Royal North Devon Golf Club Key Information
This is a hugely characterful and historic links course with many unique and unusual features - Sheep and horses roam the course and holes move naturally across the terrain. It's golf in a raw and pure form.
The excellent recent erosion-enforced course changes will hopefully secure this historic course’s future for many generations to come.
One of the best vistas from a clubhouse anywhere in the country.
REASONS TO PLAY ROYAL NORTH DEVON
– England's oldest golf course
– Supremely natural and free-flowing golf
– Great to see horses and sheep grazing across the fairways
RANKINGS
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2023/24 - 84
The historic links at Westward Ho! in Devon is the oldest course (not club) in England still playing over its original fairways. As such, this is the oldest English course in our Top 100 golf courses UK&I.
RND dates back to 1864 and was laid out by Old Tom Morris. As you set out towards the sea over a couple of relatively benign holes, you may just wonder what all the fuss is about. But be patient!
Before long, you’ll be out onto a landscape of sleepered bunkers, sea rushes, grazing sheep and horses, and golf of the rawest and most fun kind.
Yes, it can take a couple of rounds to begin to understand the subtleties of this great links, but that is all part of its charm and character and I have learned to appreciate the challenge of the layout over a number of years visiting.
There are some tremendous holes as you turn right after the 2nd and play more or less parallel to the coast until you reach the long par-3 8th, whose green can be frustratingly elusive if the wind is howling in off the sea to your left.
This is the part of the course where Royal North Devon has been suffering from coastal erosion in recent years, and where things have been rejigged a little.
In this stretch, the tee-shot on the 4th – Cape – perhaps epitomises what the course is all about.
Here, you have to carry two huge sleepered bunkers off the tee, and although you should make it, failure to do so into the wind or on a mishit could make for a very interesting second.
Generally, there’s room to manouevre off the tee, but things tighten up a bit as RND’s famous sea rushes make their presence felt early on the back nine, especially on the 10th where they hide the fairway alarmingly.
As you turn and head for home via the 414-yard 18th the wind may well be at your back. But if it’s strongly against, you could be standing in the fairway with a very long club in hand contemplating your chances of clearing the burn that crosses the fairway just short of the green.
RND is steeped in history and has an old-school feel, but I have always found this is a friendly place to play and the clubhouse, packed with golfing memorabilia, is a wonderful spot for a debrief over a pint.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said...
RND was laid out over 150 years ago and has only changed when erosion has necessitated. Indeed, it is the policy of the club not to make changes unless forced to do so.
RND is certainly an experience. It is most definitely something that a player with knowledge of the history of golf would enjoy.
RND clearly have issues with the local environmental agencies and in particular Natural England.
My personal thoughts on RND are, to quote Star Trek, “It’s golf Jim – but not as we know it!”
RND's defences include the wind and the sea grasses which line a couple of the fairways, and from which there is no escape. Soon after, however, there are two or three holes which have vast playing areas, demanding no accuracy from the tee and in my view, are too bland and let it down (12, 13, 15). My favourite holes include the 6th, the new 8th and 18th.
Royal North Devon Golf Club Location
For full visitor information, see the visitor page of the Royal North Devon website.
Royal North Devon Golf Club Scorecard
Best Courses Near to Royal North Devon Golf Club
Best Places to Stay Near To Royal North Devon Golf Club
The Royal George Hotel - Book now at Booking.com
In Appledore, 1.9 miles from Royal North Devon Golf Club, this characterful hotel sits right on the waterfront. The Royal George offers a continental or Full English/Irish breakfast. At the inn you will find a restaurant serving British, French and Greek cuisine.
Saunton Sands Hotel - Book now via Booking.com
With excellent views over the golf course, Saunton Sands Hotel features a spa, 2 swimming pools and a popular restaurant. The elegant rooms have modern, en suite bathrooms and the Restaurant offers formal dining and a seasonal menu. It's just a half hour drive to RND, and acts as a great base for golfing trips to Westward Ho! and Saunton.
Royal North Devon Golf Club Course Gallery
Royal North Devon Golf Club Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I
- 2025/26 - 94
- 2023/24 - 84
- 2021/22 - 85
- 2019/20 - 82
- 2017/18 - 74
- 2015/16 - 72
- 2013/14 - 75
- 2011/12 - 73
- 2009/10 - 69
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Royal North Devon get its "Royal" status?
In 1867 the Prince of Wales later King Edward VII who was Patron of the Club in 1866 gave the Club the Royal title. The Club then became known as Royal North Devon and West of England Golf Club. In 1910 this was changed to The Royal North Devon Golf Club.
Can I get a caddie at Royal North Devon?
The Club has a Caddy Master in Dave Miller who is a long-time member. Dave has a list of willing volunteers to call on, all of whom are Club Members and regular golfers.
Expect to be shown round the club, obviously including the museum and locker room - along with the pencil signature of JH Taylor on his locker
Personal Caddies are available or even share a caddy for 2 balls or 4 balls. Rates available on request.
