The Society returns to Lyme Regis and East Devon in June, nine years after our previous visit to these lovely clifftop courses.
The par 71 course at Lyme Regis offers wonderful coastal views towards Portland Bill and overlooks the historical town and World Heritage Site. It is a challenging test with a sea breeze but ideal for all abilities.
The Golf Club was founded in 1893 and Lyme Regis became one of the first towns in Dorset to possess a golf course. The original course was laid out as 9 holes and then extended to 18 holes in 1931 when there were just 67 members.
Owing to the continuous battle with coastal erosion the course has been the subject of several changes in design, however the club and course has evolved into a welcoming and acclaimed venue. 2018 saw the Club celebrating its 125 year anniversary, during which it hosted the Dorset County Championships and more importantly the English Girls U16/U14 Amateur Championships. The course now measures 6283 yards.
East Devon Golf Club is absolutely enchanting, the course being laid out on high ground close to the clifftops, 400 feet above the sea, where one can drink in some of the most spectacular views in golf. The sweeping panorama of Lyme Bay is in view and on a clear day you can spot the Isle of Portland jutting out into the English Channel.
This is an undulating seaside heathland course with an overwhelming feeling of spaciousness because wide tracts of gorse and heather divide each fairway. Architectural greats such as James Braid , Herbert Fowler and Harry Colt have all had a hand in creating the layout largely played today. Measuring a little over 6,200 yards East Devon is not championship material but with a lowly par of 70 and some tight drives this is a challenging and attractive test of golf.
Right from the off the course wends its way slowly but surely to the clifftops. The climb is gradual and certainly not hard work. Many of the holes are memorable particularly the one-shotters which are charming. The pick of the bunch is the 10th, a stunning par three played from an elevated tee across a valley clad in gorse and heather to a well protected, three-tiered green.
“The best view in golf”, according to Peter Alliss, can be taken in on the 16th tee, a 406-yard par four. This is the start of the downhill stretch back to the clubhouse. East Devon is an elegant course on charming heathland and immensely enjoyable for all that tee it up here.