Bude And North Cornwall Golf Club

Bude And North Cornwall Golf Club (Bude, Cornwall, England)

Imagine teeing off with the Atlantic Ocean’s waves crashing in the distance, the salty breeze challenging your shot, and the legacy of golfing greats like Harry Vardon echoing through the fairways. Bude & North Cornwall Golf Club, nestled in the heart of Bude, Cornwall, delivers this unforgettable experience. Established in 1891, this links course weaves through undulating dunes, offering breathtaking coastal views and a test of skill that captivates golfers of all levels.

Its rich history, scenic beauty, and year-round playability make it a hidden gem on England’s golfing map, inviting players to embrace both nature’s elements and the timeless allure of the game.

Key Details

• Location: Burn View, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8DA
• Length: 6,036 yards
• Par: 71
• Designers: Tom Dunn
• Established: 1891
• Notable Events: Visited by Harry Vardon, who set course records in 1905, 1907, and 1909

History and Significance

Bude & North Cornwall Golf Club began as North Cornwall Golf Club in 1891, founded by affluent professionals for the exclusive use of the officer class and local gentry, initially barring local townsfolk. This exclusivity softened over time, notably with an exception for six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon, who played the course in 1905, 1907, and 1909, lowering his course record from 69 to 65 in his final visit. The growing demand for local access led to the formation of Bude Town Golf Club in 1919, an artisan section with limited rights and no clubhouse access. In 1949, the two clubs merged, creating the modern Bude & North Cornwall Golf Club, a more inclusive institution that retains its historical charm.

The course, likely designed by prolific Victorian architect Tom Dunn, started as a 9-hole layout in 1890 before expanding to 18 holes by 1892. Significant upgrades between 1899 and 1902 transformed seven holes, earning praise for making the links “first class.” These changes, documented in historical records, enhanced the course’s reputation as a challenging yet fair test of golf. By 1902, the course measured 5,455 yards with a bogey score of 82, reflecting its early difficulty.

While not a host of major professional tournaments, the course’s historical significance is bolstered by Vardon’s visits and its enduring appeal as a traditional links layout. Today, it stands as one of Cornwall’s finest courses, praised for its playability and scenic setting. Golfers like those on GolfPass describe it as a “rewarding” experience, particularly for those who return to master its quirks.

The cultural impact of Bude & North Cornwall Golf Club lies in its blend of accessibility and tradition. Unlike its elitist origins, the club now welcomes visitors and societies year-round, fostering a community spirit. Its location in Bude, a vibrant seaside town, adds to its allure, making it a destination for golfers seeking both history and hospitality.

Course Features

Bude & North Cornwall Golf Club is a quintessential links course, defined by its tight, undulating fairways, fast greens, and exposure to coastal winds. Spanning 6,036 yards, the par 71 layout is surrounded by Bude’s townscape and the Atlantic Ocean, creating a unique blend of urban and natural elements. The front nine is relatively forgiving, with open fairways, while the back nine introduces hills and tighter lines, demanding greater precision.

The course’s standout feature is its exceptional drainage, allowing play on regular tees and greens 365 days a year, a rarity for links courses. Public footpaths crisscross the layout, adding an unusual hazard, while a small road separating the front nine enhances the traditional seaside town character. Reviews highlight the course’s “very attractive links” and “nice mix of easy and difficult holes.”

Challenges include frequent blind tee and approach shots, particularly in windy conditions, which can unsettle first-time players. Signage improvements are underway, but newcomers are advised to use a course planner to navigate the layout’s quirks. The course’s firm fairways reward strategic run-up shots but punish errant ones, with bunkers and subtle green borrows testing accuracy and touch.

Scenically, the course is a visual delight, with sea views from multiple holes and the charming backdrop of Bude’s coastal town. Golfers often praise the “lovely seaside town” setting, with one reviewer calling it “a little gem” for its unique and quirky design. The combination of natural beauty, strategic depth, and year-round playability makes this course a standout.

Signature Holes

While specific holes are not universally highlighted, Bude & North Cornwall Golf Club boasts several that embody its character. The par 3s, often cited as particularly testing, are likely candidates for signature status. One such hole, imagined as the 7th, is a 180-yard par 3 requiring a precise shot over a dune to a green framed by the sea. The wind and elevated green make club selection critical, while the ocean backdrop creates a postcard-worthy moment.

Another standout is a par 4, perhaps the 12th, stretching 400 yards with a blind tee shot over a rise. The fairway doglegs around a deep bunker, demanding both power and accuracy. Reviews on the course’s “many blind shots” and “hidden greens,” suggesting holes like this define its challenge.

A third notable hole could be a 500-yard par 5, possibly the 16th, where the fairway narrows between dunes, and a well-placed second shot is needed to reach a sloping green guarded by bunkers. The scenic views and strategic demands make these holes memorable, encapsulating the course’s blend of beauty and difficulty.

Why Visit

Bude & North Cornwall Golf Club is a compelling destination for golfers seeking a true links experience. Its 6,036-yard layout tests every aspect of the game, from navigating blind shots to adapting to coastal winds. The course’s firm fairways and fast greens reward creative shot-making, making it a favorite for players who enjoy strategic golf. As one golfer noted, “Repeat visits are very rewarding,” highlighting the course’s depth.

The emotional resonance of playing a course visited by Harry Vardon, coupled with its 1891 origins, connects golfers to the sport’s storied past. Walking these fairways feels like stepping into golf’s history, with the Atlantic’s roar as a constant companion. The course’s location in Bude, a charming seaside town, adds to its appeal, offering a sense of community and relaxation.

Practical benefits include year-round playability, a welcoming clubhouse with excellent dining, and a pro shop offering lessons and equipment. A reviewer praised the “great welcome” and “very good food,” underscoring the club’s hospitality. For golfers and their companions, nearby attractions like Summerleaze Beach and Tintagel Castle make Bude a perfect base for a golfing holiday.

Facilities

The clubhouse at Bude & North Cornwall Golf Club is a hub of hospitality, open to the public with a menu featuring local cuisine and tailored catering options. The Atlantic Bar hosts events like Curry Night, with offerings like beef, chicken, or veggie curries for approx £18. Happy Hour on Fridays from 5–7 PM adds to the social vibe, making it a great spot to unwind after a round.

Practice facilities include a swing studio and range, ideal for lessons with PGA professionals Adam Curtis and Harry MaCauley. The pro shop stocks brands like Adidas, Ping, and Titleist, offering club trade-ins and custom fitting with a Trackman simulator. Tuition options range from £15–£50 per session, with a Junior Academy and Get Into Golf program for beginners. Buggy hire is available but should be booked early due to limited availability, while caddies are not mentioned.

Contact Details and Directions

• Address: Burn View, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8DA
• Phone: 01288 352006
• Email: info@budegolf.co.uk
• Directions: Located in central Bude, the club is easily reached by car via the A39, with signs guiding to the town center. From London, it’s a 4.5-hour drive (approximately 230 miles) via the M5 and A30. The nearest train station, Okehampton, is 30 miles away, with the 6/6A bus connecting to Bude in about 45 minutes. Local buses from Plymouth or Exeter also serve Bude.
• Public Transport: Take a train to Okehampton, then the 6/6A bus to Bude’s town center, a short walk from the club. Check schedules on Visit Bude.
• Parking: A pay-and-display car park is adjacent to the club. Visitors must enter their car registration on tablets upon arrival to avoid fines.
• Map: View on Google Maps

Green Fees and Booking

Green fees at Bude & North Cornwall Golf Club vary by season and time. The table below outlines key rates for 2024/25 and 2025:

Additional options include a day rate (£90–£100 in summer), member’s guest (£20–£30), and 4-ball packages (£140–£280). Book tee times online at Bude Golf or call 01288 352006. Buggies should be reserved simultaneously due to limited availability. No handicap certificate is required, but standard golf attire (collared shirts, no denim) is recommended, though not explicitly stated.

Nearby Attractions

Bude’s coastal charm and proximity to North Cornwall and Devon make it a hub for diverse attractions. The region blends sandy beaches, historical landmarks, and outdoor adventures, perfect for golfers and companions. Below is a curated list of must-visit sites:

Summerleaze Beach, just a 5-minute walk from the course, is Bude’s most popular beach, known for its golden sand and Bude Sea Pool, Bude Castle Heritage Centre, a short stroll away, offers insights into the town’s history, housed in a manor house built by Sir Goldsworthy Gurney. Crooklets Beach is ideal for families, with rock pools and surfing opportunities. Widemouth Bay, a short drive south, is a surfing hotspot with expansive sands. Tintagel Castle, linked to King Arthur, provides a historical adventure, while the Hartland Peninsula offers rugged coastal walks. The Big Green adventure park, nearby, features zip wires and high ropes for thrill-seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I book a tee time at Bude & North Cornwall Golf Club?

Visitors can book tee times online via Bude Golf or by calling 01288 352006.

What are the green fees?

Fees range from £45 (winter weekday) to £80 (summer weekend), with twilight and junior rates available.

Is the course suitable for beginners?

Yes, but blind shots and wind may challenge novices. Lessons are available to help.

What is the best time to play?

Shoulder seasons (spring/fall) offer mild weather and fewer crowds, though the course is playable year-round.

Is there a dress code?

Standard golf attire (collared shirts, no denim) is advised, though not explicitly stated.

What practice facilities are available?

A swing studio and range support lessons and warm-ups.

How do I get there by public transport?

Take a train to Okehampton, then the 6/6A bus to Bude, a short walk from the club.

Are there other nearby golf courses?

Trevose Golf and Country Club and St Enodoc Golf Club are within 30 miles.

Has the course hosted major tournaments?

No major events, but Harry Vardon’s visits add historical prestige.

Why is the course famous?

Its 1891 origins, links layout, and scenic seaside setting make it a Cornish gem.

Is accommodation available nearby?

Hotels like The Falcon Hotel and Sea Jade Guesthouse are within walking distance.

Can I join as a member?

Membership details are available at Bude Golf.

What’s the weather like?

Coastal weather varies; expect wind and rain, but the course remains playable.

What makes the course unique?

Blind shots, sea views, and year-round playability define its character.

Are caddies available?

Caddies are not mentioned, but buggies can be booked.