Perranporth Golf Club Feature Review

Review by Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook, October 2019

Whilst Cornwall is awash of spectacular golf courses in the most idealistic locations, you should not be forgiven for overlooking the Golfshake Highly Recommended Perranporth Golf Club.

The James Braid design is one of the finest links courses with stunning panoramic views overlooking the town of Perranporth and the breathtaking Perran Bay and its fun quirky layout is one to be enjoyed by golfers of all ages and all abilities.

The course dates back to 1927, when Braid laid out the course on North Cornwall's Atlantic coastline and has remained fairly unchanged ever since adding to it character and charm.

Cant see why @PerranporthGolf is rated so highly on @golfshake
I mean the views are dreadful
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— Matt Holbrook Golf (@MattHolbrook86) October 17, 2019

Pre-Round Thoughts

Perranporth was a course that I wasn't particularly familiar with originally, having played the more 'known' Trevose, West Cornwall, and St Enodoc in the area I was drawn to the idea of visiting after seeing it feature on a Golfshake 'Top 10 in Cornwall' list.

I was greeted by 'Foxy' in the pro shop who guided me around the practice facilities and the 1st tee. I'll be honest it’s probably the warmest welcome I’ve had at a golf club in a long time and I really felt that this was something that is extended to any visitors.

I had a quick putt to get used to the pace and off I went.

Front 9 Overview

After a gentle start with the first playing downhill past the old clubhouse into a green that should not be missed to the left, the 2nd hole is the first real taste of the type of challenge that Perranporth offers. The lengthy par 5 plays uphill towards two large mounds on the left-hand side. The second shot leaves  two options, straight over the marker or playing safer to the right of the mound to leave a short shot onto the tricky green.

The 3rd plays shorter off the tee but longer into the green due to the sheer steepness of the raised two tiered green and the 4th is a long and tough par 3 with OOB all down the left side.

As you finish playing the 4th take some time to soak up the views of the town and bay to the left, genuinely will struggle to find better and the highlight of the course location!

Another challenging par 5 is followed by the shortest par 3 - but again the raised green means club selection is vital.

The 7th is another fun par 4 that is blind off the tee - but well markered depending on what tee you are playing from, the hole also dog legs round to the left into a long narrow green adding to its test.

The 8th is a big hitter dream as at 290 yard this par 4 plays downhill - towards Perranporth Town in the distance - but you will need the correct line and driving the green and an eagle chance is a possibility!

Back 9 Overview

The longest par 5 on the course awaits at the 11th hole, aiming left of the marker post is ideal for longer hitters, again the approach shot - whether in two or three - is into a raised green as does feature on a number of holes.

The 13th is another chance to open the shoulders but the percentage play is to hit less of the tee as the green has a saddle in which means finding the right part if crucial.

As you move from the 13th green to the 14th tee again the views over the bay are breathtaking.

The 16th is another challenging par 3 - at 209 yards but playing downhill but carrying the mound on the left is ideal, the green doesn't hole well and a three here is a great score and finishing up on 18 is another short par 4 with the green blind from the tee. The green does have a steep slope at the front so being too close will almost cause problems.

Post-Round Thoughts

One thing that is apparent at Perranporth is the large amount of blind shots, whether that be off the tee or into greens. I know this can put some people off, but it shouldn't, all shots that fall into this category are very well marked out on the course.

Personally, it does add to the character of the course as it still plays pretty much how it was originally designed and for me this also adds to the fun. Some of the shots into raised greens or downhill off the tee are a testament to the design that has passed the test of time where others may have to be altered. It’s a raw golf course but unbelievably enjoyable.

The course is a par 72 but isn't too long, just over 6,000 yards off the yellows and just under 6,300 from the whites means it can be enjoyed by long or short hitters and players of all abilities.

Perranporth is in superb condition from tee to green and given its location and sandy base drains well and is playable all year round, and a quick drink or a bite to eat afterwards is also recommended.

Verdict

All in all, I really enjoyed my visit to this Golfshake Highly Recommended venue. From the warm welcome, quirky course layout and spectacular scenery, Perranporth Golf Club should feature on any visit to this part of the country at any time of the year.

Overall Rating - 9

Course (Conditions) - 9

Course (Hole Variety/Layout) - 9

Course (Green Condition) - 9

Course (Challenge/Difficulty) - 10

Club Facilities & 19th/Clubhouse - 8

Practice Facilities - 8

Friendliness/Hospitality - 10

Pace of Play - 10

Value for Money - 10