Parkstone Golf Club: Course Review, Green Fees, Tee Times and Key Info

Parkstone Golf Club Key Information

Parkstone, Ferndown and Broadstone - Bournemouth’s big-hitting Golf Monthly Top 100 Courses in the UK and Ireland heathland trio - have all been spurring each other on to greater heights in recent years.

Parkstone is a Willie Park Junior creation dating back to 1909. But it is largely James Braid’s modifications in 1937 that define this top-drawer layout, which offers a thoroughly desirable mix of examination and enjoyment.

It is also one of many courses around the country striving to rediscover its heathland roots, initially on the advice of Donald Steel late last century and more recently under the masterful supervision of Martin Hawtree.

Restricted in terms of overall lengthening by the slopes and course boundaries, the focus of this work has been to make the bunkers more consistent, visible and relevant, with green complexes upgraded to match.

Tree clearance to promote light, air movement and heather regeneration was given a welcome shot in the arm when Natural England declared the course an SSSI with a requirement to return it to open heathland. Parkstone has now really reaped the benefits of re-finding much of its original character and feel.

The tempting vista from the clubhouse patio almost physically drags you down onto the 1st tee, and from there until you putt out on 18, every hole presents a new and thought-provoking challenge. Just as importantly, all 18 are a delight to the eye. The overall package sees Parkstone comfortably rated in the top three among the best golf courses in Dorset.

There are several thrilling tee-shots including those at the 3rd where you play from a causeway crossing water, at the elevated 8th and 12th holes, and at the closing hole, a potential card-wrecker of a par 3.

Each of the short holes is a gem, and although the course is fairly short by today’s standards, there’s an entertaining mix among its five three-shotters. The bunkerless 17th is the pick of the bunch as it sweeps up and round to the right to a green set in the pines.

What The Top 100 Panel Said

John Winter

Parkstone is charming. As you take a quick look down the 1st fairway towards the 1st green, you immediately get that wow factor. Laid out on a sandy base with the fairways nestling between the heather and pines, the course’s return to open heathland is progressing following the welcome shot in the arm by Natural England who declared the area a SSSI. Compact and undulating with stunning views, heather-topped bunkers and tight driving lines, this a thinker’s course.

Mike Chapman

The undoubted highlight of the course is the quality of the greens and the speed they play. Close behind is the quality, position and condition of the bunkers, which were consistently good throughout. The heath is integral to the course and provides ample protection, penalising shots that are poorly hit or judged. You will always think you can score better than you do around Parkstone!

Parkstone Golf Club location

Parkstone Golf Club Green Fees

Contact Parkstone to enquire about tee-times

Best Courses Near Parkstone

FERNDOWN
Ferndown is a pristine heathland course with sandy fairways and heather lurking to either side of the mown surfaces. With pine trees and firs also lining many of the holes, it’s an extremely attractive layout. Host to many top-level competitions, Percy Alliss was professional at Ferndown and son Peter counted the club as his spiritual home.

BROADSTONE
Tom Dunn laid out the original course here in 1898 before a 1914 Harry Colt redesign introduced several new holes to take fuller advantage of Broadstone's expansive heathland setting. More recently, Frank Pont’s dramatic bunkering on a number of holes has brought back more of the original Colt flavour.

Best Places To Stay Near Parkstone

Applewood Hotel, Bournemouth -  Book now at Booking.com
Located on Bournemouth's West Cliff not far from the centre and a couple of miles from Parkstone, this family-run hotel offers a range of accommodation in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. There's free WiFi and free parking plus an enclosed garden and lounge bar for guests to enjoy.

Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel - Book now at Booking.com
The Highcliff Marriott Hotel enjoys a dramatic clifftop location just a ten-minute walk from the centre of Bournemouth. Guests enjoy free WiFi in all public areas. The hotel boasts a striking terrace overlooking Bournemouth Bay and lies just over three miles from Parkstone Golf Club.

Parkstone Golf Club Scorecard

Parkstone Gallery

Image 1 of 5

PARKSTONE HISTORICAL TOP 100 RANKING UK&I

• 2023/24 - 81
• 2021/22 - 80
• 2019/20 - 78
• 2017/18 - 82
• 2015/16 - 91

Frequently Asked Questions