World Golf Courses Directory

Ferndown Golf Club (Old) Dorset, England

Rating: ****

119 Golf Links Road, Ferndown, BH22 8BU

E-mail: ferndowngc@lineone.net

Nearest main town: Ferndown

If you are looking for the best golf in Dorset then you hove come to the right place. Everything about Ferndown exudes quality and on a clear, sunny day, when the views from the clubhouse extend to the Isle of Wight, there are few nicer places to be. Although just 6 miles north of Bournemouth, there is much about the layout that is reminiscent of the more famous Surrey heathlands. Ferndown, with its rhododendrons, heather, pines and fir trees, has a good deal of history dating back to the days of double Open champion Harold Hilton, who designed the Old course in 1912.

In keeping with the designs of that time, the course is not long, measuring just under 6500 yards, but you will find it an intriguing chal­lenge nonetheless. There are a good number of doglegs, which place a premium on intelligent course management, the toughest of which come at the 9th and the 11 tho The uphill 6th, generally played into the breeze, is also among the more difficult obstacles to a pleasing score. There are a good set of par-3s, the rhododendrons on the 5th making a colorful scene during the spring, while the 16th is named ‘Hilton’s Hole’ in recognition of the architect.

The gentle mounds and swales give the fairways both definition and character on a layout that is made up of two loops, the inner one containing the first eight holes, while the journey home is played around the outside. It is also worth noting that Ferndown has a reputation for being in excellent condition. The sandy sub-soil means it rarely gets waterlogged and you are usually guaranteed some of the best-kept fair­ways and greens on which to play.

Playing: Midweek: round £50.00; day n/a. Weekend: round £60.00; day n/a.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-10pm. Food: Lunch from 10am-5pm. Dinner by arrangement.

Comments: Best course in Dorset and splendid, friendly clubhouse . .. Gorse, pine trees, numerous doglegs. .. One of the most interesting courses around. .. Solid reputation and wasn’t disappointed… Matches some of the best inland courses in Surrey. .. One of the best-kept courses in the country. .. In fine nick but a rather boring layout that is vastly overrated… Views across the Isle of Wight… I wish I knew a member!

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