Alan

Trees line the lush fairways which are coupled with small fast greens (very fast!). It’s not long off the yellow tees and, so long as the ball stays away from the trees, it’s straightforward. But the late September greens were like ice. It needs them to defend itself. Most holes are OK, nothing more, but the 2nd, 9th, and then 15th to 18th are good tests. After the round you realise that nothing of Kent has been seen - the trees hide everything. A wilderness(e) indeed.

Other reviews and descriptions of East Devon get the facts right. It is a hilly course with a mix of parkland and links elements, but it is defined by the location with glorious views over the Jurassic coast, the Exe and the local area. We played in high winds (the Met Office said to expect 40 mph gusts) and clear sky. The wind converted a good course into a serious challenge. It would be much easier on a calm day but the high, exposed position of most holes suggested that those conditions would be the exception. If part of the reason for these reviews is to recommend other golfers to visit or avoid, East Devon is firmly on the ‘you should play it’ list.

A lockdown UK staycation led us to the southwest and, via the reviews here, to Burnham & Berrow. First thing to say is how welcoming the staff were - from booking through the pro shop to the lady serving behind the bar (who produced superb bacon rolls) and finally to the starter who hails from Broughty Ferry. Thanks to them we were in a good mood even before setting off. B&B is a fine course in a special setting (the new nuclear power station at Hinckley Point apart). It’s not an especially tight course but wayward tee shots are punished in thick vegetation. The par 3s are as described. So the simplest thing to say is this - we’ll be back.