St Enodoc Golf Club Key Information
An extremely individual and memorable design hugging the Cornish coast that is packed with interesting holes and great views. Few consecutive holes play in the same direction, and the changes in elevation mean there are brilliant views all the way as well as strategic decisions to be made. This is an outstanding course of which it would be impossible to tire.
Reasons To Play St Enodoc
– This is one of the most varied and scenic links courses in the Top 100
– An encounter (hopefully brief) with one of golf’s most recognisable and impressive bunkers
– Worth any effort required to get to this beautiful, rugged location
Rankings
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2023/24 - 39
The Cornish coastline in England’s extreme south-west is home to St Enodoc Golf Club and is famed for its rolling and unspoiled beauty. It is also the setting for one of James Braid’s most interesting and memorable designs. The Church course is packed with memorable features and everchanging panoramas, and is one of the best golf courses in England.
The club is situated on the estuary of the River Camel, a beautiful, wide inlet that separates the popular towns of Padstow and Rock. Former Poet Laureate Sir John Betjemen ended his Seaside Golf poem with, “Lark song and sea sounds in the air, and splendour, splendour everywhere.” The full text is on the club’s website, and Sir John himself is buried at the far end of the course in the pretty churchyard beside the 10th green. He was right, and the course tops the list of the best golf courses in Cornwall.
Not only is the gently undulating setting extremely pretty, but Braid’s design has enormous variety meaning that there is something new and different to look at all the way. It opens with a par 5 which heads towards the coast over a rumpled fairway leading you to your first view of the sea. You then turn inland at the first of two very tough par 4s, before some relief at the drive and pitch 4th and the attractive par-3 5th. One of the course’s most memorable and photographed features is the vast Himalaya bunker on the 6th. To be fair, it really shouldn’t come into play, but the hole becomes apparently tougher just by its presence. Your approach should sail over it to the punchbowl green waiting beyond. However, if you do end up in it, then the very best of luck in trying to escape!
There is more fun at the next three before you reach the toughest test, the fearsomely demanding 10th. This long par 4 plays from an elevated tee through a valley with trouble hugging the left all the way. Even a perfect drive can leave a long approach, and the green sits round to the left below the church. The next four holes work you back round to the lovely par-3 15th which heralds the start of a stirring finish. The long 16th follows the South West coastal path along the Camel estuary and is magnificent, and you finish this fabulous course with a tough par-3 and then a very strong par 4 which means there is no relaxing until safely back in the clubhouse. This is simply one of the most attractive and best links golf courses in England.
What The Top 100 Panel Said
St Enodoc has a reputation for being a very friendly place and this was the case when we visited. The service levels in all areas of the club were efficient and friendly and queries raised were quickly dealt with. It feels like a special place but not intimidating - a very nice balance. A little piece of golfing heaven that can turn into hell with bad weather and some errant drives.
A wonderful experience and one I would encourage anyone to sample. It’s grand, but on a traditional feel. It feels quintessentially English and is extremely charming without being in your face. Authentically brilliant, I played 36 holes and even though my legs wouldn’t have carried me I wanted to play more.
St Enodoc is one of my favourite courses to play in terms of its visual appeal. It is set in a stunning part of the world and the course design makes the most of this. The abundant dunes display a range of seaside grasses and flowers and the views and interest throughout the course were fantastic. Glorious views and quirky fun but still a challenge for all.
A little off the beaten track but worth the time, money and effort to get here. St Enodoc is full of quirkiness and fun and I smiled an awful lot playing this golf course.
St Enodoc Golf Club Location
St Enodoc Golf Club Church Course Green Fees
St Enodoc Golf Club Church Course Scorecard
Best Courses Near To St Enodoc Golf Club
Best Places To Stay Near To St Enodoc
St Enodoc Hotel - Book now via Booking.com
Just down the road and with its own outdoor pool, the St Enodoc Hotel in Rock is close to all of the town's amenities, particularly the restaurants. The hotel has a terrace and views of the river, and has its own Brasserie.
Trevose Golf & Country Club - Book now via Booking.com
Around the bay is Trevose, the perfect base for a golfing break with its own Top 100 course and way more. With a variety of accommodation options and a welcoming holiday atmosphere, this is a complete golf destination.
St Enodoc Church Course Gallery
Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I
- 2023/24 39
- 2021/22 36
- 2019/20 40
- 2017/18 36
- 2015/16 36
- 2013/14 41
- 2011/12 45
- 2009/10 48
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of course is St Enodoc?
Rather like Formby, St Enodoc is a pleasingly difficult course to categorise because it has a variety of appealing elements. Donald Steel included St Enodoc in his Classic Golf Links book, and that is the predominant characteristic here. However, two or three of the holes have more of a parkland appearance - this is meant in an entirely good way - and there are hints of downland and excellent elevation changes too.
How many courses are there at St Enodoc?
The Church Course is the main draw here, but there is also a second course that is fun, the Holywell. It’s no great length and has nine par 4s and nine short holes, but serves as perfect preparation for an encounter with The Church and is great value.
Who designed St Enodoc?
James Braid is one of the most ubiquitous names in the Top 100 with the 5-time Open Champion heavily involved in design and remodelling, predominately in Scotland and England.
