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 45 years and been a contributing editor for Golf Monthly since 2012. He specialises in course reviews and travel, and has played more than 1,200 courses in almost 50 countries. In 2022, he played all 21 courses in East Lothian in 13 days. Last year, his tally was 81, 32 of them for the first time. 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 seven and a half... i.e. not the new 9 at Carne! Of those missing, some are already booked for 2024. He is a member of Tandridge in Surrey where his handicap hovers around 16. You can contact him at r.smith896@btinternet.com.

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