GolfClubAtlas.com > Golf Course Architecture Discussion Group
The Wilds of WESTWARD HO!: 2024-25 Winter Tour
Thomas Dai:
A bunker combination on the left side of the 7th fairway. I wonder if there are more sleepers that are not visible?
Marker stone, sea rushes and Saunton Burrows in the far distance on the other side of the river. Bliss :)
atb
Sean_A:
Apparently, Westward Ho! was noted for its bunkering back in the day. I liken these vast dug down waste areas to walk in closet versions of those that are being dismantled at Aberdovey....very attractive, meaningful and with random punishment.
Tommy...yes, 13 is par 5...not that it matters.
Tucky...Thank you, but I highly doubt my eye is better than yours.
WESTWARD HO! CONT
A par 5, the 17th is sort of a heading home version of the 1st with lots of space and a major hazard shy of the green. Yes, one of these obstacles is a road and it does overshadow a menacing ditch. The road is fairly busy on days with folks heading to the pebble ridge and Sandymere...which was once the inland sea on the above map.
The road leads to several villages squeezed between Bideford Bay and the River Torridge, among them is Westward Ho!, named for the famous C Kingsley novel published in 1855. The beach is very fine, but if one is seeking a charismatic town, then some 12 miles further down the coast is Clovelly...a must see.
The home hole isn't attractive, but the marshy ditch shy of the green plays its part.
While the round is over, the day isn't quite complete without a perusal of the homey clubhouse; very basic, fascinating and charming it is!
It took me a while, but I found JH Taylor's locker.
The names on the boards are impressive.
My admiration for Westward Ho! continues to grow with each visit. Royal North Devon's moods change that much and often that it has a little something for everyone. You want to play fiddly chips over humpty bumpty terrain...check. You want to open the shoulders...check. You want to be tested with precision...check. You want unusual hazards...check. While the reputation of the course may have waned in recent decades, there can be little doubt Westward Ho! is essential golf. As such, it is a required experience for any who admire the history of the game, the museum piece of architecture, but also and likely most importantly, the simplicity of the golf. Despite the royal title, there are no airs about the membership, the course nor its maintenance. I once stated that all people who fly into England with golf clubs should be made to pay a £5 golf tax to support Westward Ho!...one of my better ideas. 1* 2025
Ciao
Thomas Dai:
There is certainly some wonderful memorabilia in the RND Clubhouse and as to a £5 golf tax to support Westward Ho!, what a wonderful idea! :) :) :)
atb
Later edit - two recent photos and a photo/plan showing the course circa 1930
Thomas Dai:
On the basis that you can't get enough photos of RND/WHo! here are some olden day photos now colourised.
atb
Edit - coloured photos added by later edit
Tommy Williamsen:
--- Quote from: Sean_A on October 29, 2018, 05:06:47 AM ---
Tommy...yes, 13 is par 5...not that it matters.
Ciao
--- End quote ---
I know it is not supposed to make a difference, but it does make a difference when I walk off the hole with a par as opposed to a bogey.
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