GOLFChicago 2026-1 WEB

Saunton Golf Club

1890 as a nine-hole course, initially laid out by Charles Gibson, the professional at Royal North Devon. However, the true transforma- tion began with the “Golden Age” architects who understood the immense potential of this land. In 1910, club member and renowned designer Herbert Fowler extended the course, creating iconic holes like the famous Church Hole. The single most significant blueprint, however, came from Harry Colt in 1913, who re-routed and refined the course, removing lesser shot values and introducing a collection of holes that defined its modern challenge. Colt’s work, influenced by his close partner Hugh Alison and even a consultation with Dr. Alister MacKenzie (later of Augusta National fame), secured its reputation. Burnham & Berrow has consistently been chosen to test the elite amateur game, a true measure of its pedigree. It has host- ed prestigious events, including the British Ladies’ Amateur Championship and hosts the Open Final Qualifying Series. These events underscore its role as a stern, strate- gic links course that demands imagination, precision, and respect for the wind. Laid out in a traditional links manner with nine holes heading out and nine returning home. In North Devon, across the vast, pro- tected expanse of Braunton Burrows, stands Saunton Sands Golf Club, which boasts two magnificent, world-class links courses, the East and West. Saunton is unique in the region for offering a 36-hole links experi- ence of the highest quality. Established in 1897, the club’s develop- ment was truly cemented by Herbert Fowler, who was commissioned in 1919 to restore and enhance the original layout. His rede- sign created the East Course, which quickly gained acclaim. The demand for play led to Fowler designing a second course, the West Course, which was completed in 1935. “We have two fantastic links courses, both very different. The common statement from the locals is, “The East is the beast and the West is the test!” The West is more about placement off the tee and plotting your way around. The East is more of a longer-hit- ters course,” per Will Smith, Membership Manager at Saunton Sands Golf Club. Both courses were commandeered by US troops during World War II for D-Day training, causing immense damage. The

East Course was promptly restored post-war, while the West Course was redesigned by Frank Pennink and reopened in 1974. The East Course is widely considered the more challenging of the two, consistently ranked among the UK’s Top 100 courses, while the West is an outstanding and equally testing links in its own right, often featured in the UK and Ireland Top 100 lists. Saunton’s twin links have hosted a multitude of prestigious amateur compe- titions, confirming their reputation as a premier test. Some of these include the Senior Amateur Championship (last held in 2024) and the Boys Championship, won by a young Spanish superstar named Sergio Garcia in 1997. To step onto the Burrows at Westward Ho! in North Devon is to walk on truly hal- lowed ground. Royal North Devon Golf Club (RND) holds the esteemed title of being the oldest links course in England, founded in 1864. This is as close as English golf comes to the spiritual home of St Andrews. Its foundation is credited to Reverend Isaac Gosset, who, inspired by a visit to St Andrews, recognised the suitability of the common land (the Burrows) for golf. He sent an order for clubs and balls to Old Tom Morris himself, who duly travelled south to lay out the rudimentary holes. Old Tom returned in 1864 to establish the full 18-hole course. The course has retained its raw, natural character, scarred by tidal burns and punctuated by thickets of sea rushes. Royal North Devon is unique in that sheep and horses still graze freely on the common land, a living testament to its ancient origins. The club boasts a remarkable connec- tion to golfing royalty. The great John Henry Taylor, five-time Open Champion and one of the famous “Triumvirate,” was born in the nearby village of Northam and started his career here as a caddie. He was later honored with the club’s presidency in 1957. The course was also a training ground for other giants, including Horace Hutchinson and John Ball, who won the last of his eight Amateur Championships here in 1913. Royal North Devon’s role as the “cradle of English golf” means it has hosted a long list of premier amateur events, including the Amateur Championship (famously won

Royal North Devon

St. Enodoc Golf Club

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