East Devon Golf Club

Overview: East Devon occupies a remarkable clifftop position above Budleigh Salterton, with elevated views over Lyme Bay and the East Devon countryside. The course is principally heathland, but its high ground, open moorland feel and coastal exposure give it a character all its own. Firm fairways, heather, gorse and frequent wind make accuracy essential, while the changing elevation creates memorable approach shots throughout the round.

History: The present club opened in 1902 after golf moved from an earlier nine-hole site across the River Otter. Robert Tosswill laid out the new course, Herbert Fowler helped develop it, Harry Colt created the important 1920s layout and James Braid continued the work in the following decades. This layered history explains why East Devon is best understood as an evolving classic rather than the work of one architect alone.

Did You Know? The course rises to roughly 450 feet above sea level even though the coast is close by. The club has also hosted the English Club Championship and English Girls’ Open Championship, while the 16th tee is celebrated for its unusually broad coastal view.