73 Royal North Devon

Architect: T Morris Stats: 6,682 yds, par 72, SSS 73 GF: £48-£55 Visitor information: Visitors can choose what tees to play from W: royalnorthdevongolfclub.co.uk 2008 Ranking: 69 (Down 4) Improvements since 2008 Rankings: Course: None Clubhouse: None

In 2014 Royal North Devon will celebrate its 150th anniversary. It's the oldest course in England and plays over a unique and totally natural links environment delivering an experience from a bygone golfing age. This is golf in the raw and the course presents a different test to that posed by most modern tracks with an emphasis on creative shot-making, especially around the greens. Stunning 360˚ views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding small towns and countryside bring a shiver to the spine. The clubhouse museum is worth the visit alone.

Panellists' comments: "Stunning in its own way - truly the cradle of English golf"; "Nature and golf perfectly matched"

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