“I’ve no doubt if the East Course were located on the coast of Lancashire or Kent it would have hosted an Open Championship by now,” Sir Nick Faldo once said of Saunton East
With the US Masters at Augusta just a few days away, golfers all over the world are turning their thoughts to getting back on the fairways and considering where to head this year for some holiday golf.
The Atlantic Links in south west England is now firmly established as one of the country’s premier golf destinations thanks to its six stunning championship links, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
Upgrading the Courses…
Trevose has just completed the first phase of an ambitious plan to upgrade its Championship Course. The work, undertaken by Mackenzie & Ebert, focused on the adoption of a consistent bunkering style, developing the rough-edged bunkers that have long been a feature of this great old Harry Colt-designed links.
Meanwhile this winter Saunton also turned to Mackenzie & Ebert, who are retained by the R&A and advise six of the 10 Open Championship venues, to make positive changes to certain holes on the East Course – bunkering on the 11th, 14th and 16th and the green surrounds on the 5th and 11th.
A great deal of investment has also gone into St Enodoc’s second course, the Holywell, which is now highly regarded and attracts a lot of players looking for a round that is a little less challenging than the main Church Course or simply a quick round under three hours.
….. and improving the Clubhouses
For several months now, the Atlantic Links clubs have been gearing up for 2016 with a number of course improvements and clubhouse renovations. St Enodoc celebrated its 125th anniversary last year with a bright, New England-style look for its clubhouse that fits well with its coastal location while Burnham & Berrow, for example, this year boasts a newly-refurbished lounge and ladies changing rooms for visitors to enjoy.
A growing number of flights & airline connections through the airports of Bristol, Exeter and Newquay has greatly enhanced the accessibility and speed at which golfers can be in the south west from London and the rest of the world.
Atlantic Links www.atlantic-links.co.uk