A Golfer’s Weekend Itinerary: South Devon’s Top Links

Welcome to South Devon, where rolling hills meet dramatic coastlines and where the call of the links beckons every scratch golfer. I’m Emily Ross, your lifestyle editor and resident scratch golfer, inviting you to discover South Devon’s Top Links on an unforgettable weekend escape. From waves crashing against cliff-top fairways to cozy evenings in historic inns, this itinerary has it all.

Friday: Arrival & Warm-Up

• Afternoon Arrival: Touch down in Exeter and drive down the scenic A379 towards Dartmouth. Keep an eye out for the River Dart estuary glistening in the sun.
• Warm-Up at Dartmouth Golf & Country Club: Nestled four miles from Dartmouth’s historic quay, Dartmouth Golf & Country Club offers a parkland course with manicured fairways and a welcoming clubhouse. It’s the perfect way to shake off your journey and prep for tomorrow’s cliff-top challenge.
• Dinner at The Seahorse: Head into Dartmouth town to dine at The Seahorse, known for its fresh seafood and waterfront views. Pair local crab with a crisp Devon Chardonnay.

Saturday Morning: Cliff-Top Thrills

• Thurlestone Golf Club: Start your day at Thurlestone, a true cliff-top masterpiece. Carved into Bigbury Bay’s edge, every hole offers panoramic sea views and brisk coastal breezes. It’s a test of precision and nerve, and the clubhouse terrace is the perfect spot for a mid-morning coffee break with an ocean backdrop.
• Quick Bite: Refuel at the Thurlestone Beach Café with a hearty Devon cream tea or a savory sausage roll.

Saturday Afternoon: Historic Links & Seaside Charm

• Bigbury Golf Club: Just down the coast, Bigbury awaits. Its 18-hole course wraps around Burgh Island and delivers a balanced mix of challenge and scenery. Tackle the two-tier greens before enjoying a pint and fish and chips in the sea-view lounge.
• Salcombe Arms Stopover: On your drive back towards Salcombe, pause at Salcombe Arms for an afternoon aperitif and soak in views over the Erme estuary.
• Evening at Salcombe: Explore Salcombe’s cobbled streets before dinner at Rockfish, where the catch of the day is always exceptional.

Sunday Morning: Inland Varieties & Club Spirit

• Churston Golf Club: Venture inland to Churston, established in the late 1800s and redesigned by H.S. Colt. Its well-groomed fairways and subtle bunkering reward strategic play. Warm climate means top putting surfaces year-round, making every round a joy.
• Breakfast at Churston Clubhouse: Enjoy homemade granola, streaky bacon baps, and freshly brewed tea.

Sunday Afternoon: Unique Moorland Meets Parkland

• Wrangaton Golf Club: Just a short drive from Churston, Wrangaton offers a unique two-halves layout: nine moorland holes followed by nine parkland holes. The contrast keeps your game sharp and your senses alive. Don’t miss the viewpoint on the 5th tee overlooking Dartmoor’s peaks.
• Post-Round Relaxation: Unwind on the terrace with local ale and homemade scotch eggs.
• Departure via Sparkwell: On your journey back to Exeter, consider a brief stop at Sparkwell Golf Course for a nine-hole pitch and putt if time allows, or to admire the rolling countryside vistas.

Accommodations & Local Delights

• Thurlestone Hotel & Spa: For luxury stays, the Thurlestone Hotel offers coastal rooms, an indulgent spa, and stunning sunsets. Book the cliff-view suite for morning golfers’ rays.
• Honeysuckle Cottage, Bigbury: A charming barn conversion with two cozy bedrooms, perfect for golfers traveling with family or friends.

Insider Tips from Emily Ross

• Gear Check: Coastal winds can be unpredictable. Pack an extra windproof layer and run a few practice swings into the breeze before teeing off.
• Tide Timing: For holes close to the shore, check local tide charts to appreciate the coastal beauty at low tide.
• Local Ale Trail: South Devon’s pubs are famed for their selection of ales. Try Dartmoor Brewery at The Royal Seven Stars in Dartmouth.

Conclusion

From the cliff-top thrills of Thurlestone to the park-and-moorland contrasts at Wrangaton, this weekend itinerary encapsulates the spirit of South Devon’s Top Links. Whether you chase The Open-worthy challenges or simply savor seaside sunsets, South Devon promises a golfer’s dream escape.