Atlantic Links Golf Trip

By: Andrew Picken | Thu 17 Aug 2017

The Atlantic Links along the South West coast of the United Kingdom should be on every golfer's wish list of places to visit.

The Atlantic links is a brilliant collection of ancient courses scattered along the coast of Devon and Cornwall. I had not played golf in this part of the UK but was pleased with the quality of the infrastructure and ease of travel between the courses. The scenery is breathtaking and there are plenty of other temptations, including Devon cream teas, Cornish pasties and some remarkable areas of outstanding natural beauty.

3rd hole Burnham and Berrow

The north Devon links of Saunton, east and west courses, and Royal North Devon or the Cornish combination of Trevose and St Enodoc a little further down the coast, plus a visit to Burnham & Berrow in Somerset are all to be recommended. In comparison with a number of groups of courses in Scotland, Wales, Ireland and northern England that feature a similar standard of links courses, England's Atlantic Links offers tremendous value.

In addition to great golf, the south west provides charming, yet reasonable hotel and self-catering accommodation alongside a wide range of restaurants and local pubs that offer fresh, local cuisine in addition to the region's well-known seafood, cream teas and cheddar.

If you are considering combining this with a family holiday there are many activities to entertain the kids, including surfing, fishing, walking, cycling and horse riding as well as Tintagel Castle, The Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Tate St Ives and the nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum.

In terms of accessibility, the M4 &M5 motorways and A39 “Atlantic Highway”, and international airports at London, Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter and Newquay, ensure the south west is easy to get to for all visitors.

I am already planning a return trip that will include Trevose and St Enodoc. My appetite has been whetted by the quality and tradition and sheer beauty of the courses in this part of the world.

My trip started with Royal North Devon; followed by 36 holes at Saunton, then a majestic day at Burnham and Berrow.

This video produced by England Golf gives a real flavour of the golfing delights that I have been lucky enough to experience and enjoy.