Sidmouth at Sidmouth Golf Club

Sidmouth Golf Club sits on the clifftops above the Devon seaside town of Sidmouth, occupying a dramatic stretch of England's Jurassic Coast. The course was laid out by five-time Open Champion J. H. Taylor, one of the Great Triumvirate alongside Harry Vardon and James Braid, who designed or remodeled numerous courses across Britain in the early twentieth century. Taylor's work at Sidmouth reflects his characteristic approach: making intelligent use of natural terrain and creating strategic interest without excessive length or artifice.

The routing takes full advantage of the clifftop setting, with several holes playing along or across undulating ground that offers views over Lyme Bay and the surrounding countryside. The terrain is naturally rolling, and the layout moves through a mix of elevated tees, sloping fairways, and greens perched on plateaus or nestled into folds of land. Wind is a frequent factor, particularly on the more exposed holes near the cliff edge, and it can significantly alter club selection and strategy from round to round.

Sidmouth is a traditional members' club with a welcoming atmosphere typical of smaller seaside courses in the West Country. The course measures modest by modern standards but demands accuracy and thoughtful course management, especially when the wind blows. Its combination of scenic beauty, strategic design, and unpretentious character makes it a representative example of the clifftop courses found along Devon's coastline.