12 must play golf Dorset courses to visit

Renowned for its picturesque landscapes and the famous sand belt that enables exceptional heathland courses, golf in Dorset is a top thing to do! This varied terrain, blessed with Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers visitors stunning countryside views.

You can see the iconic Jurassic Coast, and a diverse array of courses, including colourful heathlands, pristine parklands, and cliff-top settings with breathtaking vistas.

Whether you visit The Dorset Golf and Country Club, or Weymouth Golf Club, deciding which courses to visit can be a challenging task. However, we’re here to help, as we've meticulously compiled a list that showcases the very best the region has to offer, catering to all budgets, skill levels, and preferences.

So, whether you're planning a golfing getaway or simply seeking inspiration, Dorset promises an unforgettable experience for you and your group a short distance away from our amazing holiday parks!

The Dorset Golf and Country Club

The award-winning Dorset Golf & Country Club boasts two exceptional loops, Parkland and Lakeland, which together form an 18-hole championship course.

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With multiple tee positions, the course caters to all skill levels and has also hosted prestigious events like the South West PGA Championship, Mastercard Tour Event, and various county championships. Plus, this course is just a 20-25-minute drive from Swanage Bay View Holiday Park.

So, why not come and play like the pros?

Location: Bere Regis, Nr Poole BH20 7NT

Isle of Purbeck Golf Club

Isle of Purbeck Golf Club offers a unique heathland experience that sets it apart from the typical Bournemouth area courses.

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The course boasts 360-degree vistas of the Solent, Poole Bay, and Harbour, Bournemouth, and the Purbeck Hills, making it a challenge to keep your focus on the game amidst such breathtaking natural beauty.

This Site of Special Scientific Interest is an incredible area of natural beauty that showcases golf in its purest form, where you'll share the fairways with deer, buzzards, and the rare Dartford Warbler.

Purbeck is one of the most popular choices for Bournemouth golf tours, offering a unique experience and great value. While located outside the town, it's accessible via the chain ferry, making the journey itself an adventure, so come and join the adventure on your next golfing holiday!

Location: Corfe Rd, Studland, Swanage BH19 3AB

Ferndown Golf Club

Ferndown Golf Club's prestigious Old Course is one of the finest venues in southern England, having hosted top events like The Open Championship regional qualifying in 2023.

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Known as one of Bournemouth's "Big 3," the main attraction is the 18-hole Old Course, an intricately designed heathland layout created by Open champion Harold Hilton that challenges and delights players of all skill levels.

Complementing the Old Course is the 9-hole Alliss Course, offering variety with multiple tee positions and starting points for an enjoyable test.

Ferndown Golf Club truly epitomises top-quality golf in Dorset, so it’s definitely a must-visit, even if you can’t hit the ball. You’ll become a pro in no time!

Location: 119 Golf Links Rd, Ferndown BH22 8BU

Sherborne Golf Club

Nestled on the Dorset-Somerset border near Yeovil, Sherborne Golf Club offers a picturesque parkland layout set in peaceful countryside, making it a popular choice for visitors touring the area.

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Established in 1894 and meticulously renovated over the decades, the current par-72 layout stretches over 6,400 yards from the tips, affording stunning views of the Vale of Sparkford and Blackmore Vale.

Characterised by traditional parkland features like smaller greens, tree-lined fairways, and strategic bunkering, Sherborne offers alternative routes for shorter hitters while challenging more accomplished players.

During the summer months, the course's impeccable conditioning earns it a well-deserved reputation as the county's highest-rated parkland layout, so why not book a summer holiday to enjoy it?

Location: Higher Clatcombe, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4RN

Parkstone Golf Club

Parkstone Golf Club is one of the most requested courses in the entire south west region, and it's easy to see why.

This sand-based heathland layout, nestled close to Poole Bay and Poole Harbour, offers breathtaking views and a picturesque setting lined with pine, heather, and vibrant rhododendrons.

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As one of the original and famous "Big 3" Bournemouth courses, Parkstone has played a pivotal role in establishing the area as a premier golf tour destination.

Flexibility with dates is advisable to increase your chances of including this must-play venue on your golfing holiday tour.

Location: 49A Links Rd, Poole BH14 9QS

Knighton Heath Golf Club

Knighton Heath Golf Club is a true heathland gem that should not be overlooked – a hidden gem.

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Despite occupying a compact 90-acre estate, the course never feels cramped, as the designers have skilfully maximised the space with doglegs and elevation changes that contribute to a truly engaging round.

Conveniently situated just 10 minutes from central Bournemouth and a short drive from Dudsbury and Ferndown, Knighton Heath offers excellent value and quality, making it an ideal addition to any Dorset golf tour itinerary.

Location: Francis Ave, Bournemouth BH11 8NX

Broadstone Golf Club

Broadstone is one of the finest heathland courses in southern England. Nestled within 250 acres of heath, gorse, pines, and rhododendrons, it consistently ranks highly in the region.

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The 6,400-yard course features a picturesque layout, with the front nine winding through rich heathland and the elevated back nine offering panoramic views of the Dorset countryside.

Broadstone is essential for any golf in Dorset tour. The world-class course is complemented by a contemporary clubhouse bar overlooking the first and last holes, perfect for a post-round drink. Cheers to that!

Location: Off Wentworth Dr, Station Approach, Broadstone, Poole, Broadstone BH18 8DQ

Bulbury Woods Golf Club

This 18-hole, tree-lined golf course spans 100 acres of rolling Dorset countryside and is easy to walk.

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The modern clubhouse, featuring a large outdoor seating area, is a stunning venue – even if you’re planning a holiday wedding… If your partner isn’t the biggest fan of golf, they’ll change their mind once they see the venue – and if not, you can always challenge them to a game of golf to decide the wedding venue.

Additional amenities include a golf shop, an indoor golf simulator, and a spacious meeting room, so you’ve got everything you could ever need at Bulbury Woods Golf Club!

Location: Bulbury Lane, Poole, BH16 6HR

Came Down Golf Club

Came Down Golf Club Came Down Golf Club invites all golfers to experience their historic Taylor and Colt-designed course.

Nestled in the heart of the Dorset countryside, the traditional downland layout offers a superb golfing experience year-round, complete with magnificent panoramic views.

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Whether you're looking to join as a member, book a society event, or visit with friends and family, prepare yourself for a warm Dorset welcome.

Location: Higher Came, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8NR

Ashley Wood Golf Club

As a members club, The Ashley Wood Golf Club still warmly welcomes visitors – perfect for your golf in Dorset holidays!

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Located just 30 minutes from Bournemouth and Poole, this location is perfect for all skill levels.

Thanks to its elevation and terrain, Ashley Wood Golf Club is open nearly all year, giving you plenty of options to come and visit, but it’s wise to enquire first.

Location: Wimborne Rd, Blandford Forum, DT11 9HN

Weymouth Golf Club

Founded in 1909, this James Braid-designed course embodies his early shot strategy philosophy and features many of his signature subtle doglegs.

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One striking aspect of this beautiful course is its location. Situated in the heart of Weymouth, it offers magnificent views of the Dorset countryside and the Jurassic Coast – a perfect day out if you ask us!

Plus, Weymouth Golf Club is about a 10-minute drive from East Fleet Farm Touring & Camping Park, so you can relax in style after winning the game…

Location: Links Rd, Weymouth, DT4 0PF

The Club at Meyrick Park

Meyrick Park offers immaculate greens, excellent service, and a variety of activities, making it the perfect destination for your next golf day.

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You can enjoy the stunning 18-hole course and then relax in the welcoming club bar with delicious food and drinks.

Their dedicated golf events team will help you plan every detail, including extras like buggy hire, scorecards, competitions, and prize tables, ensuring a memorable day.

Location: Central Dr, Bournemouth, BH2 6LH

How many golf courses are there in Dorset?

There are 40 golf courses in Dorset, which you can find here – but some of the best include:

Knighton Heath Golf Club
Broadstone Golf Club
Isle of Purbeck Golf Club
Ferndown Golf Club
Sherborne Golf Club

Ready to go golfing in Dorset?

It’s time to prepare for your golfing holiday – here are some of our top tips:

Research Golf Courses: Look into the various golf courses in Dorset to decide what’s best for you in terms of whether you’re bringing kids or wanting to plan a golf date day.
Book Tee Times: Reserve your tee times in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.
Consider Multiple Courses: Plan to visit a few different courses to experience the variety Dorset offers.
Remember your golf equipment or arrange your rental options, including golf clubs, golf balls, tees, golf bags, and a range finder.
Pack appropriate golfing clothing, especially if you’re planning a winter holiday.
Remember your course etiquette.
And most of all – HAVE FUN PUTTING!

Book your next golfing holiday, where you could even pick up a brand-new hobby and compete against your loved ones in the most picturesque surroundings!