Location & History
Burnham & Berrow is a classic links club on the Somerset coast, overlooking the Bristol Channel. It’s roughly one mile north of Burnham-on-Sea.
Founded in 1891, the club has a long heritage, and its first professional was J.H. Taylor (a five-time Open Champion)
Course Condition & Groundskeeping.
The club has excellent drainage thanks to sandy subsoil, meaning the course is very rarely closed, even in wet weather.
Greens are often praised for being true and fast in the summer. Undulations and run-offs add complexity.
In response to drought and wear, Burnham & Berrow has implemented advanced turf-management techniques (e.g. use of moisture retention treatments) to improve fairway resilience and consistency.
Strengths & What Makes It Memorable
Strong Test of Links Golf: It demands a full bag—long, short, creative, handling the wind, finding fairways, managing bunkers.
Beautiful Setting & Views: Coastal dunes, sea views, natural terrain make many of the holes visually striking
Par-3s: The par-3 holes are standout; they are varied, strategic, and often among the most memorable.
Tournament Pedigree: The Championship course is frequently used for amateur championships and Open qualifying, confirming its standard and challenge.
Challenges & Potential Drawbacks
Wind & Weather Dependent: As with all links courses, wind can turn manageable holes into real tests. Rain/wind can amplify difficulty significantly.
Tight Fairways & Rough: Especially off the Championship course, errant shots are often punished heavily. The rough and bunkers can be tough.
Green Speed & Undulation: Not everyone will enjoy the fast greens or tricky run-offs—precision is often demanded.
Visitor Experience & Tips
Play from tees that suit your game—if it’s windy, even mid or forward tees will test you.
Warm up, especially for your short game—some of the par-3s and approaches are small and guarded
Check weather forecasts (wind especially) and plan timing accordingly. Early or later in the day may have less wind.
Stay on or near the estate (Dormy House is on site) to reduce travel and enjoy the full club atmosphere.
Book in advance; links courses in good condition tend to get busy in good weather.
Verdict
Burnham & Berrow is among England’s finest links courses. It combines natural beauty, strategic design, and year-round playability to offer a genuinely satisfying experience for serious golfers and enthusiasts alike. The Championship course will test you—especially when the wind blows—but also rewards creativity, shot-making, and precision. The Channel Course provides a lighter but still very enjoyable experience.
If your travels bring you to the Somerset coast, Burnham & Berrow is a must-play. It’s one of those courses that lingers in your memory (good or bad), and makes you want to come back to try it again under different conditions.
