119 Golf Links Road,
Ferndown, Dorset BH22 8BU
Office
+44 (0)1202 653 950Pro shop
+44 (0)1202 653 951 / 52Fax
+44 (0)1202 653 960Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Kevin Garwood (Head PGA Professional).The Course:
18 holes. Heathland course. Gently undulating terrain - easy to walk.
Surroundings:
Residential setting.
Designer:
Harold Hilton
Above distances are for the Old/Championship course. Also at Ferndown is the 9-hole Alliss course (par-35; 2,729 yds from men's tees; designed by J. Hamilton Stutt; opened for play in 1969; formerly called the President's course).
50.796017
-1.882258
6 miles N of Bournemouth
Heading west from Ringwood on the A31: after approx 5 mi at roundabout, take the A348 Ringwood Rd. Drive through Ferndown, crossing over two roundabouts, and then take the first left (Golf Links Rd). Golf Club is 1 mi on your left.
Ferndown
Ferndown Golf Club (Old course): Some of the best golf courses on England's south coast are to be found just inland from the seaside resorts of Bournemouth and Poole. The area's three flagship layouts are Ferndown, Broadstone and Parkstone. Each one is a heathland gem, rather than a seaside links. As one of this illustrious trio, the Old Course at Ferndown continues to lay down an excellent challenge to top tour professionals and aspiring amateurs alike.
There is a touch less undulation at Ferndown than you'll find at Parkstone and Broadstone, but no less hole-lining heather, mature pines and rhododendrons. The ball-swallowing heather is well worth keeping away from, if you can. With most of the trouble clearly in view from the tee, the only blind drive you'll need to make is at the long and challenging par-4 11th. The layout's top quality greens and green surrounds will ensure your short game skills are probed and tested.
It was here on this thoroughly absorbing and challenging heathland layout that a young Peter Alliss developed his golfing skills. No surprise that bunker play became one of his great strengths. With reasonably generous fairways to aim at, a key to scoring well is navigating your way past a threatening array of impressive bunkering.
The layout here at Ferndown is full of interest, character and quality. From the nicely elevated clubhouse you can look out across parts of the course, not least the inviting downhill par-4 1st, and gentle uphill par-4 18th.
Visitors welcome on weekdays, with some limited availability on Sunday (pm).
Must book in advance. Maximum handicap permitted: men 28; women 36. Proof of handicap required.
Contact club for full details, discounts, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Players generally walk this course. Golf carts available for hire (if pre-booked).
Limited
Ferndown is where the young Peter Alliss honed his early golfing skills under the tutelage of one of the club's long-serving professionals - his father, Percy.
Many top level tournaments have been hosted at Ferndown, including the Women's British Open in 1989. For more details see Top Golf Tournaments at Ferndown Golf Club.
England's 51st best course (Golf World, 2024).
Britain & Ireland's 114th best course (Golf World, 2025).
577 Wimborne Road East, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9NW
+44 (0)1202 870 738
Visit websiteThis 16th century thatched cottage derives its name from being for many years the only dwelling house on the heath around Ferndown, and in consequence was a natural waystation for smugglers.
No
Ferndown
Broadstone; Parkstone; The Dorset; Isle of Purbeck; Barton-on-Sea.
St Michaels Road, West Cliff, Bournemouth BH2 5DU
+44 (0)1202 557 702
Visit websiteThe Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel is located adjacent to the Bournemouth International Centre on the Dorset coastline. There are wonderful sea views from the hotel.
No
Parkstone
Broadstone; Ferndown; The Dorset; Isle of Purbeck; Barton-on-Sea.
Women’s (British) Open: the last women’s major championship of the season is hosted by Royal Porthcawl GC. It’s the first time this fabulous seaside links course has hosted the event (July 31-Aug 3).
Walker Cup: the 50th playing of this prestigious men’s amateur event sees the GB&I go head-to-head against the defending USA team at Cypress Point Club, California (Sept 6-7). After that, all eyes turn to Bethpage State Park on Long Island, NY, where the American and defending European professional teams engage in the 45th Ryder Cup (Sept 27-29).
Lottie Woad: 21-year-old Woad burst onto the professional scene in July, with wins in the Women’s Irish Open (as an amateur) and three weeks later in the Women’s Scottish Open (as a professional). She nearly picked-up a major championship, placing third in The Evian in the same month.
Pádraig Harrington: the ever-likeable Irishman added the (British) Senior Open Championship title to his stellar array of tournament successes. His win came on Sunningdale’s spectacular Old Course. Harrington had already bagged the U.S. Senior Open title in June this year.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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