Royal North Devon

Royal North Devon | NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Courses

Rankings

2nd

13th

48th

71st

104th

Royal North Devon is based in Westward Ho! in the south west of England. The club was founded in 1864, and therefore is the oldest golf course in the country.

The golf course is as tough as any of the UK’s more famous links layouts and is a must-play on a trip to the south west of England.

Play on the NCG Top 100s Tour!

Book your spot to play at Royal North Devon on the NCG Top 100s Tour in 2026 here.

You can also play at Royal North Devon as part of our South West Swing.

Visit Royal North Devon's website here.
Go back to the NCG Top 100s Homepage.

A Brief History of Royal North Devon

1864 saw the founding of Royal North Devon, making it the first ever golf club in England.

The course has barely changed over its history, with only some tees being added to lengthen the course in line with technological advancements.

The great JH Taylor grew up just down the road from Royal North Devon, and it was his home course for a number of years. He started off as a caddie there, before then going on to become one of the best golfers of his generation.

He won the Open Championship on five occasions and was a part of the great triumvirate of golf at that time, alongside James Braid and Harry Vardon. Taylor became President of Royal North Devon in 1957.

Not only is Taylor one of the club's favourite sons, but the honours board has some incredible names on it. The likes of Herbert Fowler, Horace Hutchinson and Harold Hilton have all been victorious at Royal North Devon.

Royal North Devon Review | NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Courses

Following the introduction of the three new holes, Royal North Devon plays at more than 7,000 yards from the Championship Black tees. The course remains a par 72 lay-out and is one of the most challenging golf courses in southern England.

The course begins with a 521-yard par-5, in which the longer hitters can reach in two shots. It features a lengthy carry off the tee, and a ditch all down the right hand side. 2 and a 3 are both tough par-4s, measuring at more than 420 yards apiece. 4 features a menacing cross bunker which can be as deep as 15 feet, The longer hitters can easily carry that bunker with their drive, and it can then provide a birdie opportunity.

The 5th is the first par-3 on the course, and it is one of the showpiece holes at Royal North Devon. Eight pot bunkers guard the green at all angles, and as you play to an elevated green, club selection is crucial. After the par-4 6th, you come to the new trio of holes that have been designed and built within the last decade. 7 is the second par-5 on the course, and at 553 yards, it is usually a three-shotter. Three bunkers are in the fairway, with another two guarding the green. 8 is a 193 yard par-3 with the closing hole on the front side playing into the prevailing wind. 478 yards, but playing more like 500 with the wind, it is a slight dog-leg left and a par is a great score.

The back nine begins with three lengthy par-4s, all of which provide different tests to get the second half of Royal North Devon underway. 13 is a gettable par-5, measuring in at just 475 yards. Reachable in two, it is very much a birdie chance, if not eagle. 14 is the longest par-3 on the property, at 207 yards from the tips. An accurate approach is required before you get into the closing stretch.

That final run of holes begins with the par-4 15th and at 431 yards, it is a tough test. 16 is then the final par-3 at Royal North Devon and is just 160 yards. 17 is the longest hole on the course, measuring in at 554 yards. The final par-5, it is a three-shot hole, with a road and ditch in front of the green, meaning a high, lofted shot is required for your approach. The final hole has a ditch all down the right side, which then runs in front of the green as well. A tough finale at Royal North Devon.

Our Panellists Notes for 2025

Coastal erosion has hit Royal North Devon hard with some of the best land sadly now lost to the game. Still a wonderful old links though

Chris Myatt: You can feel the history as you play

David Walker: While unfortunately the 7th has been lost to erosion the new replacement hole does give greater variation to a course with so much design nuance

Ed Battye: Heartbreaking to lose some of the sparkle from the old 7th & 8th. Still a great course

Steve Watton: A step back in time to play this entirely natural and unique links. The new holes have fitted in quite well

Read more about our panellists here.

FAQs about Royal North Devon

Where is Royal North Devon located?

Royal North Devon is situated on the southwest coast of England, just outside the towns of Westward Ho! and Bideford. The course runs alongside Westward Ho! Beach, and out to Greysands Beach and the River Taw Estuary. Exeter is 45 miles away, while Plymouth is just shy of 60 miles to the south of Royal North Devon.

The nearest international airport is Bristol Airport. That is around 90 miles from Royal North Devon, and approximately a two-hour drive. London Heathrow Airport will provide the most international flights in the southern part of England, with Heathrow sitting just under 200 miles from Royal North Devon. The nearest train station to the golf club is in Barnstaple, but that is ten miles away. Trains run on a regular basis to Exeter Central and back.

Are there any other NCG Top 100s: England venues nearby?

Royal North Devon is one of several stunning golf courses in the area, with plenty of those making an appearance on the NCG Top 100s: England list. Saunton – with its East and West Courses – is a half-hour drive around the River Taw Estuary, with Bude & North Cornwall also within 30 miles. The likes of Yelverton, East Devon, Trevose and St Enodoc are all within 70 miles of Royal North Devon.

What golf facilities does Royal North Devon offer?

Along with the 18-hole championship venue, Royal North Devon has an Academy Course to hone your skills on. There is also a full-length driving range and a short game area, along with a putting green as well.

What are the green fees at Royal North Devon?

The price of a green fee at Royal North Devon changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.

For more information on current green fees at Royal North Devon, visit their website here.

Play on the NCG Top 100s Tour!

Book your spot to play at Royal North Devon on the NCG Top 100s Tour in 2026 here.

You can also play at Royal North Devon as part of our South West Swing.

Visit Royal North Devon's website here.
Go back to the NCG Top 100s Homepage.

Website

http://www.royalnorthdevongolfclub.co.uk/

Phone

+44 (0) 1237 473817

Address

Golf Links Rd Westward Ho! Northam Bideford EX39 1HD United Kingdom

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