Located on the northern Cornish coast, St Enodoc Golf Club is the #1 golf course in Cornwall and a true bucket list course for the discerning golfer. The links course is officially ranked as the 74th best golf course in the World, 29th in the UK, and 10th in England. Situated on the north Cornish coast, it boasts spectacular views overlooking the River Camel and outwards into the Atlantic Ocean.
St Enodoc Golf Club is steeped in rich history, dating back to the late 19th century, and has hosted a number of prestigious events including the English Men’s Amateur in 1999 and 2008 and the corresponding women’s championship in 2018. It has also been a regular host of the prestigious West of England Championship over the years. The course was originally designed by James Braid, a five-time Open Champion, and has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to maintain its status as one of the premier golf courses in the world.
Courage, accuracy and concentration are a must if players want to make a good score. The latter can, however, prove a little tricky as you look out across the stunning Camel Estuary at Padstow and the Atlantic Ocean from your perfectly manicured location.
A course does not make it firmly into the World top 100 list without a number of notable holes. We could spend all day talking through the number of fantastic holes at St Enodoc, but we’ll save you some surprises for the round. That said, a few that are certainly worth highlighting.
Ask anyone about St Enodoc and they will immediately reference the 6th. It’s the one that sticks in the mind as 100 yards from the green you must navigate the largest “bunker” you are ever likely to see. This 75-foot giant dune is aptly named the Himalayas and also gives its name to the hole itself.
As you turn for the back 9, number 10 is a marmite hole for many. Personally a big fan of the tight par 4 which has a bank on the right, a snaking fairway, plus water and out-of-bounds down the left. If that isn’t enough, the green slopes from left to right and front to back making holding your approach a challenge. All of this is set against the backdrop of the famous John Betjeman church for which St Enodoc is so indelibly associated.
One final mention must go to the dramatic card wrecker of a par 5 which is the 16th. As you head for home, this 560-yard par 5 runs along the camel estuary with views of Padstow to your right… along with the out-of-bounds. The tiered green is tricky to find with bunkers and dunes left and no mans land right.
St Enodoc Golf Club is easily accessible from several major towns and cities in Cornwall, including Padstow, Newquay, Bude, Truro, Bodmin, Saltash, and Launceston. And, if you are looking for more golf during your trip, the club is only a short distance from another great course in Trevose Golf Club.
If you are planning a golf trip to St Enodoc, there are several accommodation options nearby. The Point at Polzeath offers contemporary apartments with stunning views of the ocean, while St Enodoc Hotel provides luxurious accommodation and fine dining in a beautiful setting. And for those who prefer a more traditional experience, the newly refurbished Oystercatcher, owned by St Austell Brewery, offers comfortable rooms and a warm Cornish welcome. If you’re planning to play both St Enodoc and Trevose during your time in Cornwall, the Molesworth Arms could be the best base for you.
Drop us a line with your requirements for your next Cornish golf trip and we’ll pull together a bespoke quote for you and your group to come and experience this great county and this magnificent World ranked golf course.
Visitor information
- Limited visitor slots 6 days a week
- No visitors on a Saturday
- Handicap Index restrictions apply for the Church course, 21.4 Men and 22.7 Ladies. Handicap certificates/CDH numbers to be provided in advance of play.
- Buggies are limited and can only be hired due to medical reasons
- 36 holes on site at St Enodoc. The Church Course and Holywell Course