Ilfracombe Golf Club

My son and I played here July 2010 whilst on a family holiday in the area. I used this site, as I always do, to research the best course to play and from others' reports and for the convenience of location I chose Ilfracombe. I made a good choice but boy am I glad I included the hire of a buggy when I booked as this is a hilly course and as I couldn't fit our own trolleys into the car boot I wouldn't have cared to have carried a bag around here.
As other reports have mentioned, the views throughout the course are spectacular and I can only echo those comments. It's also true to say thay it isn't a genuine links course but however you want to describe it it's a course I'm glad to have played and wouldn't hesitate to play again.
An impressive par 5 to begin with is followed by 3 of the quirkiest par 3s I've ever played, the first of which is a practically blind tee shot, the next a monster uphill, and when we played into a stiff wind which needed driver off the tee, and then the shortest par 3 I think I've ever played. You could easily overarm bowl your tee shot onto the green (only walked off with a par though). The course then opens up and there are wide, generous fairways and lots of blind approaches to sloping, awkward greens. There are a few shared tees (8th and 14th and 16th and 17th) and fairway markers are needed for first timers like us to plot your way around on several holes. There's lots of treacherous rough but no water to contend with and the day we played we experienced all the seasons on one hole. As we stood on the 13th tee the weather was glorious sunshine, warm enough not to need a sweater and we took time to admire the fabulous views over the Bristol Channel. The wind was gusting but we had become accustomed to that. By the time we had reached our drives it was almost monsoon rain, which lasted for 5 minutes, but left a biting cold which again seemed temporary and was quickly followed by sunshine. Anyway, enough of the Michael Fish report and back to the golf. Until my son put me right I was playing my apprach to the 9th to the 12th green. This can be a confusing layout for visitors. On the 16th/17th tee I experienced something for the first time in golf which may not be unusual to others I suppose. As we walked on the tee a sign indicated that, competitions excepted, players are to the play their tee shots on both holes. The 16th green, being a par 3 was easy enough to locate but neither of us could figure out where to aim for on the par 4 17th. A helpful greenkeeper explained that the green was in fact hidden behind a hill on the dog leg and was reachable with a wedge if you got a good drive away. Pity he didn't mention the pot bunker guarding the green, and hidden from view, which I found and took 2 to get out of. The last is another quirky par 3 as you can't see the bottom of the flag even from an elevated tee. You understand why when you reach the green as it's in a dip 12' below the level of the fairway. My son played better than me on the day. We drew in straightforward matchplay and he was only a handful behind me in strokeplay and he's only 12 !! Oh Lord, times winged chariot and all that.
All in all a fabulous days golf on a course full of character and probably a one-off in terms of layout. If you're in the area it's well worth a visit. Unless you're the type who regularly competes in triathlons I'd hire a buggy.

This course offers spectacular ocean views on almost every hole. Its a quirky course, super hilly, very sloped greens. The course has that turn-of-the century feel to the design. Several back and forth holes so it wouldn't be considered a great course without the views, but with the views, it takes on special feel. This type of course in the US, particularly in California, would cost tons of money to play.
Its not overly easy because of all the slope and elevation change. It was memorable and should be played if you are in the area and enjoy the clifftop golf course experience.

This is the archetypal hidden gem. There are amazing views across the Bristol Channel to Wales - providing you get a clear day! - and some fantastically quirky holes, not least the 75 yard par 3 fourth hole over a quarry. The way the first few holes work their way up the hill is reminiscent of Church Stretton in Shropshire.
Although it's right by the sea, this is a clifftop as opposed to a links course and I would definitely recommend it as an accompaniment to Saunton and RND if you're doing a North Devon trip, for pure variety and uniqueness. Also, to stand on the 13th and 8th/14th tees on a beautiful day and take in the views is a memory to be cherished...
The welcome is also warm from both staff and members.
7.25/10
'Young P' (h/c 9)

Great views of nearby cliffs and over the bristol channel
Challenging course which would provide even more of a challenge in the wind.
Had a very enjoyable round, friendly welcome. Well run course. Will be back to play it next summer.

What a great course, double bogied the first, thought here we go again, but only dropped two more shots on front nine, (20pts) not bad for a 13 handicapper!! Couldn't keep it up on back 9, but with one "blob" and two one pointers, ended up with 34 points. well pleased for a course I'd never played before. Warm welcome in the clubhouse after, was needed after cold wind on the course, would definatly go back for more of the same.
Roger.

Very challenging coastal course with stunning views along the coastal cliffline. Starts with a Par 5,3,3,3,5,3 which you will find a good test of ability. There are a few blind second shots so it plays better the 2nd time you play. With its high elevation, when the wind blows some hole seem almost impossible. Holes 3 and 4 are both par 3 but one is stroke index 2 and the next is a little over 60 yards, over a ravine, but underestimate the green at you peril. I have played there three times and rate it as one of the best courses I have played.