Top 10 Best Golf Courses in West Devon

Golf on the Edge of Dartmoor

West Devon offers some of the most distinctive golf in the South West. Courses here sit on open moorland with sweeping views of granite tors, nestle in sheltered river valleys or stretch across rolling parkland close to the Cornish border. The terrain rewards accurate shot-making and creative thinking, and the ever-changing weather adds an element of challenge that keeps even experienced golfers on their toes.

Golf tourism has grown steadily in the area, with visitors combining rounds with walking holidays, pub lunches and stays in historic market towns such as Tavistock and Okehampton. Whether you are a local member or planning a golfing break, the following ten courses represent the best of West Devon and its immediate surroundings.

What to Consider When Choosing a Course

Think about the style of golf you enjoy. Moorland courses tend to be firm, exposed and natural, while parkland layouts offer tree-lined fairways and softer conditions. Consider green fees, visitor policies, practice facilities, clubhouse catering and whether the course remains playable in winter. Many local clubs welcome visitors and offer competitive membership packages for newcomers and juniors.

The Top 10 Golf Courses in West Devon

1. Tavistock Golf Club

Set on Whitchurch Down above the town, Tavistock Golf Club is one of the oldest clubs in Devon, with origins in the late nineteenth century. The heathland and moorland layout offers spectacular views across Dartmoor and into Cornwall, firm fairways that drain well after rain and a friendly clubhouse with a strong social calendar.

2. Okehampton Golf Club

Okehampton Golf Club sits on the northern edge of Dartmoor, where the West Okement River winds through the course. Its varied terrain blends moorland character with woodland and water features, creating a scenic and challenging round that rewards local knowledge.

3. Yelverton Golf Club

Yelverton Golf Club is a classic moorland course where ponies and sheep graze freely beside the fairways. Its open setting, natural hazards and old mining leats give it a unique character, and the course is renowned for being playable all year round thanks to its free-draining ground.

4. Hurdwick Golf Club

Located just outside Tavistock, Hurdwick Golf Club offers a parkland alternative with carefully maintained greens and strategic bunkering. Its relaxed atmosphere and welcoming approach to visitors make it popular with golfers of all abilities.

5. Ashbury Golf Hotel

Near Okehampton, Ashbury Golf Hotel combines multiple courses with on-site accommodation and leisure facilities, making it a leading choice for golfing breaks. Its range of layouts suits both serious players and those looking for a gentler round.

6. St Mellion International Resort

Just across the Tamar, St Mellion is home to a celebrated championship course designed by Jack Nicklaus. It has hosted major professional events and offers a demanding test of golf alongside luxury spa and hotel facilities, making it a bucket-list round for West Devon golfers.

7. Launceston Golf Club

A short drive from Lifton, Launceston Golf Club offers rolling parkland with views over the Cornish countryside and Dartmoor. It is known for its excellent greens and a welcoming membership.

8. China Fleet Country Club

Situated near Saltash, China Fleet Country Club offers a well-presented parkland course overlooking the Tamar estuary. Its practice facilities, driving range and leisure club make it a convenient all-round golf destination for players from the southern part of the district.

9. Holsworthy Golf Club

North-west of Hatherleigh, Holsworthy Golf Club provides a peaceful parkland setting with tree-lined fairways and good-value green fees. It is a popular choice for golfers from the northern parishes of West Devon.

10. Bowood Park Hotel and Golf Course

Located in North Cornwall within reach of the West Devon border, Bowood Park offers a parkland layout set within ancient deer park, with water hazards and mature trees creating a picturesque and challenging round.

Golf Trends in the Region

Local clubs are embracing change to attract new players. Flexible membership options, nine-hole competitions and beginner coaching programmes have helped bring in younger golfers and women. Sustainability is increasingly important, with clubs managing heathland habitats, reducing chemical use and protecting wildlife corridors. Technology such as launch monitors and GPS course guides is also becoming more common, helping players improve and enjoy faster rounds.

Tips for Visiting Golfers

Check the weather before heading out, as conditions on exposed moorland can change quickly. Pack waterproofs and layers even in summer. Book tee times in advance during holiday periods and ask about twilight green fees, which offer excellent value. Respect livestock and commoners' grazing rights on moorland courses, and take time to enjoy the views that make West Devon golf so memorable.

Final Thoughts

West Devon's golf courses offer a rare blend of natural beauty, heritage and challenge. From the historic heathland of Tavistock to the championship fairways of St Mellion, there is a course to suit every golfer. Whether you are seeking a home club or a memorable day out, these ten venues will reward every visit.