Discovering Torquay Golf Club: A Devon Gem
Golf courses along England’s southwest coast have always held a special allure for players seeking both challenge and scenery, but few deliver on both promises quite like Torquay Golf Club. Nestled in the heart of the English Riviera, this Devon course has undergone significant improvements in recent years, transforming it into one of the region’s premier golfing destinations.
I had my first round at Torquay Golf Club last week, and I came away genuinely impressed. I’d heard good things, but experiencing the course and the new facilities in person really exceeded my expectations.
First Impressions: Practice Makes Perfect
The practice setup immediately stood out. I like to get a few swings in before the first tee, and Torquay’s driving range, large putting green, and short-game area made me feel fully prepared for my round. Walking onto the first tee, I felt confident I’d warmed up properly.
The driving range, in particular, deserves recognition. With multiple target greens and distance markers, it provides an excellent opportunity to dial in your distances with every club in the bag. The practice putting greens are maintained to the same standard as the course itself, ensuring that your practice session translates seamlessly to actual play. For golfers who take their warm-up seriously, this attention to detail makes all the difference.
The short-game area is equally impressive, featuring various pin positions and bunkers that mirror the conditions you’ll encounter on the course. Too many clubs overlook the importance of a comprehensive practice facility, but Torquay clearly understands that preparation is key to an enjoyable round.
The Course: Where Strategy Meets Beauty
The course itself was in fantastic condition. Fairways were tight, greens rolled true with a nice pace, and the bunkers were well kept. I enjoyed the variety in the layout, some holes required strategic thinking, while others allowed me to open my shoulders and swing freely. The par threes were particularly well designed and challenging.
What strikes you most about Torquay’s layout is how it maximises the natural topography without resorting to gimmicky design. The course architect clearly understood that great golf holes emerge from working with the land rather than against it. Several holes feature elevated tees that reveal strategic options, rewarding thoughtful course management while still providing opportunities for aggressive play when the situation calls for it.
The conditioning throughout the round was exceptional. In an era where many courses struggle with maintenance budgets, Torquay’s commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of the playing surfaces. The greens, in particular, showed remarkable consistency in both pace and trueness. Whether facing a three foot putt or a lengthy lag, you could trust that the ball would roll exactly where you aimed it.
The bunkers presented another pleasant surprise. Rather than the inconsistent sand conditions that plague many courses, Torquay’s hazards featured uniform, playable sand that allowed for confident recovery shots. It’s these details that separate a good golf experience from a memorable one.
A Visual Feast
Scenery wise, the course takes full advantage of its Devon location. There are some beautiful glimpses of the surrounding countryside and coastline throughout the round, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
The English Riviera provides a stunning backdrop that few inland courses can match. On clear days, the views extend across Torbay toward the open sea, creating moments where you almost forget about your scorecard. The course winds through mature woodland and open meadowland, offering a constantly changing visual landscape that keeps every hole feeling fresh and distinct.
Several holes are positioned to frame these vistas perfectly, most notably the elevated par three 7th hole, where the tee shot plays across a valley with panoramic views of the surrounding Devon countryside. It’s the kind of hole that demands a photograph before you even consider club selection.
The routing takes full advantage of the natural elevation changes, providing golfers with a sense of journey and discovery that many flatter courses simply cannot offer. Each turn reveals new perspectives and challenges, making the round feel like an exploration rather than a mere test of golf skills.
Community and Character
The clubhouse was welcoming, and chatting with members reinforced the sense of community. It felt like the kind of club you’d enjoy being part of, whether for serious golf or just a good day out.
Golf clubs often struggle to balance tradition with accessibility, but Torquay seems to have found the sweet spot. The atmosphere strikes you as both professional and relaxed, where serious golfers can pursue their passion while casual players feel equally welcome. The staff demonstrated genuine enthusiasm for their course and took pride in sharing local knowledge and recommendations.
The clubhouse facilities complement the overall experience perfectly. The pro shop is well stocked with quality equipment and apparel, while the restaurant and bar areas provide comfortable spaces to reflect on your round or plan your next visit. The large windows overlooking the 18th green and practice areas keep you connected to the golf even when you’re off the course.
Member testimonials consistently emphasise the club’s inclusive atmosphere and active social calendar. Beyond golf, Torquay offers various events and activities that build lasting friendships among its membership. For visitors, this welcoming spirit extends to ensuring everyone feels like a valued guest rather than an outsider.
The Verdict
All in all, my first visit to Torquay was a real treat. Between the practice facilities, excellent course condition, and the welcoming atmosphere, it’s a place I’ll definitely be returning to.
Torquay Golf Club represents everything that makes golf in Devon special: challenging play, stunning scenery, and genuine hospitality. The recent improvements have elevated it from a good local course to a destination worthy of traveling to experience. Whether you’re planning a golf holiday in the English Riviera or simply looking for a new course to challenge your game, Torquay Golf Club deserves serious consideration.
For golfers seeking a complete experience that extends beyond just 18 holes, Torquay delivers on every level. It’s rare to find a course that successfully combines excellent conditioning, thoughtful design, breathtaking scenery, and genuine warmth, but Torquay Golf Club manages to achieve this balance with apparent ease. My first visit certainly won’t be my last.
Joe Killaron, Editor, 8 Hcp