:: Golf Holidays Cornwall :: The Golf Courses

Golf Courses in Cornwall

Spoilt for choice...!!

Everyone has heard about, or knows of, St Mellion, Trevose and St Enodoc and Golf Holidays Cornwall can vouch for the fact they are top-class venues that given a chance shouldn’t be missed by visitors.

But there are plenty of others…

See our map opposite and click on any of the Golf Holidays Cornwall Icons to read a summary about the many other great courses in Cornwall.

Bowood Park

6,700 yard 18 hole par 72.

Not to be confused by the other Bowood in Wiltshire, Bowood Park is just off the A39 near Camelford in the north-east of the county.

A lot of the holes are quite open and there is plenty of opportunity to hit driver without too much fear of a lost ball. The rough is not too heavy and the course is really very playable, with some nice feature holes.

The course is really well-designed and always presented in good condition. The front nine is quite open and the back nine, as well as being more protected is very scenic. The downhill par three 11^th and the par four 12^th are particularly picturesque and will stand out in your memory afterwards.

You will undoubtedly look with envy at some of the beautiful houses dotted around the Bowood estate…..fortunately most of them are well out of range of an errant tee shot.

http://www.bowoodpark.org

Bude and North Cornwall

18 holes 6057 yards. Par 71 S.S.S. 70.

Bude is a seaside links course situated in the centre of the town adjacent to beaches.

The natural all weather fairways and greens are rarely unplayable. Challenges are provided by tight lies and uneven stances on the closely-cropped undulating fairways.

The first five holes are closer to the sea and offer some great views. The belief is that they probably offer the visitor the best chance to pick up a stroke or two. The towering dunes on the 6th and 7th holes are unforgettable.

Once you cross the road, it is a different story with several blind drives and occasionally even second shots. The last few holes are slightly repetitive as they run parallel, but each has its own hazards to navigate.

The Bude greens have beautiful quick surfaces with both severe and subtle borrows, and as you would expect the seaside links wind presents a challenge if it’s blowing.

Like several members clubs in Cornwall, the clubhouse has a reputation for being very friendly.

http://www.budegolf.co.uk

Budock Vean

9 holes/18 tees 5227 yards. Par 68. S.S.S. 65.

Budock Vean is situated in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.

This privately owned, family run, luxury four star hotel nestles in 65 acres of organically managed sub-tropical gardens and parkland on the banks of the tranquil Helford River.

The course was originally designed by James Braid of St Andrews fame. It is set in mature parkland within the hotel grounds.

http://www.budockvean.co.uk/Golf-course

Cape Cornwall

18 holes 5650 yards. S.S.S. 68.

The main feature of this course is the clifftop scenery of Cape Cornwall which is truly spectacular. It has been described as links but in reality it’s a parkland course on the top of the cliffs.

The front nine are fairly flat back and forth, but the back nine is something else. Holes 10 to 14 have very steep slopes in all direction. The course is exposed so as ever the wind plays a part here.

Several fairways require a shot through quite narrow gaps in stone walls, which is a novel feature in itself.

The views are superb……. the 10th and 12th holes are fantastic - it feels at though you are hitting the ball straight into the sea.

Overall, this course is a little quirky but that is not unusual given the area and its cliff top setting.

If you’re playing in the evening, the sunset over the Cape seen from the 18th hole is an awesome experience.

http://www.capecornwall.com

Carlyon Bay

18 holes 6505 yards. S.S.S. 71.

An inviting looking clifftop course running into parkland. The fairways are wide which will help the higher handicappers’ confidence on the tee. Wind is a major factor on this course but if it's not too blowy you have a good chance of posting a good score.

The 10^th off an elevated tee is a fairly straightforward par 5, and if the wind is being kind you may get on in two. The 12th is a struggle uphill if the wind is against you and the 13th is a difficult par 4 with a green cut into a slope.

A nice run in towards home leads you to the 18th, a par 3 that looks far easier than it actually is. If you're not careful you can hit oncoming cars on the road to the right, so slicers beware!

The clubhouse is excellent and on a sunny clear day the view along the coast and out to sea from the patio is superb.

http://www.carlyongolf.com

China Fleet

18 holes 6551 yards S.S.S. 72

At 6551 yards, the course is fairly long compared to some other courses in the county, and as it is situated right on the banks of the River Tamar there are some interesting holes that stay in the memory.

It is quite tight, with several holes requiring accurate tee shots to hit the lush fairways. The 14th & 16th holes across water are quite a test of nerve from the tee.

The facilities at the China Fleet Country Club to which the course is linked are excellent, the accommodation consists of a range of apartments and bungalows.

The leisure and recreation facilities include a swimming pool with flume, Jacuzzi, steam room, fitness suite and racquet sports…….plus the on-site Farmhouse Restaurant serves up a superb menu.

http://www.china-fleet.com

Falmouth

18 holes 6012 yards. S.S.S. 70 Par 71.

Falmouth is a wooded parkland course on a headland, with magnificent views both out to sea and inland towards Falmouth.

The course is not overly-long and not as renowned as some of the other links courses in Cornwall, but it is tight in places and overall a pleasure to play.

There are some short par fours on the back nine, which may tempt you to go for the greens….if you fancy the risk.

http://www.falmouthgolfclub.com

Ivy Leaf

9 holes, 2300 yards par 32.

Ivyleaf is set on a beautiful hilltop location with views on a good day towards Trevose Head in the west and Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor further south and east.

It is a great beginner’s course, so ideal for any non-golfing partner to play whilst the other halves are out playing the more testing courses during the day.

But it’s also a good test of your short game and at under one and a half hours per round it can be squeezed into a schedule if geography permits.

http://www.ivyleafgolf.com

Holywell Bay

Par 3 Links course, 18 holes 2754 yards.

Situated on the spectacular North Cornwall coastline, Holywell Bay is an 18-hole Par 3 links course with some interesting and challenging holes.

There are tremendous sea views across Holywell beach from the whole course. As it is a true links due to its situation, the fairways are firm and the greens always in good condition.

Adjoining it is an 18-hole pitch and putt, regarded as the best in the county. Well worth a short game tune-up, or an outing for the non-golfer or novice of course.

http://www.holywellgolf.co.uk

Lanhydrock

18 holes 6110 yds Par 70 SSS 70.

An inland parkland course in the countryside around Bodmin and close to the well-known National Trust property, Lanhydrock House (possibly a venue for the non-golfers to visit).

Lanhydrock is relatively short in total length but somehow doesn’t seem it as there are several long par fours. It’s quite mature-looking and there are plenty of trees and lakes to negotiate. There are one or two very tight drives with trees down both sides where even an iron for safety isn’t!

The front nine does have some holes that look a littler bit similar to each other but it gets more varied on the back.

The par three 5th is one of the best short holes you’ll ever play….it looks great, it’s long, it usually needs a utility club or even a wood, and it’s well-protected by water.

http://www.lanhydrockhotel.com

Launceston

18 holes 6407 yards. S.S.S. 71.

The elevated levels of Launceston Golf Club offer spectacular countryside views over both Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor, while in the foreground there are majestic views of the historic town and castle.

The club originates back to 1910 and is now a well established 6385 yard par 70 parkland course.

It is kept in great condition and has some quite challenging holes. The 11^th in particular is memorable, an uphill longish par 4.

Launceston Golf Club is a friendly members club and a great venue for a days golf. It’s also a handy base for holidays or breaks in east or mid-Cornwall, being located just off the A30 and midway between north and south coasts.

http://www.launcestongolfclub.co.uk

Looe

18 holes 5940 yards. S.S.S. 68.

The panoramic views from the course are stunning….to the east are the peaks of Dartmoor and the Tamar estuary, to the south is Looe Island and the English Channel, to the west and the north glorious countryside and moorland.

There is an unusual opening par three 1st across the entrance driveway. A few blind tee shots follow which will keep you on your toes.

The 18th is a stunning hole from an elevated tee, regarded by some people as the best finishing hole in Cornwall.

http://www.looegolfclub.co.uk

Lostwithiel

18 holes 5984 yards. S.S.S. 71.

Some narrow fairways and lakes make this course quite challenging. There are several fascinating holes that stay in the memory and will result in much discussion in the 19th.

The first four holes are up and down and afford tremendous views of the surrounding area. The 8th, a feature hole, is a 144yard downhill par three where the railway at the back and woodland and gorse on each side will get you thinking.

The next is an interesting carry over water, and the back nine to follow are an absolute delight.

The course is linked with a hotel and country club set within extensive grounds and featuring converted old Cornish barns, retaining the original charm of local stone and wooden-beamed ceilings.

http://www.golf-hotel.co.uk/golfcountryclub.htm

Merlin

18 holes. 6181 yards, S.S.S 70.

Merlin is a pretty little hilltop heathland course set on the North Cornish Coast, enjoying amazing views towards the sea. The course is designed for beginners and the more experienced golfer who wants to enjoy a relaxing game.

Admittedly, it is not the longest golf club in the region, spanning only 5793 yards off the yellows over its eighteen holes, but don’t write it off as a result of that. It’s great value and some of the shorter holes are tricky enough that you will have to display good course management and think carefully about the club you choose for each shot.

http://www.merlingolfcourse.co.uk

Mullion

18 holes 6037 yards. S.S.S. 70.

This is a real gem…..once voted in the Top 10 UK courses by a golf magazine in 2002, but not much seems to be made of this fact.

It's a linksy clifftop course, well maintained and with excellent greens. The first few holes are relatively level and then the course drops downhill severely on the dramatic 6th. From there to the 14th there is some stunning and tranquil scenery, in particular a sandy cove and a remote church. These holes run up and down hill with the downhill holes having stunning coastal backdrops.

As with many links courses, given the undulations many greens are blind shots even from chipping range.

http://www.mulliongolfclub.net

Newquay

18 holes 6155 yards S.S.S. 69.

Newquay is a gently undulating seaside course with great views, running parallel to the beach and open to the wind.

The course has been well-designed in that somehow 18 holes have been built into what looks like a smallish area for a golf course, and which is totally enclosed by Newquay town on three sides and the Atlantic on the other.

It’s a links-style course in that it has firm undulating fairways and deep pot bunkers. The views across Fistral Bay and along the coast are superb.

The 4th and 12th are both really good par 4s but it's the par 4 17th that stands out as an absolute cracker and which some people regard as almost worth the green fee alone.

It does of course have the added attraction of being right on your doorstep if your group are staying in the town, as the time saved in travelling can be put to other good uses!

www.newquaygolfclub.co.uk

Perranporth

18 holes 6296 yards. S.S.S. 72. Par 72.

An absolute gem, fantastic layout and scenery, this is rated by a lot of people as the best links course in Cornwall or even the whole of the south west. The greens are particularly good – in true links style they are big and have an enviable reputation for being fast and true.

Perranporth is cliff top links golf at its absolute best. Meandering naturally through the dunes, it is fantastically picturesque, unpredictable and demanding.

Blind shots abound, there are driveable par 4s through narrow dunes, big fairway drops & spectacular views. To help you get round this brilliant James Braid design there are several marker posts and boards perched on top of the dunes.

Virtually every hole is memorable. The first two par fives are amongst the best you’ll play, the short holes are spectacular and there are features galore that you’ll be talking about for a good while afterwards.

If you like pure links golf, this a must-play course. A lot of people want to play it again and again, if only to use the experience gained the first time around from the outcome of some of the blind shots.

http://www.perranporthgolfclub.co.uk

Praa Sands

9 holes 4122 yards. S.S.S. 60 men, 63 ladies, Par 62.

The course is midway between Penzance and Helston overlooking Mounts Bay. From every tee on the course you can see the sea, and it provides a deceptive par 62 challenge.

It consists of 2 x four par threes and five par fours….but be aware the par fours are short (one is less than 200 yards).

The course is usually in good condition with firm greens and neat fairways. Holes 1,5 and 6 feature raised tees hitting to smallish targets. It is very hilly with a mixture of uphill, downhill and cross-valley shots.

http://www.haulfryn.co.uk/leisure/praa-sands-golf

Roserrow

18 holes 6507 yards 5951 metres. S.S.S. 71. Also 9 hole par 33 course 2220 yards.

Up on the hills near Polzeath. Quite long but not as near to the sea as some other courses, Roserrow can still be a slog if it’s windy. The first few holes tend to play into the wind and the fairways are pretty wide enabling you to get into your game.

The back nine is interesting with some well-designed holes. The 10th is a blind dog leg right that falls steeply to the green. The par five 17th is a long draw and as the ground is banked up on the right it really tempts you to give it a smack.

Relatively inexpensive, it is good value as an addition to your tour especially as a twilight.

The course is linked to a country club with a large range of holiday accommodation set in several acres of rolling countryside.

http://www.roserrow.co.uk

St. Austell

18 holes 5803 yards. S.S.S. 68. Floodlit driving range.

The course isn't particularly long, but has some very interesting holes. It is on high ground so despite being away from the coast the wind can play a part in proceedings.

Throughout the round you will hit shots uphill, downhill and on sloping lies and there are some elevated tees which you will really fancy if the wind is in your favour.

http://www.staustellgolf.co.uk

St. Enodoc

Church Course 18 holes 6243 yards. S.S.S. 69; Holywell Course 18 holes 4134 yards. S.S.S. 61.

The Church course is one of the great links courses in the UK, as confirmed by various Top 50/Top 100 course reviews.

This one is tough….the rough is penal and there are quite a few blind shots including second shots as well as drives. However, there are some truly memorable holes….the downhill 3rd springs to mind, as does the famous “Himalayas” 6th with its massive bunker. The signature hole is the 10th, a truly beautiful par 4 off an elevated tee down to the quaint church next to the green.

The views across the Camel Estuary, to Padstow and out to the Atlantic are absolutely stunning from all parts of the course.

You’ll need to play brilliantly to get near to your handicap here but you’ll love the experience.

http://www.st-enodoc.co.uk

St. Kew

9 holes (18 tees) 4543 yards. S.S.S. 62.

A nine-holer near Wadebridge in North Cornwall, it can be played as an 18 hole layout playing off different tees for the back nine. Some of the par threes on the front are par fours on the back.

This is a proper short course. All of the par 3’s are 150 yards plus, with some over 200 yards.

St Kew has a thriving club membership and has been the host for the West of England Short Course Championships, which is an indication of its reputation.

It is a good track in its own right of course, but it would also be a great venue for a warm-up for your holiday or weekend away…….maybe played on the day you arrive or even a last-thing-to-do on the day you’re off home.

http://www.thisisnorthcornwall.co.uk/st_kew_golf.htm

St. Mellion

Nicklaus Course:

18 holes 6503 yards off whites, 6243 yards off yellows. Par 72, S.S.S. 72.

Venue of the Benson and Hedges International Open 1990-1995 and the English Open from August 2011, the Nicklaus course is just about the best course I have ever played. And most people who have played it say the same.

Absolutely stunning scenery and layout with some fantastic and memorable holes. A little bit American in its design, you can see the Nicklaus influence. Plenty of water and tumbling rocky streams abound.

The first hole is relatively straightforward with a green at the bottom of a hill round to the right. From then on anything offline is punished. Every hole is memorable for one reason or another, but the 5th - a carry over water to fairway and then again to green - plus holes 11, 12, and 13 stand out amongst a stunning layout.

The walks between green and tee are quite long and the staff recommend buggies. But if you like scenery and you’re in no hurry, take the walk.

Be very sure what you’re taking on if you play off the white tees as they add a significant extra challenge on some holes.

Kernow Course

18 holes 5782 yards par 68. S.S.S. 68.

Originally designed and set out by J Hamilton Stutt in 1976, it soon became recognised as one of the finest courses in the South West, playing host to several pro events.

With the arrival of the Nicklaus Signature Course in 1988, the Kernow course was somewhat overshadowed until in 2008/9 it was completely redeveloped, incorporating nine of the original holes, then extended and modernised with nine exciting new holes. With wider fairways, larger greens and spectacular views the Kernow course is a wonderful complement to the Nicklaus.

The new layout includes the 7th, a par three measuring over 200yds, followed by a stunning new 530yd par 5, while the outstanding 179 yd par three over a chasm has been incorporated as the new 14th hole.

Tehidy Park

18 holes 6241 yards. S.S.S. 71.

Tehidy is a compact parkland course with treelined fairways and some heavy rough.

There are a reasonable variety of holes……and some water, most apparent on a long par three on the back nine over three lakes.

http://www.tehidyparkgolfclub.co.uk

Treloy

9 holes 2143 yards, S.S.S. 31.

Treloy is a parkland 9-holer with tree-lined fairways, made up of five par fours and four par threes. It is described as an “Executive” golf course with sculptured greens constructed from American Pencross grass.

As a result, Treloy is normally maintained to a high standard and is well worth playing if you’re in the area and have the time to spare.

It isn’t that challenging but there are some nice holes, particularly 2 through 5.

http://www.treloygolfclub.co.uk

Trethorne

18 holes 6432 yards. S.S.S. 68/69/71.

The phrase “well kept secret” is a well-used expression, but it does fit Trethorne. Although it was voted “best in county” in the nineties, it is not as well-known as some of its more famous rivals.

However, amongst people who have played it, it’s a venue that people return to time and time again due to its memorable holes and hospitality. Trethorne is a great society or group venue given the fact it is part of a club complex with other entertainment, for example ten-pin bowling, leisure centre, theme park etc.

It is quite a testing course…..up hill and down dale, doglegs in both directions with enough water features and woods to keep everyone interested.

There are plenty of slopes and blind shots, so it is well worth buying a course planner. The greens are quick with plenty of subtle breaks.

The 4^th hole is a real challenge but a lot of people’s favourite is the par 3 5th across a valley with trees all around.

http://www.trethornegolfclub.com

Trevose

6967 yds off champ tees, 6187 yds off yellows. Par 73.

This is just a great links course that actually isn’t that hard, unless the wind is blowing a hooly. Fairways are well-defined and the greens are quite big too. Some fabulous views, the signature par five 4th hole is one of the most spectacular holes you’ll play anywhere.

Extended to just shy of 7000 yards off the blue tees so it can host some big tournaments (Trevose played host to Europe’s premier amateur golfing event – the Brabazon Trophy – in 2008), it’s a very playable 6100 off the yellows.

If it’s a calm day and the sun is out you can score well here and you’ll certainly want to come back. A lot of people do exactly that, and the Trevose’s frequent inclusion in several “Top 50 courses” reviews etc. is testimony to that fact.

It’s worth noting that the green fee here is day-based, so to maximize your value for money play the par 3 course or the 9 hole Headland course as a warm-up.

http://www.trevose-gc.co.uk

Truro

18 holes 5327 yards. S.S.S. 66.

A long-established parkland course with magnificent views of the countryside and with the City of Truro just 1½ miles away.

Truro provides a test for low handicap players and enjoyable golf for all. It is set in gently undulating and easy walking countryside and is populated by mature trees. A combination of attractively set fairways leading to some surprising slopes and borrows on slick summer greens make for a course to delight members and visitors alike.

Some long par fours and varied and tricky par threes makes playing to handicap an intriguing challenge. The par three 16th is the signature hole and has long been considered one of the most attractive in Cornwall.

With the beautiful city of Truro being so close by, this is a perfect venue for those golfers with non-playing partners who may like to visit the cathedral and/or do some shopping.

http://www.trurogolfclub.co.uk

West Cornwall

Located in the village of Lelant, on the road to St. Ives.

18 holes, 5894 yards. Par and SSS is 69.

West Cornwall is the oldest Golf Club in the County of Cornwall.

The course – well the words 'fascinating' and 'compact' would summarise it neatly. There are a few blind shots so playing it a second time is always desirable.

Undulating fairways, dunes, elevated tees and large greens also are typical of this excellent links course with lovely views out to the Atlantic. A railway line running along the beach right next to the 6th tee is a fascinating and unique feature.

An intimidating tee shot on the second between two mountainous sand dunes follows a tricky par three first hole, and gives a taste of what to expect later.

Holes 5-7 are part of a pretty stretch down by the River Hayle, and the views across Carbis Bay from the tees on holes 10, 11 and 12 are breathtaking. In fact, looking down from the elevated 12th tee over the course and across the bay the view is stunning & probably the best you’ll see on any course in the land.

http://www.westcornwallgolfclub.co.uk

Whitsand Bay

18 holes 5953 yards. S.S.S. 69.

This isn’t the hardest course in the county but is very definitely worthwhile.

The course is mainly laid out on the clifftop only a few miles from Plymouth. The views over the rugged coastline and beach are breathtaking, and of course like a lot of clifftop courses it is very tricky in the wind.

The par three 3rd signature hole has a green built inside a crater created by a World War 2 bomb.

The golf course is owned by the family-run Whitsand Bay Hotel, providing good-quality local accommodation and hospitality in this magnificent historical Cornish manor house.

The restaurant is renowned in the area and has won several awards in recent years.

The hotel complex has a fully-equipped leisure centre, a gymnasium, swimming pool and sauna and solarium.

http://www.whitsandbaygolf.co.uk/wbgwelcome.htm