The ultimate fantasy golf course in Devon, starting with the best opening hole

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.

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.

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.

Your challenge this summer is to play them all!

The top opening golf hole in Devon

#1 – Ilfracombe Golf Club – Par 5

The 1st at Ilfracombe is a par 5 that immediately sets the tone for the round — combining length, undulation, and stunning coastal context. The layout at Ilfracombe is parkland on rugged cliff‑top terrain, meaning the opening hole isn’t a flat walk in the park; it’s an engaging, uphill and variable‑shot challenge right from the first tee.

Setting & Views

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

Ilfracombe’s famous “See the Sea from Every Tee” reputation starts here — breathtaking ocean vistas are part of the experience from the moment you tee off.

The Shot Sequence

Off the Tee:

This par 5 is fairly generous off the tee in terms of width, but the undulating ground and prevailing coastal winds demand a well‑struck tee shot to set up the remainder of the hole.

The terrain isn’t flat — the fairway slopes and ripples subtly, so positioning your drive is as important as distance.

Second Shot:

The second shot typically plays either uphill or across gentle rises, depending on tee placement and wind direction.

It’s a true three‑shot hole for most golfers — because of elevation and wind influence, getting home in two is only realistic with a very strong tee shot and favourable conditions.

Approach & Green:

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

Ilfracombe’s greens tend to be firm and receptive, but they test your precision — especially when the wind gets up off the sea.

Strategic Notes

• Wind adds challenge: Because the course sits above the coast, crosswinds and seaside gusts can make club selection tricky from the first hole onward.
• Contours matter more than length: Unlike long parkland opening holes you might find inland, here topography and wind play a bigger role than pure yardage.

Why It’s a Great Opening Hole

• Visual drama: You get panoramic sea views right away — a stunning backdrop that few inland courses can match.
• Varied challenge: It blends length, terrain, and strategy — setting up the rest of the course’s undulating, quirky character.
• Coastal identity: The first hole instantly tells you you’re playing a course unlike most parkland layouts — with wind, views and terrain shaping every decision.

Tune in tomorrow for the ultimate 2nd hole in Devon.