St Enodoc Golf Club
The village of Rock could hardly be less appropriately named as it is famous for the long stretches of fine sandy beaches and clear blue water. It is one of the major watersport centres in Cornwall - sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, canoeing and rowing are all activities which can be carried out in the relatively calm waters of the estuary.
The famous St. Enodoc Golf Course, designed by James Braid, is situated in Rock on the banks of the Camel estuary. If you think links courses are all flat and uninspiring, this course is anything but. Built above the cliffs of the village, St. Enodoc is a natural links course that boasts magnificent views, which winds its way tortuously through and around massive sand dunes up to a high point at the 13th. Every hole is different and each presents a fresh challenge. This course is the very opposite of manicured parkland golf - and all the better for it. It is regularly listed in the top 50 courses in the UK and is generally regarded as one of the finest courses outside of Scotland. St Enodoc also boasts the largest sand bunker in the world, called the Himalayas, which rises a full 60ft from the fairway on the 6th hole.
The course has great character, with some lovely views of Daymer Bay, particularly around the loop at the far end of the course. Highlights on the outward nine include the starting trio, all over 400 yards, the short par 4 4th and, of course, the 6th. The 10th to the 14th skirt around the tiny St Enodoc Church. Apparently this church had been covered by the sands before golf was started in the area in 1888. The course was much loved by Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman and the 13th hole inspired him to write the poem 'Seaside Golf'.
You are highly unlikely to ever hear of a major championship being held at St. Enodoc but that is not what golf here is all about. If you enjoy the essence of traditional links golf is beautiful surroundings, then this is the place for you. It is well worth making the trip even though the roads around Wadebridge can be rather slow going, particularly on a warm summer's day. A wonderful course, beautiful scenery and a marvellous sense of remoteness all add to the atmosphere.
There are two courses at St Enodoc: the Church Course (as described above) - 18 holes, 6243 yards. S.S.S. 69; and the Holywell Course - 18 holes, 4134 yards. S.S.S. 61. There is also a practice range and a putting green.
Hotels
Carlyon Bay Hotel
Send us an Email
Telephone:+44(0)1462 437611
Fax:+44(0)1462 437611
|
