Golfing greats on the Moors

The hills of Dartmoor and its surrounding areas provide a wonderful setting for many outdoor sports, and when it comes to the world of golf, they provide some big challenges.

We take a look at three fabulous courses in and around the Moors, starting with Teign Valley Golf Club, which has recently come under new ownership and represents amazing value for visitors, with a full round of 18 holes available from just £20.

Teign Valley is a delightful course, set on Dartmoor, with tree-lined holes to test any wayward drives and some spectacular views. The club also boasts a fabulous café and restaurant.

Next on the golfing menu is Dainton Park, based just outside Ipplepen and on the road between Newton Abbot and Totnes.

Dainton recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and a course that has matured beautifully over the past three decades, but it is definitely a challenge that starts from the opening two holes, both of which are dominated by looming water hazards.

For the amateur golfer, the drive from the white tees on the second is an absolute beast. There is a huge lake on the left waiting to swallow any hooks and a hedge running down the right if you over-compensate.

Even after a good drive, the green is protected by a big tree on the left and another pond on the right. It is a par four where a five is a good score. The par three eighth is another superb hole, played from an elevated tee and down to a green protected by bunkers, with out of bounds ready to capture a hook.  

Moving through the course, the views out to the Moors are something special, while a quick swivel on some holes gives players a glimpse of Torbay. The par five 16th is another top hole, where a good drive can see your ball bounding down to within a mid-iron for the second shot.

Best of all, the clubhouse at Dainton is renowned for great food and a drink on the balcony overlooking the 18th green.

Our final golfing treasure on the Moors is the beautiful Okehampton GC, a Parkland course sheltered by the highest tors of Dartmoor and a club where the doors are always open to new visitors.

Okehampton Golf Club was founded in 1913 and the course opens with three attractive par fours. The first par five arrives on the 10th and a hefty 511 yards adds up to a couple of big hits for amateurs to even get close to the green.

The 12th is a fabulous little par three, measuring just 85 yards on the scorecard but still a test of those wedge skills. It is a hole which you feel should be a comfortable par but golf doesn’t work that way. Okehampton GC is another course with some terrific bar and catering options.