About Golf at Exeter
The University of Exeter Golf Club is a well-established sports club with access to some of the finest golf courses in England. Devon has an exceptional density of quality courses — parkland, heathland, links-style, and clifftop — within 30–60 minutes of Exeter city centre, and university students access most at significantly reduced rates through club affiliations. BUCS Golf involves individual strokeplay, matchplay, and team competition formats, with Exeter competing across all three in the BUCS South West region. The club runs a competitive programme alongside regular society days and an annual tour that has visited Spain, Portugal, and Ireland, making golf at Exeter one of the stronger sport-social combinations at the university.
Club History
Exeter Golf Club was formalised in the early 1990s and has maintained consistent BUCS competition across the South West region. Devon's landscape — home to Saunton, St Enodoc, Trevose, and numerous parkland and heathland courses — has always been a draw for golfers choosing Exeter. The club has produced regional qualifiers for BUCS Golf National Finals and has been competitive in South West matchplay team events across multiple recent seasons.
Joining the Golf Club
Open membership — any student who plays or wants to try golf can join. No handicap required. Competitive team selection for BUCS events is based on handicap and performance in early-season club competitions. The September welcome scramble (social format, no competitive pressure) is the best way to meet the club. Students without a handicap will establish an official CONGU handicap through the club during the year.
Training
Practice at the driving range at Exeter Golf & Country Club and grass practice areas at affiliated courses. Group coaching sessions with PGA professionals at negotiated rates — monthly group sessions and individual lesson programmes for structured development. Practice is primarily self-directed between competitions. Strength and conditioning through the Sports Park fitness facilities.
BUCS Competition
BUCS Golf South West: individual strokeplay and stableford events (counting toward national rankings) and team matchplay competitions against South West universities at nominated course venues. Top individual performers advance to BUCS Golf National Finals. Devon courses — Saunton, Teignmouth, Exeter Golf & Country Club — regularly host BUCS South West events.
Teams
Highlights & Alumni
Individual members have reached BUCS Golf National Finals. The annual tour (Spain, Portugal, Ireland) is one of the best social events in Exeter university sport. Devon's coastal and inland courses provide a quality of golf environment that most English universities cannot offer.
Tips for Prospective Members
- Establish a CONGU handicap through the club as early as possible — BUCS events require an official handicap for most formats
- Devon's courses are significantly cheaper for students through club affiliations — play as often as possible
- Car sharing is essential for course access — coordinate with teammates for driving range sessions
- The September welcome scramble is the best social introduction — highly recommended for new members
- Heavitree and Mount Pleasant properties with off-street parking are ideal — specify parking as a requirement to Gillams
Student Accommodation for Golf Players
Golf students typically need a car for course access. Parking availability is the key accommodation consideration. Heavitree and Mount Pleasant offer best parking availability in student areas. The Topsham Road corridor gives good road access to South Devon courses (Teignmouth, Dartmouth, Shaldon). Pennsylvania Road suits golfers who car-share with teammates.
View Properties Near the University →Popular Areas for Golf Players
Most University of Exeter golf players live in one of these student areas — all within easy reach of Streatham Campus and Sports Park:
Related Sports at Exeter University
If you play golf you may also be interested in these Exeter University clubs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University of Exeter have a golf club?
Yes — Exeter University Golf Club competes in BUCS Golf South West with men's and women's teams plus individual competitors. Devon's golf environment is exceptional.
What golf courses does Exeter University Golf Club use?
Exeter Golf & Country Club, Teign Valley, Dainton Park, Saunton Sands, and Teignmouth — among others. Student rates are negotiated through the club for most affiliated courses.
Do I need a handicap to join Exeter Golf Club?
No — social membership has no handicap requirement. Students without a handicap will establish an official CONGU handicap during the year through the club.
What is the BUCS Golf competition format?
Individual strokeplay and stableford events (toward national rankings) and team matchplay. Top individual performers advance to BUCS Golf National Finals.
Is Devon good for university golf?
Devon and the wider South West is exceptional for golf — numerous quality courses including Saunton Sands, Teignmouth, and Woodbury Park, with many more within 90 minutes of Exeter.
What accommodation suits Exeter University golf students?
Parking is the key consideration. Heavitree and Mount Pleasant have the best availability. The Topsham Road corridor gives good access to South Devon courses.