The Time-Honored Elegance of Royal North Devon Golf Club: The Cradle of English Golf
The Time-Honored Elegance of Royal North Devon Golf Club: The Cradle of English Golf
If you're looking for an experience that embodies the rich tradition of golf in England, your journey must include a stop at Royal North Devon Golf Club. Located in Westward Ho! near Bideford, this historic members club offers a links course that has withstood the test of time since its founding in 1864. Often referred to as the "St Andrews of the South," this course has earned its place on Golf World's list of the "Top 100 Courses in the World" that every golfer should play. Here, on this ancient terrain, you will discover the roots of English golf, as the course itself is the oldest in the country.
Old Tom Morris, the legendary course architect, was the creative mind behind this golfing masterpiece. Over the years, Royal North Devon has managed to preserve Morris's original vision, offering golfers a playing experience that combines elements of history, challenge, and natural beauty. The club's main 18-hole course, characterized by a par 72 layout stretching over 6,693 yards, offers a robust test to golfers of all skill levels. In addition, the club also offers Taylor's course, a shorter 7-hole, par 54 layout for those who are looking for a quicker round or just warming up.
Royal North Devon Golf Club extends its rich tradition beyond the greens and fairways into its well-appointed clubhouse. Members and guests can enjoy a range of services, from a fully-stocked pro shop to professional tuition under the guidance of club pro Mike Wilson. Whether you're discussing your round over drinks at the bar or savouring a delicious meal at the restaurant, the clubhouse serves as a welcoming retreat to end your day.
The accolades for Royal North Devon Golf Club are not solely for its historic significance or challenging courses. It's the sense of continuity, a link to the very origins of the sport in England, that sets it apart. It's not just a course; it is an institution, a living museum of sorts where each hole feels like a chapter in a long, compelling narrative of golf. Playing at Royal North Devon isn't just a round of golf; it's a voyage through the annals of the sport, an experience that leaves you richer, and eager to return for another chapter in this ongoing story.
