The opportunity to visit the leading golf clubs and hotels in the Southwest is always highly anticipated. It is easy to forget just how breathtakingly beautiful this part of the world is until you arrive and feel the tension melt away as you cross into Devon and Cornwall. The lifestyle here mirrors that shift—slower, more relaxed, yet still vibrant.
Though this trip was filled with meetings and, unfortunately, no time for a round of golf, the journey itself was still exciting.
To break up the drive, I spent my first night in the naval city of Plymouth, Devon. Though the Plymouth Gin distillery was closed during my visit, the evening turned out to be a memorable one thanks to dinner at Rockfish, located on the quayside in the harbour. The Dover Sole was simply sensational—a must-try for anyone passing through Plymouth.
After managing to avoid both the sight of nuclear submarines and a chance encounter with Wayne Rooney (now manager of Plymouth Albion Football Club), I set off the next morning for Trevose Golf Club—a 90-minute drive away.
St Enodoc Golf Club
Rock, Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 6LD
2 Courses / 36 Holes
Trevose has an atmosphere unlike any other golf club I have experienced. It seamlessly blends the relaxed, laid-back Cornish lifestyle with the professionalism and traditional values of a prestigious golf club. It is not unusual to see a club tie worn next to flip-flops and a surfboard, and somehow, it feels entirely natural. With excellent food, a fantastic course, ideal accommodations, and an unbeatable location, it is a place where you cannot help but feel happy.
From Trevose, I headed to The Headland Hotel in Newquay, perched majestically above Fistral Beach. With sweeping views of the sand and surf, as well as Newquay Golf Club, the hotel offers an idyllic setting for both relaxation and adventure. Its beautifully appointed dining room, charming bars, state-of-the-art spa, and spacious, high-ceilinged rooms make it no surprise that it has been voted Independent Hotel of the Year.
Next on the itinerary was Perranporth Golf Club—a favourite among architects for its dramatic landscape. But before mentioning the course, I must highlight the Clubhouse, which has undergone significant investment. Previously a little dated, it is now a modern, beautifully presented space with a bar, lounge, and dining area overlooking the course. Very impressive!
As for the course itself, it is like golf’s answer to a roller coaster—a truly spectacular layout with stunning views of the coastline. Yes, there are plenty of blind shots, and I have heard some people are not fond of that. But those folks must be sensitive souls because not enjoying Perranporth would be a sad situation. Your second round might benefit from the knowledge gained on the first, but discovering the course’s many challenges is half the fun.
For accommodation, I struck gold with a stay at the Watergate Bay Hotel, nestled right on the beach between Newquay and Padstow. This top-class hotel perfectly captures the Cornish way of life—informal, stylish, and effortlessly cool. The food is excellent, and I highly recommend the Beach Hut, which offers stunning views out over the bay. I seriously considered extending my stay to a week, maybe two.
However, my next appointment was at St. Enodoc Golf Club—and any golfer worth their salt would leap at the chance to visit one of the most beautiful courses in the country. Located in Rock, just across the estuary from the culinary capital of Padstow, St. Enodoc is a 36-hole venue blessed with incredible views over the Camel Estuary and out to the Atlantic Ocean.
Perranporth Golf Club
The Clubhouse, Budnic Hill, Perranporth, TR6 0AB
1 Course / 18 Holes
While the course is only 6,557 yards—short by today’s standards—it constantly challenges your golf game, with each hole offering something new across undulating countryside that twists and turns in all directions.
A meeting in Truro with Visit Cornwall took me to England’s southernmost city. While Truro is not on the coast, it is within easy reach of Cornwall’s northern, southern, and western beaches. The city itself, with its striking cathedral, is well worth a visit.
The final leg of my journey en route back to Devon took me to Bude, another seaside town that holds a special place in my heart. My first recollection of Bude is from when my late father surprised me with a series of limericks about the town—most involving a young lady and rhyming words like “rude,” “lewd,” and “nude.” Decades later, I was curious to see the town for myself, particularly the golf course.
Bude and North Cornwall Golf Club felt like a miniature St. Andrews, with several holes connected to the town and beach, creating the sense that you are playing golf within the community. It is a charming, old-fashioned links course that is a delight to play. Though relatively short, it cannot easily be overpowered—at least not on your first visit.
I concluded my stay with a delightful night at an Airbnb farmhouse, where I enjoyed perhaps the best breakfast I have ever had—sausage and bacon from pigs raised on the farm, alongside views of the coastline and countryside that were simply breathtaking.
With that, it was time to say goodbye to beautiful Cornwall—a region I will surely return to soon.
