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ENGLAND’S ATLANTIC LINKS: AN
IRRESISTABLE GOLF DESTINATION
www.atlantic-links.co.uk
By Mike May
One specific golf destination in the southwest of England worth putting on the top of your
‘bucket list’ is the group of six championship links golf courses known as the Atlantic Links
(atlantic-links.co.uk). This group of links courses, marketed as a ‘trail destination,’ for the lack
of a better term, overlooks the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Bristol Channel. One of
the courses (Burnham & Berrow) is in Somerset; three of the courses (Royal North Devon,
Saunton East, and Saunton West) are in Devon; and two are in Cornwall (Trevose and St.
Enodoc). In fact, all six of these championship golf links courses are listed in Golf Monthly
Magazine’s (U.K.) Top 100 in the U.K. & Ireland.
BURNHAM & BERROW GOLF CLUB (in Somerset)
Since 1891, the sand hills and gorse that form the backbone of what is now the Burnham &
Berrow Golf Club -- located in Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset, England -- have stood the test of
time and continue to do so. The presence of so many perfectly situated sand dunes, the
panoramic views of the adjacent Parrett Estuary and Bristol Channel, the steady winds, and the
tight lies are wonderful attributes of this championship links course.
Credit must be given to golf course architect Charles Gibson as he was able to efficiently utilize
what Mother Nature provided as he created a golf course which continues to challenge, frustrate,
stymie, and, in some odd way, entertain golfers as much now as it did more than a century ago.
Simply put, Burnham & Berrow – a par-71 outlet that measures nearly 6,700 yards from the back
tees -- is a golf course that attracts avid golfers who crave a classic links golf experience and are
willing to find out the status of their game. Burnham & Berrow never disappoints.
The prevailing wind at Burnham & Berrow is often out of the southwest – right off the Atlantic
Ocean. The breeze usually makes its presence known from the outset, as the first hole -- a
bunkerless and treeless 380-yard uphill par four -- is usually played into the wind On a windy
day at Burnham & Berrow, bogey golf is acceptable and applauded.
One of the special aspects of playing Burnham & Berrow is securing access to The Dormy
House for overnight accommodations. This structure, which is a one-minute walk from the first
tee, can house eight people in four twin-bedded rooms. The rooms are clean, quiet, comfortable,
and spacious – each with its own private bathroom. And, there’s access to a TV lounge that
serves as a common room for those staying at the Dormy House.
“It is a simple and convenient place to stay when playing this championship links course,” says
Karen Drake, managing secretary at Burnham & Berrow. “By staying at The Dormy House, it
gives you the chance to get fully immersed in the Burnham & Berrow experience.”
A pastoral and peaceful place for people pursuing par. That may be the best way to describe the
golf experience at the Saunton Golf Club in Braunton in north Devon. Here, golfers have access
to a pair of 18-hole championship links layouts – Saunton East and Saunton West.
At Saunton East and Saunton West, which are built upon the sand hills of the Braunton Burrows,
the peaceful atmosphere is only interrupted by the sound of the nearby sea. As you look at both
courses from various vantage points, the local terrain does not look like a golf course. Instead, it
looks like a series of natural sand dunes which act as a natural buffer protecting the integrity of
the nearby seashore from local erosion. Instead, in between the sand dunes are the many
fairways of the Saunton Golf Club.
At Saunton, there are no sounds of nearby cars, buses, motorcycles, or airplanes; there are no
homes on the golf course; and you are at one with Mother Nature from the moment you begin
play until you finish on the 18
th
hole of either course. It’s worth noting that the 10
th
hole on both
courses is ‘out in the country,’ so you don’t see the clubhouse again until you finish the home
hole.
The best way to describe Saunton Golf Club is to share the recollections of playing the course by
six-time major golf champion Nick Faldo:
“I’ve no doubt that if the East Course were located on the coast of Lancashire or Kent, it would
have hosted an Open Championship by now,” recalls Faldo. “The landscape on the West Course
is perhaps even more spectacular than the East Course and I cannot think of anywhere in
England where the 36 holes could be more enjoyable.”
After playing golf at the Saunton Golf Club, you must do as the locals do, so to speak, and have
dinner at Squire’s Fish Restaurant in nearby Braunton. This restaurant claims to have the finest
fish & chips in the southwest of England. The food is as good – if not better – than advertised.
That evening, you would be wise to spend the night at the Saunton Sands Hotel which is located
adjacent to the club and overlooks the spectacular sandy beach that stretches for miles near
Braunton in Devon. The views of the nearby sea and the beach from the pool area, the outdoor
sitting areas, and the restaurant make the Saunton Sands Hotel experience so special, distinct,
and perfect for any golfer planning to play Saunton and Royal North Devon on the same trip
since both clubs are within 20 minutes of each other.
Finally, it’s fair to say that if you want to experience true Open Championship-like golf, make a
beeline for the Saunton Golf Club in north Devon. Your opportunity awaits.
TREVOSE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (in Cornwall)
First impressions are so important in all aspects of life. That’s especially true when you step on
the first tee at the Trevose Golf & Country Club Golf, located close to the historic town of
Padstow, in north Cornwall. At the first tee, there’s a clear view of the Trevose Head and the
three quies, the three rocky formations that jut out above the surface of the nearby Atlantic
Ocean, not far from Trevose Head. Golfers have enjoyed this view since 1925 and it never gets
IRRESISTABLE GOLF DESTINATION
www.atlantic-links.co.uk
By Mike May
One specific golf destination in the southwest of England worth putting on the top of your
‘bucket list’ is the group of six championship links golf courses known as the Atlantic Links
(atlantic-links.co.uk). This group of links courses, marketed as a ‘trail destination,’ for the lack
of a better term, overlooks the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Bristol Channel. One of
the courses (Burnham & Berrow) is in Somerset; three of the courses (Royal North Devon,
Saunton East, and Saunton West) are in Devon; and two are in Cornwall (Trevose and St.
Enodoc). In fact, all six of these championship golf links courses are listed in Golf Monthly
Magazine’s (U.K.) Top 100 in the U.K. & Ireland.
BURNHAM & BERROW GOLF CLUB (in Somerset)
Since 1891, the sand hills and gorse that form the backbone of what is now the Burnham &
Berrow Golf Club -- located in Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset, England -- have stood the test of
time and continue to do so. The presence of so many perfectly situated sand dunes, the
panoramic views of the adjacent Parrett Estuary and Bristol Channel, the steady winds, and the
tight lies are wonderful attributes of this championship links course.
Credit must be given to golf course architect Charles Gibson as he was able to efficiently utilize
what Mother Nature provided as he created a golf course which continues to challenge, frustrate,
stymie, and, in some odd way, entertain golfers as much now as it did more than a century ago.
Simply put, Burnham & Berrow – a par-71 outlet that measures nearly 6,700 yards from the back
tees -- is a golf course that attracts avid golfers who crave a classic links golf experience and are
willing to find out the status of their game. Burnham & Berrow never disappoints.
The prevailing wind at Burnham & Berrow is often out of the southwest – right off the Atlantic
Ocean. The breeze usually makes its presence known from the outset, as the first hole -- a
bunkerless and treeless 380-yard uphill par four -- is usually played into the wind On a windy
day at Burnham & Berrow, bogey golf is acceptable and applauded.
One of the special aspects of playing Burnham & Berrow is securing access to The Dormy
House for overnight accommodations. This structure, which is a one-minute walk from the first
tee, can house eight people in four twin-bedded rooms. The rooms are clean, quiet, comfortable,
and spacious – each with its own private bathroom. And, there’s access to a TV lounge that
serves as a common room for those staying at the Dormy House.
“It is a simple and convenient place to stay when playing this championship links course,” says
Karen Drake, managing secretary at Burnham & Berrow. “By staying at The Dormy House, it
gives you the chance to get fully immersed in the Burnham & Berrow experience.”
The late, great Bobby Jones was quoted as saying that the game of golf is played “one stroke at a
time.” That is especially true at the Burnham & Berrow Golf Club.
ROYAL NORTH DEVON GOLF CLUB (in Devon)
Often referred to as Westward Ho!, Royal North Devon is England’s oldest links course. It
opened for play on April 4, 1864. The club’s founder was The Rev. L.H. Gossett, M.A. Some
refer to Royal North Devon as the St. Andrews of England or the cradle of English golf. Not
surprisingly, Golf World has listed Royal North Devon on its list of 100 Golf Courses in the
World that a golfer ‘must play.’ When you play Royal North Devon, you are literally walking
through the pages of golf history – dating back to Victorian England. In fact, on the course,
there’s a monument that has been built to honor the role that five-time Open Golf champion J.H.
Taylor played in the growth of the club in the late 1800s and well into the 1900s. Taylor started
his golf journey at Royal North Devon where he worked as a caddie as a young boy. His
childhood home was nearby. Taylor finished his lifelong affiliation with golf by serving as Royal
North Devon’s club president in 1957.
Golfing great Harold Hilton made the comment more than 100 years ago that Royal North
Devon was the number one competition golf course in England. The course remains high on all
golfers’ opinion polls to this day.
Royal North Devon has been described as a wild and natural course where golfing traditions are
on constant display. This course, as its website correctly states, is “pure, raw exhilaration.”
It is worth noting that at Royal North Devon, sheep and horses are allowed to roam on the golf
course. While the sheep and horses have a noticeable presence on the course, they don’t interfere
with play in any way, as they gather in the rough, eating the longer strands of grass. Fortunately,
there’s a local rule which allows relief from situations that involve those roaming mammals: “A
ball which lies in or touches heaped or liquid manure may be lifted without penalty, cleaned, and
dropped.” Now, that’s much appreciated relief!
Also, while the golf course is in a class by itself, the clubhouse at Royal North Devon is another
great reason to play and visit this course. The clubhouse is decorated like a golf museum as it’s
filled with a number of golf artifacts, trophies, and memorabilia, such as many of the golf clubs
which Taylor used to win his five Open Championships.
In order to properly showcase its treasure trove of golf memorabilia and improve the club dining
facilities, the clubhouse has been refurbished. Today, visitors not only enjoy golf amongst the
sheep and horses that graze on the common land where the course is laid out, but can now see
historic golfing artifacts such as hickory clubs, portraits of Taylor and ancient golf balls
displayed in bright, new cabinets around the clubhouse. Five-time Open champion Tom Watson
has visited and played a round at Royal North Devon. His scorecard, which lists his 64, and a
hand-written note of thanks to the club membership.
A pastoral and peaceful place for people pursuing par. That may be the best way to describe the
golf experience at the Saunton Golf Club in Braunton in north Devon. Here, golfers have access
to a pair of 18-hole championship links layouts – Saunton East and Saunton West.
At Saunton East and Saunton West, which are built upon the sand hills of the Braunton Burrows,
the peaceful atmosphere is only interrupted by the sound of the nearby sea. As you look at both
courses from various vantage points, the local terrain does not look like a golf course. Instead, it
looks like a series of natural sand dunes which act as a natural buffer protecting the integrity of
the nearby seashore from local erosion. Instead, in between the sand dunes are the many
fairways of the Saunton Golf Club.
At Saunton, there are no sounds of nearby cars, buses, motorcycles, or airplanes; there are no
homes on the golf course; and you are at one with Mother Nature from the moment you begin
play until you finish on the 18
th
hole of either course. It’s worth noting that the 10
th
hole on both
courses is ‘out in the country,’ so you don’t see the clubhouse again until you finish the home
hole.
The best way to describe Saunton Golf Club is to share the recollections of playing the course by
six-time major golf champion Nick Faldo:
“I’ve no doubt that if the East Course were located on the coast of Lancashire or Kent, it would
have hosted an Open Championship by now,” recalls Faldo. “The landscape on the West Course
is perhaps even more spectacular than the East Course and I cannot think of anywhere in
England where the 36 holes could be more enjoyable.”
After playing golf at the Saunton Golf Club, you must do as the locals do, so to speak, and have
dinner at Squire’s Fish Restaurant in nearby Braunton. This restaurant claims to have the finest
fish & chips in the southwest of England. The food is as good – if not better – than advertised.
That evening, you would be wise to spend the night at the Saunton Sands Hotel which is located
adjacent to the club and overlooks the spectacular sandy beach that stretches for miles near
Braunton in Devon. The views of the nearby sea and the beach from the pool area, the outdoor
sitting areas, and the restaurant make the Saunton Sands Hotel experience so special, distinct,
and perfect for any golfer planning to play Saunton and Royal North Devon on the same trip
since both clubs are within 20 minutes of each other.
Finally, it’s fair to say that if you want to experience true Open Championship-like golf, make a
beeline for the Saunton Golf Club in north Devon. Your opportunity awaits.
TREVOSE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (in Cornwall)
First impressions are so important in all aspects of life. That’s especially true when you step on
the first tee at the Trevose Golf & Country Club Golf, located close to the historic town of
Padstow, in north Cornwall. At the first tee, there’s a clear view of the Trevose Head and the
three quies, the three rocky formations that jut out above the surface of the nearby Atlantic
Ocean, not far from Trevose Head. Golfers have enjoyed this view since 1925 and it never gets
old. In fact, on many occasions during the round, you will get a similar view of Trevose Head
and the three quies, each time from a different angle.
The Championship Course at Trevose, a brilliant 18-hole layout, was designed by Harry Colt.
As you play the Championship Course, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, try not to get too
distracted by the golden sandy beaches and the dramatic seaside vistas of Constantine Bay. To
say that the views are stunning is an understatement. What’s so special about Trevose is that you
can always hear the sound of crashing surf on the nearby shores from any location on the course.
The ever-present sound of the nearby crashing waves is truly soothing. Because Trevose is a true
links course, the ever-changing winds will also give this course a different look every day that
you play it.
With many affordable and comfortable on-site accommodation options, access to the Constantine
restaurant, a full service bar, three resurfaced tennis courts, an outdoor heated pool, a covered
driving range, access to seven beaches, and many coastal walking path opportunities, Trevose
Golf & Country Club is one of Cornwall’s ideal stay-and-play golf destinations, whether or not
you play golf.
Because of its geographic location and its many amenities, the Trevose experience is as alluring
to non-golfers as it is to golfers. Always has been and always will be.
ST. ENODOC GOLF CLUB (in Cornwall)
The St. Enodoc Golf Club, located across the Camel Estuary in Rock, Cornwall, has all the
characteristics of a true seaside links golf course – firm, consistent greens; undulating fairways;
tight, uneven fairway lies; tough bunkers; a few blind shots; and many memorable and priceless
seaside views of the River Camel estuary and the Atlantic Ocean.
At St. Enodoc, there are two courses: the Church course designed by James Braid which opened
in 1890 and the Holywell course, a shorter course which provides a typical links terrain with less
daunting shots.
The Church course gets its name from the 11
th
Century St. Enodoc Church – an old Norman
Church -- which sits in the middle of the course alongside the 11
th
fairway.
The clubhouse at St. Enodoc has also been recently refurbished in a modern, New England style,
just in time for its 125
th
anniversary celebrations. The clubhouse now boasts a bright, airy lounge
area, restaurant and bar with a picture window overlooking the 18
th
green, and an elegant terrace
for al fresco dining in the summer.
One of the biggest compliments that can be bestowed on St. Enodoc is that a few Open
champions have come to play golf here at St. Enodoc. That list includes Braid, Henry Cotton,
Jim Barnes and Tom Watson.
“It (the Church course) is a wonderful golf course,” says Watson. “It has lots of variety and
beautiful views everywhere you look. It’s a great place to play golf.”
Kudos to Braid whose design of St. Enodoc remains relevant to this day.
One of Braid’s most famous design features is the Himalaya bunker on the 6
th
hole. It is
reputedly the tallest sand bunker in Europe. Avoid that hazard at all costs!
When you reach the 18
th
tee of the Church Course, pause and admire the view before striking
your tee shot. Without a doubt, Braid saved the best view at St. Enodoc for last. Some golfers
simply refer to that view as “unbelievable.”
And, the golf media agree with the appeal of St. Enodoc as Golf Digest ranks the course as the
99
th
best in the world; Golf Journal lists St. Enodoc as the 51
st
best course in Europe; and
National Club Golfer declares that St. Enodoc is the 17
th
best golf course in Great Britain &
Ireland. Those rankings would put a smile on the face of the late, great Braid, who won five
Open titles himself in the early 1900s.
If St. Enodoc is alluring to past Open champions like Brain, Cotton, Barnes, and Waston, it
certainly should be for you.
Simply put, England’s Atlantic Links are an irresistible golf destination.
Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car: A star on the golf courseRoyal Troon, 12 July 2016 – Vehicles with Mercedes-Benz design are already to be seen on water, on land and in the air. Now they will also be seen on golf courses. As a "real sports car", the Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car authentically transfers the unmistakable Mercedes-Benz automobile design idiom of sensual purity to a premium-class golf cart. The showcaris the result of cooperation between Mercedes-Benz designers, Daimler's Think & Act Tank Business Innovation and the well-known golf cart manufacturer Garia.
The Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car defines a new class of transport for the golf course. Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG: "We have reinvented the world of the golf cart with our Mercedes-Benz Golf Car.Mercedes-Benz stands for modern luxury, and golf is an authentic part of that theme. Transferring our automotive design idiom to the Golf Car is therefore something quite natural, and in doing so we have created a product that is both sensual and pure."
The Mercedes-Benz Style Edition Garia Golf Car defines a new class of transport for the golf course. Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG: "We have reinvented the world of the golf cart with our Mercedes-Benz Golf Car.Mercedes-Benz stands for modern luxury, and golf is an authentic part of that theme. Transferring our automotive design idiom to the Golf Car is therefore something quite natural, and in doing so we have created a product that is both sensual and pure."
PUEBLO BONITO PACIFICA GOLF & SPA RESORT TO EXPAND CURRENT PROPERTY
WITH “RESORT WITHIN A RESORT” CONCEPT: THE TOWERS AT PACIFICA
The award-winning luxury adults-only, all-inclusive resort moves into ultra-luxury space amidst
Los Cabos hospitality boom
LOS CABOS, Mexico (June 29, 2016) – Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort – the luxury all-inclusive, adults-only hotel – announces a new chapter in their story: The Towers at Pacifica – set to unveil winter 2016. The multi-building expansion comes during a hospitality boom in Los Cabos and will continue attracting guests to the most premium hotel product in the Pueblo Bonito Resorts portfolio. A multi-million-dollar project, The Towers at Pacifica will debut three new structures featuring distinct accommodations, enhanced amenities and first-class personalized services.
The Towers at Pacifica will offer unparalleled, relaxed elegance with every in-room detail. From the modern and warm décor, to hand-picked design touches and personalized 24-hour British Butler Institute-certified butler service, The Towers at Pacifica will also provide elevated dining experiences and exclusive access to a new VIP Towers Lounge, all set inan unforgettable luxury oasis just steps away from the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
“Pueblo Bonito Pacifica has long been an established name with loyal luxury travelers to Los Cabos,” says Severino Gomez, Managing Director Luxury Brands of Pueblo Bonito Resorts who oversees resort development. “As the region enters a new phase in ultra-luxury hospitality we strive to remain industry leaders offering luxury without limitations. Always and continuously enhancing the guest experience, both for those new to Pacifica and those who see us as a home away from home.”
Two new buildings will feature 47 Club Level suites and rooms, which will all include an array of luxe amenities including first-class butler services, custom-stocked mini bars and refreshment areas, portable Beats speakers, luxurious Egyptian-cotton bedding, pillow menu and aromatherapy turndown service.
Select accommodations include six pool suites - rooms with private plunge pools for a secluded dip at any time of day – as well as the magnificent Presidential Suite. Boasting the finest ocean views in the entire resort, the majestic Presidential Suite is located on the top floor of The Towers at Pacifica and offers 3,233 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor luxury living space. This stately suite features two king bedrooms with their own bathrooms, vanity areas and respective private terraces equipped with a fire pit, Jacuzzi and outdoor shower. The suite also has a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living room and dining room that opens up to a grand oceanfront terrace.
The Towers at Pacifica’s guest experience will be further enhanced by 24-hour, world-class butler service. The Pueblo Bonito Pacifica butlers view themselves as artists of service, providing extraordinary, customized service to guests to make their experience unforgettable. Trained meticulously by the British Butler Institute – the world’s most exclusive butler and front-of-house training school – Pacifica butlers are equipped to provide ultimate luxury experiences. From personal in-room check-in and check-out, handling on and off-property reservations, to unpacking and packing services, and accompanying guests on city excursions, butlers will be available to exceed any and all guest needs. Butler service begins upon reservation; butlers begin communicating with guests directly following their reservation to understand any special requests or preferences and make arrangements prior to arrival. During their stay, guests can communicate directly with their butler via their mobile phones, offering seamless, convenient service.
Finally, the third multi-level building of the expansion will include a new gourmet restaurant along with a bar and outdoor beach lounge on the ground floor; a state-of-the-art fitness center on the second floor; and the Towers Lounge on the third floor, available exclusively to guests of The Towers at Pacifica and accessible via sky bridge. Towers Lounge guests will enjoy a variety of unique culinary experiences rotating daily, and handcrafted cocktails with dramatic ocean views.
For more information, visit: www.pueblobonito.com/resorts/pacifica