NQY) handles direct flights from numerous UK cities plus limited European connections, positioned 15 minutes from The Headland Hotel. Alternatively, fly to Exeter (EXT, 90 minutes) or Bristol (BRS, 2.5 hours) for wider connectivity. Train service reaches Newquay from London Paddington (approximately 5 hours) via connections at Par or Plymouth, offering a scenic journey through Devon and Cornwall. Transportation: A rental car is essential for accessing multiple courses efficiently. Book through major providers at airports or Newquay station. Roads prove narrow and winding in places – allow extra journey time, especially during summer. The A30 dual carriageway provides main arterial access across Cornwall, with smaller A-roads and B-roads connecting coastal golf venues. Expect 20-35 minute drives between featured courses. Weather and Packing: Cornwall enjoys Britain's mildest climate, with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 4°C (39°F) and summer averaging 19°C (66°F). The Gulf Stream influence creates subtropical conditions – seven months annually exceed 10°C (50°F) average. However, Atlantic weather changes rapidly. Pack layers including a waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm mid-layer, and cap/hat for wind protection. Spring and autumn bring unpredictable conditions – prepare for four seasons in one day. Summer offers the most reliable warmth but occasionally disappoints with prolonged cool spells. Practical Details: Expect 4-hour rounds on busy days, 3.5 hours at quieter times. Where to Stay: The Headland Hotel The Headland Hotel provides the ideal base for this focused Cornwall golf escape. This five-star clifftop property overlooks Fistral Beach and Britain's surfing capital, combining luxury accommodation with perfect geographic positioning between St Enodoc (30 minutes north) and Perranporth (20 minutes south). The hotel has seen significant recent investment, earning its five-star rating through comprehensive facilities and genuine attention to detail. The award-winning Headland Spa features treatment rooms, thermal experiences, and indoor/outdoor pools. The new AquaClub adds six additional swimming pools with Mediterranean-inspired poolside dining at The Deck. Multiple dining options range from fine dining at RenMor to casual beachside fare at The Ugly Butterfly, all showcasing Cornwall's exceptional local produce and seafood. The Headland excels for this type of focused golf trip because it eliminates logistical complications. Golfers can enjoy exceptional facilities, multiple dining options, and genuine five-star comfort without changing accommodations. The spa proves particularly valuable after two rounds of links golf, whilst the various restaurants and bars provide relaxing evening environments. Breakfast is included in room rates, with options from full English to lighter continental selections. Dining at The Headland Hotel The Headland Hotel provides comprehensive dining options that eliminate the need to venture elsewhere during your golf break. Multiple restaurants and bars cater to different moods and occasions, all showcasing Cornwall's exceptional local produce and fresh seafood. RenMor Restaurant delivers fine dining with locally-sourced ingredients and dramatic ocean views. The restaurant focuses on contemporary British cuisine with a strong emphasis on Cornish seafood, premium meats, and seasonal vegetables. Advance reservations recommended, particularly for weekend dining. Smart-casual dress code applies. The Deck offers relaxed Mediterranean-inspired poolside dining at the AquaClub, perfect for post-round meals in casual atmosphere. The menu features lighter dishes, fresh salads, wood-fired pizzas, and grilled seafood alongside excellent cocktails and local wines. Open for lunch and dinner during warmer months. No reservations needed; walk-ins welcome. The Ugly Butterfly provides all-day dining with spectacular beachside views overlooking Fistral. The menu balances classic British dishes with international influences, offering everything from substantial breakfasts through afternoon teas to evening meals. Particularly popular for Sunday roasts and casual dinners. Dog-friendly outdoor seating available. Bars and Lounges throughout the hotel offer comfortable spaces for pre-dinner drinks, afternoon tea, or evening relaxation. The main bar features an excellent cocktail menu, a comprehensive wine list, and local Cornish ales. Light snacks and bar meals are available throughout the day. Breakfast included with room rates offers an extensive buffet selection plus cooked-to-order options. Full English breakfast, lighter continental selections, fresh pastries, cereals, fruits, and quality coffee ensure proper fuelling before morning tee times. The convenience of multiple on-site dining options means golfers can focus entirely on golf and relaxation without coordinating restaurant reservations or additional travel. After two rounds of challenging links golf, simply retire to the hotel for spa treatments, pool relaxation, and excellent meals without leaving the property. Booking Golf at St Enodoc and Perranporth Advance Planning: St Enodoc Church Course requires booking 2-4 weeks ahead during peak season (May-September), longer for weekends. Perranporth typically needs 1-2 weeks' advance booking during peak times. Spring and autumn shoulder seasons offer more availability, with 1-2 weeks generally sufficient. Winter provides substantial flexibility, often accepting same-week bookings. Seasonal Patterns: July-August represents peak demand coinciding with school holidays – expect premium pricing and limited availability without early booking. May-June and September-October deliver the sweet spot of excellent conditions, reasonable pricing, and easier access. November-March offers the lowest green fees and guaranteed availability, with mild conditions maintaining playability. Direct Booking: Both clubs accept online bookings through their websites. Strategic Tips: Book early morning tee times during summer for faster play and often better conditions before afternoon winds strengthen. Weekday golf generally costs less than weekends at both venues. Weather Contingency: Spring and autumn bring the greatest weather unpredictability. Both courses handle wind and light rain well – only heavy sustained rain stops play. Links courses with excellent drainage rarely close due to weather. Beyond Golf at The Headland The Headland Hotel provides comprehensive facilities, ensuring non-golfing time remains both engaging and restorative. The award-winning Headland Spa offers an extensive treatment menu including massages, facials, body treatments, and wellness therapies. Thermal experiences include steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation areas. The AquaClub features six swimming pools, including indoor heated pools, an outdoor infinity pool, and hydrotherapy options. Fistral Beach sits immediately below the hotel, offering Britain's premier surfing location with multiple surf schools providing lessons and equipment hire. The South West Coast Path National Trail passes directly by the hotel, enabling spectacular coastal walks in both directions without requiring transport. Newquay town centre lies 10 10-minute' walk, featuring shops, cafés, and local attractions. The hotel's fitness facilities include a fully-equipped gymnasium, exercise classes, and personal training options. For families, the location provides easy beach access and various water sports opportunities. The multiple pools and family-friendly restaurant options ensure children remain entertained whilst adults focus on golf and relaxation. This self-contained approach means golfers can structure their break entirely around the hotel's facilities and the two featured golf courses, without coordinating external activities or additional travel. Everything needed for a complete golf escape exists within the property or immediate surroundings. Insider Local Knowledge Common Visitor Mistakes: Underestimating journey times on narrow Cornish roads – add 25% to GPS estimates, especially in summer. Forgetting waterproofs even during summer – Atlantic weather changes rapidly. Underestimating Perranporth's blind shots – first-time players should carefully study marker posts and course guides. Strategic Planning: Allow 4-4.5 hours for rounds at both courses. St Enodoc's Church Course presents a greater challenge for higher handicappers. Perranporth's natural terrain creates physical challenge with significant elevation changes. Both courses reward multiple plays as local knowledge significantly impacts scoring. Weather Wisdom: May and September often deliver Cornwall's finest weather – settled conditions without peak summer crowds. June can surprise with warmth and light winds. July-August occasionally disappoint with cooler temperatures. Always pack layers and waterproofs regardless of the forecast. Both courses remain playable in conditions that would close inland courses, thanks to excellent drainage. Cornwall's Two-Course Links Escape: Pure Golf Without Complications This focused Cornwall golf break strips away unnecessary complexity to deliver what serious golfers actually want – two championship James Braid links courses, luxury coastal accommodation, and authentic experiences without manufactured golf resort atmospherics. St Enodoc's dramatic dunes and the Himalaya bunker create unforgettable golf theatre. Perranporth provides the purest natural links test in southwest England. Together, they showcase why Cornwall merits attention alongside Scotland and Ireland for authentic seaside golf. The Headland Hotel provides five-star comfort perfectly positioned between both courses, with comprehensive spa facilities, multiple dining options, and ocean views, creating a complete golf break experience. This isn't complicated multi-course touring requiring detailed logistics – it's 36 holes of exceptional links golf achievable in one or two nights, with total costs comparing favourably against Scotland's premium destinations whilst offering distinctive Cornish character. For travelling golfers seeking genuine links experiences without the journey north, Cornwall delivers compelling value. Year-round playability, Britain's mildest climate, and courses maintained to championship standards create a destination that works across all seasons. The compact geography means more time playing golf and less time in rental cars, whilst The Headland's self-contained facilities eliminate the need for complex dinner reservations or external coordination. Pack your waterproofs alongside the sunscreen, embrace whatever Atlantic weather arrives, and discover why James Braid's two Cornish masterpieces deserve their reputations. This is links golf that reminds you why the game remains so compelling when played on wild coastal ground where strategy trumps power and every round tells a different story. St Enodoc and Perranporth await – pure championship golf without complications.

Welcome to the latest of our regional updates for England as we now move into the more southern parts of the country. Following our recent revision of three counties in the northeast, we now focus on six counties in the southwest, namely Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. Over five million people live here in an area extending to over nine thousand square miles, with easily the longest coastline of any English region. More than two hundred clubs are registered with the various local golfing authorities and we feature courses from nearly half those clubs across the six county listings. Five counties retain the same number one but there’s a new top dog to contend with in Gloucestershire. We’ve also added twenty-five new tracks which now means we profile almost a hundred in this region. If there’s somewhere we’ve overlooked then please let us know – we don’t do “ultimate” or “definitive” lists so please get in touch and we’ll check out any recommendations. Cornwall The Church course at St Enodoc Golf Club (pictured above) entered our World Top 100 chart at #87 in 2018 and it’s since risen to #74 in that esteemed global listing – with that in mind, it’ll be no surprise to learn that it’s still our #1 for Cornwall. A recent reviewer summed up the golfing charms of St Enodoc pretty well when they wrote: “an exceptional course, matched by a lovely clubhouse with great service, in a stunning part of the country.” Trevose Only two courses make upward moves in the revised standings and the foremost of these is the Championship course at Trevose Golf Club, advancing one place to the runner-up spot. Tom Mackenzie has completed a renovation project at the club, rejuvenating most of the holes on the layout, and such is the quality of the work undertaken, a reviewer has posted that the rankings of St Enodoc and Trevose should, in their opinion, be switched. The Harry Colt-designed 18-hole layout at Newquay is the other Cornwall climber, and it also rises by one place to #6. St Austell The highest of our six new entries for Cornwall is the course at St Austell Golf Club, arriving at #10. The club was established in 1911 with an 18-hole layout in play three years later. James Braid visited in November 1926 to advise on course improvements but it took more than a decade before his plans were implemented, with the remodelled layout opening on 25th September 1937. The other new entries for this county are St Mellion (Kernow) at #12, Truro at #13, Looe at #14, Lanhydrock at #15 and Carylon Bay at #16. Click the following link to see the newly updated county rankings for Cornwall. Devon The East course at Saunton Golf Club (pictured above) remains our #1 for Devon and it also ranks very highly in both our English national chart (at #24) and our Britain & Ireland chart (at #53). A reviewer from a couple of months ago was impressed, writing: “a spectacular piece of land greets you at Saunton… but don’t let the terrain be what you judge the East on as the layout of the course is spectacular in itself, with hole after hole of golfing splendour!” Eight courses advance in our new table, with all of them making just a one-place improvement. The highest of these climbers is the West course at Saunton (at #2), swapping places with the old links at Royal North Devon Golf Club.  Honiton There are two newcomers to the Devon chart and the leading course is the 18-hole layout at Honiton Golf Club, making its first appearance at #19. The course dates back to when the club was founded in 1896, starting out with nine holes but quickly becoming an 18-hole track, and it occupies a compact property of around 90 acres, with glorious views across the Blackdown Hills. The other Devon new entry is Ilfracombe at #22. Click the following link to see the newly updated county rankings for Devon. Dorset Retaining its status as number one course in Dorset, the short 18-hole heathland layout at Broadstone Golf Club (pictured above) is an old Tom Dunn design from 1898 that Harry Colt remodelled during and just after the Great War. Like Saunton (East) the course is well regarded in both our English (#36) and Britan & Ireland (87) Top 100 charts. Unfortunately, it’s a little too short to host most elite amateur or professional events but it has staged other important tournaments in the past, including the English Women’s Amateur (three times) and the Women’s Amateur back in 1951. Knighton Heath Progressing two spots from #10 to #8, the course at Knighton Heath Golf Club was described in a post a few weeks ago as “great fun and well worth finding the time to play… it may be built in a compact area of just 90 acres but there is little feeling of holes being squeezed in… the clever bunkering is a feature and the mainly flat greens are a dream to putt on.” Came Down The first of five new entries for Dorset is the course at Came Down Golf Club at #10. Set out by Tom Dunn in 1896, when the club was called Dorchester Golf Club, the original 9-hole course was extended to eighteen holes by J.H. Taylor before Harry Colt was engaged to redesign the course in the late 1920s. The other four Dorset new entries are Lyme Regis (at #11), Rushmore (at #12), Meyrick Park (at #13) and Weymouth (at #14). Click the following link to see the newly updated county rankings for Dorset. Gloucestershire We have a new #1 for Gloucestershire and it’s the 18-hole Cherington course at Minchinhampton Golf Club (pictured above), where Fred Hawtree laid out eighteen holes in the mid-1970s then his son Martin added another eighteen in 1995. The Cherington and Avening courses utilize a combination of holes from father and son, with a composite course used in the past for Regional Open Qualifying. Cleeve Hill The biggest jump in this county re-ranking is made by the course at Cleeve Hill Golf Club (up three to #3) which Old Tom Morris laid out in 1891. Another Tom, architect Tom Doak, had this to say about the course a while back: “here is a chance to appreciate golf as you may never have understood it – an energizing walk over glorious open countryside, with some unique hazards to overcome along the way.” Lilley Brook The first of three new Gloucestershire entries in this updated county table is the course at Lilley Brook Golf Club, where Alister MacKenzie fashioned a new 18-hole course for the club shortly after it was established in 1921. For some reason, the layout was remodelled in 1964, so that only nine of the original holes from the Good Doctor are still in play today. The other two newcomers in this county are Cirencester (at #17) and Henbury (at #18). Click the following link to see the newly updated county rankings for Gloucestershire. Somerset The Championship course at Burnham & Berrow Golf Club (pictured above) is still our #1 in Somerset. Also ranked #26 in England and #62 in Britain & Ireland, this 18-hole track has been refined down the years by a number of eminent golf course architects, including former members Herbert Fowler and Hugh Alison. Currently, Tom Mackenzie is overseeing a long-term upgrade project on the course. Minehead & West Somerset The best upward move in this updated county chart is made by the 18-hole layout at Minehead & West Somerset Golf Club (up two to #8). The course was laid out as a 9-hole affair by Royal North Devon professional John Allan in 1882 before it was expanded to eighteen holes in 1901. Nowadays, it plays to just over 6,200 yards, with par set at 72. Oake Manor The first of thee new Somerset chart entries, the course at Oake Manor Golf Club enters at #10, slightly ahead of Mendip Spring (Brinsea) at #12, Burnham & Berrow (Channel) at #13 and Farrington (Duchy) at #14. An early 1990s Adrian Stiff design, Oake Manor features water hazards at half the holes on the scorecard. Click the following link to see the newly updated county rankings for Somerset. Wiltshire Retaining the Wiltshire #1 spot that it first captured in 2016, the course at Bowood Estate (pictured above) is an early 1990s Dave Thomas design that is now designated as the PGA Official Golf Course and Academy Course for the South West of England. It can be stretched to just over 7,300 yards from the back tees, where the old Standard Scratch Score is 76 (against a par of 72) so choose your tees very carefully if you decide to tee it up here. High Post The course at High Post Golf Club makes the greatest headway in the new Wiltshire standings, shooting four places up the chart to #5. Located on chalk downland, the layout is a J.H. Taylor and F.G. Hawtree production which celebrated a hundred years in operation last year. Many of the original design traits, like grassy hollows and subtly contoured greens, are still very much in evidence here. Ogbourne Downs The first of the Wiltshire new entries is the course at Ogbourne Downs Golf Club, arriving at #10. It’s another Taylor/Hawtree co-production that was built when the club moved to its current location in 1929. Initially founded as North Wilts in 1907, the club changed name to Swindon Golf Club before it finally became Ogbourne Downs in 1995. The other Wiltshire new entries are Upavon (at #12), West Wilts (at #13), Chippenham (at #14) and Marlborough (at #15). Click the following link to see the newly updated county rankings for Wiltshire. Jim McCann Editor Top 100 Golf Courses

South West England – Best in County Rankings 2019 It’s a case of “six down, one to go” with the publication of this latest news release for our English county re-ranking exercise. The South West is the penultimate region to be considered in our 2-year chart refreshment cycle, covering the six counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. With over five million inhabitants, it’s an area that extends to more than nine thousand square miles, with by far the longest coastline of any English region. It’s also home to two national parks – Dartmoor and Exmoor – and four World Heritage Sites, including the world famous prehistoric monument at Stonehenge. There are just over two hundred clubs affiliated to the golfing authorities in the South West and we feature almost a third of their golf courses across our six county listings. Currently, fourteen of these layouts occupy positions in our national Top 100 and a handful of those are good enough to make our elite Great Britain & Ireland standings. Cornwall The Church course at St Enodoc was one of a dozen new entries in our World Top 100 when we last updated that particular chart in December 2017 so anybody expecting it to retain its position at the top of the Cornish rankings will be pleased to learn that it’s still the county’s #1 layout. Designed by James Braid in 1907, this delightful old links has been entertaining golfers for well over a century now. St Enodoc Golf Club - Church course Our International Correspondent David Davis had this to say about it earlier this year: “the routing is extremely varied with eighteen totally unique holes played over what can often be called crazy landscape… plain and simple the course offers up endless fun and must be one of the most creative routings in the world… it’s a must-play and given its location a bit of a hidden gem for most. I really think a golfer’s education can’t be complete without experiences like this.” Cornwall Top 10 Golf Courses 2019 Rank/ Devon The East course at Saunton remains at No. 1 in a county chart where the first six courses hold onto the same position. This year marks the centenary of Herbert Fowler’s redesign of the original layout and this mighty links on the North Devon coast has certainly stood the test of time, thanks in no small part to C.K. Cotton’s restoration work in the early 1950s. Saunton Golf Club - East course In the lower half of the Devonian listings, the 18-hole layouts at Torquay (rising three places to #14) and Bigbury (climbing four spots to #15) make admirable upward moves, whilst the Kigbeare course at Ashbury – the best of seven courses at the UK’s largest golf complex in Okehampton – squeezes into our standings as a new entry at No. 20. Devon Top 20 Golf Courses 2019 Dorset Our No. 1 course in Dorset is still Broadstone, which was laid out by the prolific Tom Dunn in 1898 then redesigned by Harry Colt sixteen years later, though the new layout wasn’t actually completed until the introduction of the par three 6th hole in 1922. Four reviewers this year passed favourable comments on their playing experiences such as: “the scenery and the routing are wonderful… great course with some excellent holes… a classic heathland course… an absolute delight with some memorable holes.” Broadstone Golf Club Six miles to the southeast of Broadstone, the seaside heathland course at Parkstone moves up one place to the runner-up position in the county chart. Laid out by Willie Park Junior in 1909, the course was later redesigned by James Braid, though not all of his far-reaching recommendations were implemented. Braid’s trusted contractor John R. Stutt liked the area so much that he moved to Poole, becoming a member (and subsequently president) of the club. His son, J. Hamilton Stutt, who was a past captain and club trustee, also carried out a little renovation work during his time at Parkstone. Parkstone Golf Club Dorset Top 10 Golf Courses 2019 Gloucestershire Ross-on-Wye Golf Club was founded in 1903 but the club’s 18-hole layout – our #1 in Gloucestershire – is of a more recent vintage, having been inaugurated by Frank Pennink, when he was President of the English Golf Union, in 1967. Designed by C.K. Cotton, the fairways of this rather unsung gem were literally carved through a hilly woodland site, where accuracy both off the tee and with the approach shot is of paramount importance. Ross-on-Wye Golf Club We’ve added another five courses to this county, with another couple of Minchinhampton’s three 18-hole layouts – the Avening (#5) and Old (#8) – now joining the Cherington course in our new Top 15 table. We hold our hands up and admit that we previously overlooked these two courses, so we’re now happy to correct that inadvertent oversight. Gloucestershire Top 15 Golf Courses 2019 Somerset The Championship course at Burnham & Berrow has been the No. 1 course in Somerset since we first established county lists and, truth be told, it’s in no real danger of being ousted from the top spot as things stand. Starting out as a basic 9-hole layout in 1891, the links developed during its formative years with the assistance of Herbert Fowler and Hugh Alison, who were both club members, but it was Harry Colt who, in the words of the club, “produced a blueprint to turn the course into the challenge it is today.” Burnham & Berrow Golf Club - Championship course All four player posts for the course this year have been scored as 5-ball reviews, with reviewer remarks such as: “nothing better in the south west until you get down to Saunton… the course was excellent and had many stand out holes... serious test of golf with high dunes… the ambiance and overall feel of the course reflect and uphold the traditional values of the game.” A new entry arrives at No. 9 and it’s the course at Taunton & Pickeridge in the Blackdown Hills, where Herbert Fowler was a founding member. Fowler laid out the original 9-hole course in 1892 then returned thirty-three years later with design partner Tom Simpson to extend the course to an 18-hole layout. In the mid-1960s, the course was further enhanced when Fred Hawtree carried out some remodelling work after additional land became available. Our editor-in-chief Keith Baxter was here recently and reckons T&P is "unheralded, understated and underrated". Taunton & Pickeridge Golf Club Somerset Top 10 Golf Courses 2019 Wiltshire The 18-hole layout at Bowood prevails at the top of the Wiltshire county standings. Our Midlands and North of England Correspondent Brian Ward was “pleasantly surprised with this typically big and bold Dave Thomas design” when he played here recently, adding that “there’s an unexpected mature feel throughout the routing with numerous impressive tree specimens and historical water features (previously introduced by Capability Brown) often coming into play.” Bowood Golf & Country Club The Blue and Orange nines at Cumberwell Park enter our Wiltshire Top 10 at number 7 and this layout is the newer of the two 18-hole courses at the club. Our editor-in-chief Keith Baxter was here a couple of months ago and his verdict was “there’s not a lot not to like.” In particular, he thought “the greensites are well done and the bunkering, while not exceptional, is good enough.” In his opinion, the club has more than enough to keep golfers satisfied during a 36-hole all-day outing. Wiltshire Top 10 Golf Courses 2019 The final region to be investigated in our biennial re-ranking exercise for England is the South East, consisting of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Kent, Middlesex, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Sussex. Jim McCann Editor Top 100 Golf Courses