Perranporth

[David_Normoyle]

Has anyone spent time at Perranporth or other courses near Cornwall/SW England?  

I'm making a trip this spring, including St. Enodoc and others, but really wanted to learn more about Perranporth in particular, or other recommended stops.  After Paul Turner's comments last week, I thought there might be others who could contribute.

Thanks in advance.

[Paul Westland]

David:  I played Perranporth June 01, and it is a dunesy-links- lovers treat.  Because of the hoof and mouth crisis at that time of year, my plans to play Trevose, St Enodoc, and Saunton were changed, and flew from Bristol to Edinburgh instead, and played St Andrews.  The Old Course is the Greatest, and, and, most accessible for the single golfer, or twosome, and the welcome there, and staff, are friendly and not stuffed shirted! Few realize this........ E-Mail me about Devon and Cornwall... Cheers!

[Jack (Guest)]

David
I am originally from the Westcountry and have played lots of the good courses. Unfortunately Perranporth is one I have yet to play but have heard only good things about it. A shortish clifftop links designed by Braid I believe. The real must plays are St Enodoc and Trevose in Cornwall and not to far on the north Devon coast, Saunton (East and West) and Royal North Devon (Westward Ho!). If you are in south Devon, I like East Devon (heath course) and Yelverton, a rugged moorland links, nearly 100 years old, designed by Herbert Fowler.

[David_Normoyle]

Paul and Jack --
Thanks for the response.  As time is a potential limitation, if you could play only two of Trevose, Perranporth, and West Cornwall, which would you play?  St. Enodoc, Saunton and RND are certainly on the itinerary.  I look forward to your thoughts, or anyone else's.

[Paul Turner]

David

As a warm up, or if you have a bit of spare time, you may want to try a short links course called Lelant (West Cornwall).

It was the very first links course I played (about 20 years ago) and I only have vague memories, but it does get into some good dune county.  It's in Donald Steel's book on links golf, if you have it.

[Paul Turner]

Our messages crossed in cyberspace  

As I've only played Lelant and can't remember much of that either, I'm guessing that Perranporth would be the best of the three.  

Lelant is very short, and as your time is short, Trevose is probably better.  Trevose looks to be quite flat (no real dunes) but next to some super, spectacular, cliff top scenery.  

Trevose did get one good report on GCA a while back.

[Jack (Guest)]

I would choose Trevose as it is a good test with some wonderful scenery, it is also very close to StEnodoc for travel. I would toss a coin between the other two, Lelant is supposed to be charming but short as Paul says, Perranporth I believe is similar in length. I believe Perranpoth  has a fair number of blind shots, if so these courses often need to be played more than once for real enjoyment.

[David Q]

David -

I played Perranporth in December 1999, and would highly recommend it for "fun" value.  

The course is set on a hillside amongst dramatic dunesland and overlooks the small town and the sea - thrilling scenery!

The folks at the club were very friendly and helpful to my wife, who stayed inside to enjoy a roast beef dinner while I traversed the dunes.  

Hope this helps.  

-David Q