Devon is one of the finest counties in England for a round of golf. From windswept links on the north coast to gentle parkland in the Culm Valley, there is something for every handicap. But if you would rather not pay a full annual subscription — perhaps you are visiting, learning, or simply want to play when it suits you — then pay and play golf is the way to go.
This guide explains what pay and play means, why it suits visitors and beginners, and rounds up some of the best public courses across the county. We have kept the descriptions fair and general, and been upfront about where Exminster Golf Centre sits in the mix.
What does “pay and play” mean?
Pay and play simply means you turn up, pay a green fee for your round, and play. There is no membership to join, no joining fee, and no commitment beyond the day itself. You book a tee time (or sometimes just walk on), settle up, and head to the first.
It is the most flexible, lowest-commitment way to enjoy the game, which is exactly why it suits so many golfers:
- Visitors and tourists wanting a round while on holiday in Devon.
- Beginners not ready to commit to a club before they know they love the game.
- Lapsed golfers dusting off the clubs after a few years away.
- Busy people who play occasionally and would never get their money’s worth from full membership.
- Groups, families and stag or hen parties wanting a one-off, sociable game.
Pay and play courses tend to be welcoming and unstuffy, with relaxed dress codes and a friendly clubhouse. Many also offer a driving range and lessons so you can warm up or sharpen your swing before you tee off.
The best pay & play golf courses in Devon
Here are some standout public and pay-and-play options around the county. All welcome non-members. We would always recommend booking ahead and checking current green fees directly with each venue.
Exminster Golf Centre, near Exeter
Set in 55 acres above the Exe Estuary, just five minutes from Exeter city centre and M5 junction 30, Exminster Golf Centre is a genuine all-rounder. The 9-hole layout plays to 18 tee positions for a satisfying par 66, with a natural spring feeding two lakes, a memorable par-3 4th over a pond, and a stiff uphill par-5 8th to test the better player.
Crucially, no membership is needed — it is pay and play through and through, with green fees of £24 for 9 holes and £48 for 18. The free-draining soil keeps it open and playable all year, even when neighbouring courses flood. Add free parking, 16 floodlit range bays, a well-stocked pro shop and the estuary-view Charcombes Lounge bar and restaurant, and you have a full day out rather than just a round of golf.
Waterbridge Golf Course, Crediton
A tranquil 9-hole pay-and-play course in the countryside near Crediton, off the A377. Its mix of par threes, par fours and a par five, plus gently rolling fairways and mature trees, makes it approachable for beginners while still offering a test. There is a cosy clubhouse with a cafe bar, and reduced rates for younger players make it a family-friendly choice.
Padbrook Park, Cullompton
Just off junction 28 of the M5 in the Culm Valley, Padbrook Park is a 9-hole, 18-tee parkland course with water and woodland hazards and generous tees and greens. As part of a hotel and country club, it is open to the public and pairs golf with on-site accommodation and dining — handy for a golfing short break.
Dainton Park, near Newton Abbot
Set across rolling South Devon countryside, Dainton Park welcomes visitors seven days a week with competitive green fees, buggy hire and a driving range. It is a fuller 18-hole experience and a popular stop for golfers exploring the Torbay area.
Tiverton Golf Club, Mid Devon
A well-regarded 18-hole parkland course at Post Hill that welcomes visitors every day. More of a traditional members’ club that opens its doors to pay-and-play golfers, it rewards accurate iron play and is worth the trip for those after a sterner test.
How they compare
Every course has its own character. Here is a quick, at-a-glance comparison to help you choose. Figures shown are for Exminster only; please check current visitor rates with the other venues directly.
| Course | Holes | Style | Near | Range | Year-round play |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exminster Golf Centre | 9 (18 tees) | Estuary parkland | Exeter / M5 J30 | Yes (16 bays) | Yes — free-draining |
| Waterbridge | 9 | Countryside parkland | Crediton | Practice areas | Weather-dependent |
| Padbrook Park | 9 (18 tees) | Valley parkland | Cullompton / M5 J28 | Practice areas | Built for all-year |
| Dainton Park | 18 | Rolling parkland | Newton Abbot | Yes | Weather-dependent |
| Tiverton | 18 | Parkland | Tiverton | Practice areas | Weather-dependent |
Why Exminster stands out for value and year-round golf
Plenty of Devon courses are lovely on a sunny summer’s day. Far fewer stay genuinely playable through a wet Westcountry winter. Exminster’s free-draining soil is its quiet superpower: when the rain comes and other fairways turn to mud, you can still get a round in.
Pair that with a central location minutes from Exeter and the M5, free parking, transparent pay-and-play pricing, a floodlit range for dark evenings, and a public bar and restaurant with estuary views, and it makes a compelling case as a base for visitors and beginners alike. If you find yourself well and truly hooked, there is a full range of memberships to grow into — but you never have to.
Planning your visit
Whatever course you choose, a few simple tips go a long way:
- Book ahead. Tee times fill quickly at weekends and in summer.
- Check the dress code. Pay and play is relaxed, but soft spikes and a collared shirt rarely go amiss.
- Warm up. A bucket of balls on the range loosens the swing and saves shots.
- Consider a lesson. A single session with a PGA professional can transform your enjoyment.
Ready to play in Devon? Book a tee time at Exminster online or call 01392 833 838, and if you have any questions our team is happy to help via the contact page.