Westward Ho! somehow sounds more fitting than Royal North Devon – possibly because of the unkempt natural terrain that greets you anywhere on the course, reflecting the wild nature of a links in its purest form.

Sheep and horses roam the fairways and there are local rules to cope with some of the eventualities that arise on this historic common land. If you want manicured fairways with clear definition, then this is not the course for you. If you have a sense of history however, then you will love every minute, that is, if you have been able to extract yourself from the magical clubhouse that epitomizes the character of the place.

Despite the roaming animals, the course is in good condition and there are some very interesting hazards including a massive bunker on the 4th hole and tall spiky sea rushes towards the end of the round.

RND (as it is known) is the oldest course in England, it is flat, but it is interesting and definitely worth a visit.