Dorset Heathland Golf Tour

Dorset is one of England’s great heathland golf destinations, and one of its least crowded. Within easy reach of Bournemouth and Poole are five outstanding courses: Ferndown, Broadstone, Parkstone, Remedy Oak and the Isle of Purbeck. Between them they offer heather, pine and gorse, views over Poole Harbour and the Purbeck coast, and golf that rewards accuracy over power.

Ferndown

Ferndown is where Peter Alliss learnt the game; his father, Percy, was the club’s professional for 28 years. The Old Course measures just under 6,500 yards from the white tees, and there is also the nine-hole President’s course. Each hole feels secluded from the rest, and the best scoring chances come on the three par 5s, all around 500 yards. Don’t be fooled by the length: Ferndown has hosted men’s, women’s and seniors’ tour events, and its heather, slick undulating greens and clever bunkering can undo any round.

Broadstone

Eight miles away, Broadstone was redesigned by Harry Colt in 1920 and plays much as he left it. Bernard Darwin called it the ‘Gleneagles of the South’, and it is easy to see why. After the opening holes climb through heather, pine, gorse and rhododendrons, the course opens out to magnificent views across the Dorset countryside, and accurate driving becomes essential. The 7th is the toughest hole, usually needing a second shot of around 200 yards, and the run towards the 15th is as spectacular as it is challenging. All four par 3s are excellent, with the 8th the pick of them.

Parkstone

Parkstone is a mature heathland course of lakes and tall pines, with panoramic views over Poole Harbour to Brownsea Island and the Isle of Purbeck that begin at the clubhouse. This James Braid layout is not long by modern standards, but it is a technical test that rewards strategic thinking and precise execution. There are no weak holes, and the par-5 17th and testing par-3 18th make for a memorable finish.

Remedy Oak

North of Bournemouth, on the Dorset side of the border with Hampshire, Remedy Oak is a modern championship course designed by John Jacobs and set in 250 acres of ancient woodland. From the moment you pass through its gates there is a sense of quiet class. At 7,000 yards from the back tees it is built to test the best, yet from the right tees it is perfectly playable for the average golfer. Tough stretches are broken up by gentler holes, including two short par 4s that give the brave player a chance of a birdie.

Isle of Purbeck

To complete the tour, the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club sits high above Studland, with views across Studland Bay, Poole Harbour and the Old Harry Rocks. Heather and gorse line the fairways, the wind is a constant companion, and the club has a famous footnote: it was once owned by the children’s author Enid Blyton and her husband.

Where to stay

Bournemouth makes an ideal base, with the clifftop Marriott Highcliff Hotel and the Hallmark Hotel The Durley Dean both close to the seafront and within easy reach of all five courses.

Plan your Dorset heathland golf tour: we can tailor the itinerary, accommodation and tee times to your group.