{"id":688879,"date":"2026-01-11T12:22:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-11T12:22:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/688879\/"},"modified":"2026-01-11T12:22:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T12:22:11","slug":"the-ultimate-fantasy-golf-course-in-devon-starting-with-the-best-opening-hole","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/688879\/","title":{"rendered":"The ultimate fantasy golf course in Devon, starting with the best opening hole"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is cold, wet and windy, pretty much the worst time of year to be playing golf, but spring is not too far away and the lush fairways and greens of Devon are awaiting our return.<\/b><\/p>\n

To get you in the mood, we are taking on the challenge of building the ultimate golf course, but there are strict rules to this game.<\/p>\n

We can only use a golf course once and their chosen hole number must correspond to the actual hole on that course. For example, the ultimate opening hole in Devon must also be the opening hole on that chosen course, and then the same course cannot be used again throughout the round.<\/p>\n

Your challenge this summer is to play them all!<\/p>\n

The top opening golf hole in Devon<\/b><\/p>\n

#1 \u2013 Ilfracombe Golf Club \u2013 Par 5<\/b><\/p>\n

The 1st at Ilfracombe is a par\u202f5 that immediately sets the tone for the round \u2014 combining length, undulation, and stunning coastal context. The layout at Ilfracombe is parkland on rugged cliff\u2011top terrain, meaning the opening hole isn\u2019t a flat walk in the park; it\u2019s an engaging, uphill and variable\u2011shot challenge right from the first tee.<\/p>\n

Setting & Views<\/b><\/p>\n

Situated on high ground above Hele Bay and the North Devon coast, the first tee offers expansive sea views \u2014 you can often see as far as Lundy Island and across the Bristol Channel on a clear day.<\/p>\n

Ilfracombe\u2019s famous \u201cSee the Sea from Every Tee\u201d reputation starts here \u2014 breathtaking ocean vistas are part of the experience from the moment you tee off.<\/p>\n

The Shot Sequence<\/b><\/p>\n

Off the Tee:<\/b><\/p>\n

This par\u202f5 is fairly generous off the tee in terms of width, but the undulating ground and prevailing coastal winds demand a well\u2011struck tee shot to set up the remainder of the hole.<\/p>\n

The terrain isn\u2019t flat \u2014 the fairway slopes and ripples subtly, so positioning your drive is as important as distance.<\/p>\n

Second Shot:<\/b><\/p>\n

The second shot typically plays either uphill or across gentle rises, depending on tee placement and wind direction.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a true three\u2011shot hole for most golfers \u2014 because of elevation and wind influence, getting home in two is only realistic with a very strong tee shot and favourable conditions.<\/p>\n

Approach & Green:<\/b><\/p>\n

The green sits slightly elevated, meaning your approach must be struck with both distance control and an eye on how the green slopes.<\/p>\n

Ilfracombe\u2019s greens tend to be firm and receptive, but they test your precision \u2014 especially when the wind gets up off the sea.<\/p>\n

Strategic Notes<\/b><\/p>\n