East Devon Course

East Devon Golf Club

Budleigh Salterton, Devon, England
Public
18 holesPar 706,344 yds73.5/129

About this course

East Devon Golf Club occupies high ground above Budleigh Salterton on England's south coast, where the course commands views across Lyme Bay and the surrounding Devon countryside. Established in 1902, the layout reflects contributions from two significant figures in British golf architecture: Harry Colt redesigned the course in 1922, and James Braid made subsequent alterations. The combination of their work produced a heathland course that sits on free-draining sandy soil, a relative rarity in this part of Devon where parkland characteristics dominate. The routing makes full use of the elevated terrain, with several holes playing along ridges and others dropping into valleys lined with gorse and heather. The course measures just over 6,200 yards from the back tees, and while not exceptionally long by modern standards, the layout demands accuracy and thoughtful club selection. Wind from the coast frequently influences play, particularly on the more exposed holes along the clifftop sections. The turf conditions typically remain firm, allowing for ground game approaches that reward local knowledge. East Devon has hosted regional amateur competitions and serves as a qualifying venue for various championships. The club maintains a traditional members' culture, with the course itself representing a well-preserved example of early twentieth-century design principles adapted to a distinctive coastal setting. The combination of heathland character, strategic design, and natural beauty makes it a notable course within the southwest of England.

Quick facts

Location
Budleigh Salterton, Devon, England
Access
Public
Year built
1902
Holes
18
Par
70
Length
6,344 yards
Difficulty
73.5/129

Getting there

Most visitors to East Devon Golf Club arrive via Exeter Airport, a compact regional gateway roughly thirty minutes to the north, though many opt for the longer but more connected route through Bristol or even Heathrow, trading convenience for frequency. From Exeter, the drive southeast unfolds through the gentle folds of the Devon countryside - hedgerow-lined lanes giving way to glimpses of the Exe estuary before the road narrows into Budleigh Salterton, a handsome Regency town perched above the pebbled shore. The final turn onto the clifftop feels less like arrival than discovery, as the clubhouse emerges quietly above the English Channel, framed by heathland and sky.

FAQ

Common questions about East Devon

Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.

East Devon was designed by Harry S. Colt and James Braid.

Yes. East Devon is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.

Par at East Devon is 70.

East Devon plays 6,344 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.

The slope rating at East Devon is 129.

East Devon is a 18-hole course.

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