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Royal North Devon Golf Club at Westward Ho! is an historic links on Northam Burrows. Founded in 1864, it identifies itself as England's oldest golf course and traces golf on the common to the 1850s.
Old Tom Morris was involved in the course's formative period, and the present layout also reflects significant early-20th-century work by Herbert Fowler. The course occupies common land rather than a conventional enclosed golf estate, with firm-running turf and the coastal environment central to its character. Royal North Devon has staged major amateur competition and maintains a golf museum and extensive historic material in its clubhouse.
The course is an 18-hole links golf course. Designed by Old Tom Morris, the course originally opened in 1864. It is open to the public. On-site facilities include Restaurant, Clubhouse, Pro shop, Golf museum, Short course, Practice facilities, Suite, Lodge, and 4 more.
Golf on Northam Burrows predates the formal club. Reverend Isaac Gosset encountered the game through Scottish connections and recognised the golfing potential of the common. Old Tom Morris came south during this formative period, and the North Devon and West of England Golf Club was established in 1864.
The course evolved on natural common-land links terrain. Only three original Old Tom Morris greens are still in play, while Herbert Fowler's changes between 1908 and 1911 substantially shaped the enduring routing. The club continues to maintain firm, fast-running conditions rather than imposing a heavily manufactured landscape.
The club received its Royal title in the 1860s and adopted the Royal North Devon Golf Club name in 1910. Flooding and coastal change have repeatedly influenced the routing. Storm Eleanor damaged the dunes in 2018 and coastal erosion remains a long-term issue.
Royal North Devon's historical importance extends beyond its age. H. Taylor grew up around the club, and figures including Horace Hutchinson and John Ball were closely connected with golf at Westward Ho!.
The clubhouse contains historic trophies, photographs, clubs and other artefacts.
The course remains on Northam Burrows common land and is maintained as a natural links. Visitors can book directly, with seasonal green fees published by the club.
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| Fee Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Other | |
| 1 Mar-30 Apr & Oct 2026 18 Holes Sunday-Friday | £100 |
| 1 Mar-30 Apr & Oct 2026 18 Holes Saturday | £100 |
| 1 May-30 Sep 2026 18 Holes Sunday-Friday | £120 |
| 1 May-30 Sep 2026 18 Holes Saturday | £140 |
| Twilight | |
| 1 May-30 Sep 2026 Twilight after 4pm | £70 |
Prices are indicative and subject to change. Contact the course to confirm current rates.
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