No 30 - Saunton - East

Saunton East carves through the Braunton Burrows and provides a tough test with one of the most difficult first holes in the Top 100

Saunton East
Rob Smith
By Rob Smith
published

30 SAUNTON – East

Architect: Fowler 2006 position: 28 Stats: 6,427 yards; par 71; SSS 71 GF: £40-£100 T: 01271 812436 W: sauntongolf.co.uk

Carved through the magnificent Braunton Burrows, the East is one of two aesthetically very pleasing, excellent golf courses at Saunton.

The holes change direction on a frequent basis, and although they combine to make the East a tough test, they do tend to merge into one in the memory bank, especially around the turn.

The course does, however, finish with three quite outstanding holes.

Its chief protection is Fowler’s spot-on bunkering, which adds hugely to the challenge.

The course is usually presented in excellent condition, and the friendly, well-appointed bar and restaurant serve up great views over the links. RS

+ Great value; tough test; possibly the hardest 1st hole in our Top 100 - Locker rooms in need of an upgrade; can get busy Enter your review of Saunton East course below

Rob Smith
Rob Smith
Contributing Editor

Rob Smith has been playing golf for more than 40 years and been a contributing editor for Golf Monthly for over ten years, specialising in course reviews and travel. He has now played more than 1,170 different courses in almost 50 countries. Despite lockdowns and travel restrictions in 2021, he still managed to play 80 different courses during the year, 43 of them for the first time. This included 21 in 13 days on a trip to East Lothian in October. One of Rob's primary roles is helping to prepare the Top 100 and Next 100 Courses of the UK&I, of which he has played all but nine. During the 2021-22 review period, Rob has played 34 of the Golf Monthly Top 200. He is a member of Tandridge Golf Club in Surrey where his handicap hovers around 16. You can contact him at r.smith896@btinternet.com.

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