Highbullen Golf & Country Club's superb award winning golf course, set in richly wooded parkland, boasts breathtaking views towards the Devon landscapes of Dartmoor and Exmoor. It's easy-walking 5,570 yards, par-68 provides an excellent test of golf for the accomplished player without creating an unfair or unrewarding challenge for the novice. The course is designed to make you think about the club selection and shot execution of each golf stroke, rather than just a requirement to hit huge distances. The well-placed greens invite you to shoot for the pin and will hold a well-flighted ball, while the bunkering is visually impressive with mounding and contouring that blends in nicely with the natural surroundings. Water comes into play on quite a few holes, especially the par threes, and this adds to the challenge resulting in a wonderfully rewarding golfing experience. HIghbullen Golf & Country Club, Chittlehamholt, Umberleigh, North Devon, EX37 9HD. Tel: 01769 540561.
Waterbridge Golf Course Copplestone The Course is set in twenty-four acres of beautiful Devon countryside. It comprises of five par threes, three par fours and one par five. There is a fee reduction for playing an additional nine holes from separate markers. Waterbridge Golf COurse, Down St Mary, Nr Crediton, Devon. Tel: 01363 85111.
Saunton Golf Club has been established for over a 100 years but does not rest on its past glories:
Although it is believed that a course existed in Braunton Burrows in the early 1890s, Saunton Golf Club was not formed until May 1897. It was originally a 9 hole course but was extended to 12 holes by 1906 and to 18 holes in 1908. A Clubhouse was built in 1907 at a cost of £1,000 and can still be seen as a private house to the right of the East Course 16th fairway. Saunton Golf Club, Nr Braunton, North Devon, EX33 1LG. Tel: 01271 812436.
Libbaton Golf Club set in the heart of the beautiful Devon countryside, only 10 miles from Barnstaple, is one of the county's, undiscovered golfing gems! Built in the late 1980's Libbaton has undergone some major changes over the years. With water coming into play on at least 10 holes it provides a serious test for the more accomplished player whilst giving the less proficient an extremely enjoyable day out. Benefitting from thousands of mature trees and complimented by an extensive tree planting programme in recent years Libbaton is destined to become one of the finest parkland tests of golf in the South West. Libbaton Golf Club, HIgh Bickington, Umberleigh, EX37 9BS. Tel: 01769 560269.
Royal North Devon The course is a challenging one, a links situated on the rugged North Devon coast, where its exposed position (it would be flooded by the Atlantic were it not for the pebble ridge!), multitudes of spiky rushes, naturally formed grassy mounds and oft deep bunkers pose a tough round. Don't be deceived by the relative flatness of the Northam Burrows. Royal North Devon Golf Club, Golf Links Road, Westrad Ho!, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 1HD. Tel: 01237 473817.
Ilfracombe Golf Club The course is situated 1 mile east of Ilfracombe towards Combe Martin on the magnificent North Devon coastline and offers spectacular views along the coast and across the Bristol Channel to South Wales.
The 18 hole course is well maintained throughout the year and although not the longest, the undulations and prevailing South Westerly will still offer up a challenge to golfers of all abilities. Ilfacombe Golf Club, Hele Bay, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9RT. Tel: 01271 862176.
Portmore Golf Park Facilities include, undercover flood lit driving range and two parkland courses designed by F.W. Hawtree & Son. The greens are built to full USGA specification, thereby dispensing any need for temporary greens during the Winter months. Opened in 1997, the existing 9 hole par 3 course, while user friendly from the front tees, offers a true test of golf from the back tees. The new 9 holes (part of a par 70, 6500 yard course) was opened in 1999. Built for the discerning golfer five of the 9 holes feature water including the spectacular eighth with its 180 yard carry across the water. Portmore Goilf Park, Landkey Road, Barnstaple, North Devon. Tel: 01271 378378.
Tiverton Golf Club, Post Hill, Tiverton, EX16 4NE. Tel: 01884 242952.
