One of the finest links courses in England and, therefore, in the world. It is set in the magnificent Braunton Burrows, the largest sand dune system in the UK. Saunton East is a real championship course and as such quite difficult, but always fair - a few linksy oddities notwithstanding.

Herbert Fowler's masterful low-key design style fits the dramatic surroundings perfectly. The routing asks question after question, but never devolves into an overbearing stress-test. The player neither feels restricted to only one sensible strategy nor does he fall prey to contrived, unnatural features.

Criticisms that have been levelled at Saunton East include "too many par 4s" and "not enough quirk". Indeed, there are 13 two-shotters and little eccentricity - it's a conservative and earnest links course. But the scenery is breathtaking and the turf fantastic with the exception of the 14th fairway, which can get soggy after a downpour. The often subtly and sometimes wildly undulated greens are an absolute joy to putt on.