Golf On A Budget with Golf Hipster
Last month, we gave Kieran a.k.a Golf Hipster £250 and asked him to find out which British county gave him the best bang for his golfing buck.
He decided to kick things off in his own back garden: Devon. From the oldest golf course in England to the only true links on the South Coast, he put together the ultimate travelogue for the financially savvy golf enthusiast.
Watch the video and read the full interview with Kieran below.
What was the best course you played on your trip?
The most memorable course was The Warren in Dawlish. It’s not the most pristine, but its quirky. It’s the only links course on the southeast coast of Devon, and it feels like you’re playing golf on an island. The greenkeepers are only allowed to manage the tees and greens because the fairways are protected due to rare South African birds that migrate there.
I actually walked over the 18th green when I arrived without realising it because it’s so close to the train track. They haven’t got much land to play with so the opening holes are compact, but as you play away from the clubhouse, you really get into the links. Unfortunately, rising sea levels mean they are losing the land. In 50 years, the course might disappear entirely. That made it feel special, like I was playing a piece of history before it's gone.
I noticed you took a keen interest in the price and quality of the pints on offer, what was the best one you had?
Definitely the first pint at Royal North Devon. Its England's oldest golf course after all. Old pubs always seem to have the best Guinness and this was no different. It went down a treat but unfortunately I was driving so I had to stop at one.
I was pleasantly surprised, and kind of impressed, to see just how far your £250 went. Did sticking to that budget make you rethink any of your golfing habits?
Not really, because I’ve always played golf on a budget. Even from my junior days, I’ve sought out accessible, affordable options. The challenge of finding good deals, whether it’s on second-hand clubs, vintage clothes or discounted rounds, is actually way more fun to me. When you put in the time to do some digging, whether thats finding a hidden gem, or an old PING windbreaker from the 90s on eBay, and that digging pays off, boy does that taste sweet.
Outside of those magical moments, twilight golf is the best way to do it. I’ve lived in Devon for eight years so I’ve sussed out all the best spots to get the most bang for my buck.
Where are you heading for your next golf on a budget adventure?
I’m thinking Cornwall, its my neighbouring county. Its a big one though so its going to require a lot of research. I’d also love to do one in Sussex, thats where I grew up and where I played all my junior golf. Maybe some of those courses I snuck on to as a kid aren’t quite the bargain they used to be but there were so many back then, I’m sure a few have clung on.