Saunton Golf Club (West course)

Saunton Golf Club (West course): If you think Saunton's West course is simply an add-on or warm-up for the more celebrated East course, then think again. Like its sibling, the out-and-back West course is another seaside links gem. Some would even argue it is the more scenic of the two, laid out on undulating terrain that sits closer to the mighty dunes of Braunton Burrows.

The West's proximity to the expansive dunes of Braunton Burrows creates the opportunity for some excellent elevation changes on the layout's opening and closing holes. The sand hills also provide welcome protection from coastal breezes and Atlantic winds that regularly come in from the southwest.

Coastal links land is typically criss-crossed by water ditches, a phenomenon that is integral to several holes on the West course. These water channels meander through the good-length par-4 7th (Ditch), and two of the three back-nine par-5s, the 12th (Orchids) and 17th (Leonard Lake). In addition to the neatly cut ditches, you'll also need to avoid good quality pot bunkering, especially around the greens, and a never ending supply of long fescues that snaffle anything hit too far offline.

Perhaps even more than on the longer East, good course management and accurate shot-placement are important factors to building a good score. The West course is a great links course in its own right, and one to include with the East on any visit to splendid Saunton.