The East course at Saunton Golf Club, situated on the unspoilt North Devon coast near Bideford Bay and the River Taw estuary, is a potential venue for The Open Championship. Though it has never hosted The Open, it has held other prestigious events, such as the Boys Amateur Championship in 1997, won by Sergio Garcia. The course runs through Braunton Burrows, a Unesco biosphere reserve known for its unique sand dunes and over 500 species of flora, including the rare water Germander.
Laid out in 1897 and redesigned by Herbert Fowler in 1919, the East course is renowned for its challenging layout that utilises the natural terrain. Bernard Darwin praised the course, and Harry Vardon once expressed his desire to retire there and play golf for pleasure. Despite suffering damage during World War II, the course was restored in the early 1950s by C.K. Cotton.
The East course today is tough, with eight par fours exceeding 400 yards and only two par fives. Notable holes include the lengthened 530-yard 2nd hole and the demanding 207-yard 17th. Some suggest adding another par three and par five to diversify the numerous par fours, but overall, Saunton boasts 36 of the finest seaside links holes in England. While the East course is the standout, the West course also contributes to making Saunton an exceptional golf destination.
