St. Enodoc Golf Club Review

The St. Enodoc Golf Club, located across the Camel Estuary in Rock, Cornwall, has all the characteristics of a classic links course - firm, consistent greens; undulating fairways; tight, uneven fairway lies; tough bunkers; a few blind shots; and many memorable and priceless seaside views. The course sits alongside the juncture of the River Camel estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. It doesn't take long to get your first glimpse of the Camel Estuary. As you approach the first green, you will see it and it's a view that you will continue to see throughout your round at St. Enodoc. It doesn't get old.

The view of the green from the tee at the downhill, par three 15th hole at St. Enodoc GC, with the Camel Estuary in the background. (photo credit: David Cannon)
At St. Enodoc, there are two courses: the Church course designed by James Braid which opened in 1890 and the Holywell course, a shorter course which provides a typical links terrain with less daunting shots.

The Church course gets its name from the 11th Century St. Enodoc Church - an old Norman Church -- which sits in the middle of the course alongside the 11th fairway.
One of the biggest compliments that can be bestowed on St. Enodoc is that a few Open champions have come to play golf here. That list includes Braid, Henry Cotton, Jim Barnes and Tom Watson.

"It (the Church course) is a wonderful golf course," says Watson. "It has lots of variety and beautiful views everywhere you look. It's a great place to play golf."
Watson is not alone in his praise for St. Enodoc, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2015.

"It's got the wow factor," notes Simon Greatorex, general manager, St. Enodoc Golf Club. "It's a golf club that really stirs the soul."

Kudos to Braid whose design of St. Enodoc remains relevant to this day.

One of Braid's most famous design features is the Himalaya bunker on the 6th hole. It is reputedly the tallest sand bunker in Europe. Avoid that hazard at all costs!

It's worth noting that St. Enodoc has made a big investment in its second course, The Holywell, where tees have been upgraded, bunkers have been manicured and the overall presentation of the course has been improved to a level enjoyed on the main Church Course. The Holywell now gives all golfers a genuine alternative to the demanding 6,547-yard championship links. The Holywell is now a great alternative choice for juniors, seniors and higher handicappers who want an enjoyable round over a shorter, well-maintained layout.

The clubhouse at St. Enodoc has also been recently refurbished in a modern, New England style. The clubhouse now boasts a bright, airy lounge area, restaurant and bar with a picture window overlooking the 18th green. The clubhouse also has an elegant terrace which is perfect for al fresco dining in the summer.


"He (Braid) put a great golf course in a limited space," notes Scott Gibson, head greenkeeper at St. Enodoc.

When you reach the 18th tee of the Church Course, pause and admire the view before striking your tee shot. Without a doubt, Braid saved the best view at St. Enodoc for last. Some golfers simply refer to that view as "unbelievable."

And, the golf media agree with the appeal of St. Enodoc as Golf Digest ranks the course as the 99th best in the world; Golf Journal lists St. Enodoc as the 51st best course in Europe; and National Club Golfer declares that St. Enodoc is the 17th best golf course in Great Britain & Ireland. Those rankings would put a smile on the face of the late, great Braid, who won five Open Championships in the early 1900s.

If St. Enodoc is alluring to past Open champions like Braid, Cotton, Barnes and Watson, it certainly should be for you.

P.S. There is a second course at St. Enodoc which is worth playing. It's called the Holywell. It's for golfers who want a quicker, less challenging and less expensive links golf experience.

The 4,082 yard Holywell course has a series of par 3s and par 4s. There are no par 5s. It's no pushover, but it does feature undulating fairways and fast-paced, target greens.

Over the last couple of years, St Enodoc has invested a great deal of time and effort in upgrading the Holywell so visitors can expect excellent course conditions that meet the same high standards as those on the main Church course.

P.P.S. After golf, visitors to Rock can enjoy the stunning beaches of Polzeath and Daymer Bay as well as the charming fishing village of Port Isaac, now well-known as the location for the popular television series Doc Martin.
Just across the Camel Estuary from St Enodoc is the fishing port of Padstow, where the ubiquitous TV chef Rick Stein established his first seafood restaurant and now runs a variety of food and accommodation enterprises in the town. Padstow is also the home of many independent shops which sell local arts and crafts.

If you are looking to spend the night in the area, there are many local options 'to hang your hat,' such as the St. Enodoc Hotel, which is adjacent to the golf club; the St. Moritz Hotel & Spa in nearby Wadebridge, which offers a spa and swimming pool; and The Dormy House B & B in Rock which is within walking distance of the golf club, local shops, restaurants and area beaches.