Playing the Course
Links golf is like caviar to golfers. Among the world’s total number of some 35,000 golf courses there are less than 200 true links layouts. This is due to the special characteristics of the land needed to create this unique style of golf.
The bounces are different, the lie of the ball is tight and the stances are often awkward, but golfers come to understand that these are the characteristics that identify this wonderful style of golf that is the birthright of the game.
Cornwall is fortunate to have several quality links courses, but none are as exceptional as that of the Church Course at St. Enodoc. Established in 1890 this course was designed by James Braid, he of the famous ‘Triumvirate’ (Braid, Vardon & Taylor). Braid was more famous as a player – winning five Open Championships – than as a designer but over the years his profligacy as a course designer has become apparent.
St Endoc Golf Club
St. Enodoc has it all – beautiful views, difficulty, quirkiness – and all the joys that coastal links golf has to offer. The original layout is very similar to that of the Braid design but the club has lovingly upgraded it to accommodate the modern game.
Do not be fooled by the course measurement on the scorecard. At 6547 yards from the back tees some would mock it but be assured this is one of the toughest par 69’s n the country.
Rolling through sand dunes at St. Enodoc, one can easily forget about the quality of play and simply enjoy the adventure that comes with this astonishing landscape. It truly is a marvellous piece of land. To think that Braid had the vision to lay out holes with no earth moving equipment makes it all the more enjoyable – natural golf at its best.
Location:
Rock, Wadebridge PL27 6LD
