Best golf courses in Bournemouth: Play Dorset’s finest

Situated in Dorset, on the South Coast of England, Bournemouth consistently ranks among our top UK destinations and golf tour hotspots. The golfing landscape in Bournemouth offers an array of stunning course styles catering to diverse groups, which enriches the experience.

From inspiring cliff-top layouts and sand-based heathlands to idyllic parkland and woodland courses, the variety ensures an exceptional golf experience within close proximity of the town centre.

Join us as we delve into the best golf courses in Bournemouth, the destination that has it all!

Consistently ranked in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Great Britain & Ireland

Location: Poole, Dorset | Designer: Willie Park Jr | Par: 72 | Yards: 6,472 | Founded: 1909

Why play here?

Parkstone is widely regarded as the crown jewel of Bournemouth golf. Set on rolling heathland above Poole Harbour, the course combines strategic brilliance with breathtaking views across Brownsea Island and the Isle of Purbeck.

Willie Park Jr’s routing flows naturally through corridors of pine and heather, with constant elevation changes adding both challenge and visual drama. It’s not overly long by modern standards, but it demands precision from tee to green. The firm, fast turf and subtle green complexes reward thoughtful shot-making.

This is traditional English heathland golf at its very best - pure, strategic and endlessly enjoyable.

Highlight hole

5th Hole (Par 3): A spectacular one-shotter played from an elevated tee with panoramic harbour views.

Key features

• Top 100 UK & Ireland ranking
• Classic heathland terrain with dramatic elevation
• Fast-running fairways and excellent greens
• Stunning coastal panoramas

Bonus fact

Parkstone has hosted numerous prestigious amateur championships and remains one of the most sought-after tee times on the South Coast.

Regularly featured in England’s Top 100 Courses

Location: Broadstone, Dorset | Designer: Tom Dunn (redesigned by Harry Colt) | Par: 72 | Yards: 6,483 | Founded: 1898

Why play here?

Broadstone is a true heathland masterpiece. Heather-lined fairways, swathes of golden gorse and vibrant rhododendrons frame one of England’s most picturesque inland layouts.

Harry Colt’s influence is evident in the natural flow and strategic bunkering. The greens are subtle but demanding, placing emphasis on precise approaches. Broadstone is not overpowering, but it constantly asks questions of your course management.

With its tranquil setting and tournament pedigree, Broadstone delivers an authentic and refined golfing experience.

Highlight hole

7th Hole (Par 4): A superb risk-and-reward hole offering sweeping views across the property.

Key features

• Harry Colt design heritage
• Championship-hosting pedigree
• Vibrant heathland setting
• Exceptional putting surfaces

Bonus fact

Broadstone has hosted Final Qualifying for The Open Championship.

Widely regarded as one of the South West’s premier heathland courses

Location: Ferndown, Dorset | Designer: Herbert Fowler | Par: 71 | Yards: 6,594 | Founded: 1913

Why play here?

The Old Course at Ferndown is classic Fowler design - understated yet strategically brilliant. Tree-lined fairways frame generous landing areas, but clever bunkering and angled greens ensure every shot requires thought.

The conditioning is consistently superb, with firm fairways and immaculate greens. It’s a traditional layout that stands the test of time, offering a fair but searching examination.

Add in the club’s welcoming atmosphere and additional 9-hole Aliss course, and you have a venue perfect for a long weekend golf trip.

Highlight hole

9th Hole (Par 4): A classic Fowler hole demanding precision from tee to a subtly contoured green.

Key features

• Herbert Fowler design
• 27 holes on site
• Mature woodland and heathland blend
• Consistently excellent course conditioning

Bonus fact

Ferndown has hosted multiple major amateur events and remains a favourite among low-handicap golfers.

Ranked inside England’s Top 100 Courses

Location: Woodlands, Dorset | Designer: John Jacobs | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,007 | Opened: 2005

Why play here?

Remedy Oak brings a modern championship feel to the Bournemouth golf scene. Carved through ancient woodland near the New Forest, the course is both dramatic and demanding.

The front nine winds tightly through hardwoods and heather, while the back nine opens up with more water hazards and bold shaping. At over 7,000 yards, it provides a true championship test, yet remains playable for a wide range of handicaps.

Immaculate presentation and a peaceful, secluded setting make this one of the best golf courses in South England.

Highlight hole

16th Hole (Par 4): A strategic hole with water influencing both tee shot and approach.

Key features

• Championship yardage
• Woodland and water features
• Top 100 England ranking
• Designed by Ryder Cup captain John Jacobs

Bonus fact

Despite opening in 2005, Remedy Oak quickly earned national acclaim and Top 100 status.

Renowned as one of the South’s most scenic courses

Location: Swanage, Dorset | Designer: Willie Park Jr | Par: 70 | Yards: 6,043 | Founded: 1892

Why play here?

Few courses in England rival the sheer beauty of Isle of Purbeck. Perched high above Poole Harbour, this cliff-top heathland layout offers uninterrupted sea views from almost every hole.

Though shorter in length, strong coastal winds and undulating terrain provide a stern test. The routing feels wild and natural, blending seamlessly with the dramatic Dorset coastline.

It’s a golfing experience that feels adventurous and unforgettable. Read about our Bournemouth Golf Tour here.

Highlight hole

5th Hole (Par 3): Elevated tee with breathtaking harbour and coastline views.

Key features

• Spectacular cliff-top setting
• Classic Willie Park Jr design
• Coastal winds add challenge
• Unique heathland-links character

Bonus fact

Founded in 1892, it is one of Dorset’s oldest golf clubs.

Highly rated parkland course popular for golf trips

Location: Ferndown, Dorset | Par: 72 | Yards: 6,512 | Opened: 1992

Why play here?

Ferndown Forest offers a more contemporary parkland experience, ideal for societies and mixed-ability groups.

Wide fairways, generous greens and multiple tee options create an enjoyable yet competitive round. Water hazards feature prominently, particularly on the back nine, adding risk-and-reward excitement.

Its friendly atmosphere and excellent practice facilities make it a reliable addition to any Bournemouth golf itinerary.

Highlight hole

15th Hole (Par 3): A picturesque island-style green that tests nerve and precision.

Key features

• Modern parkland design
• Water hazards throughout
• Popular society venue
• Extensive practice facilities

Bonus fact

Its flexibility and layout make it one of the most booked courses for Bournemouth golf trips.

Well-regarded parkland layout near Bournemouth Airport

Location: Verwood, Dorset | Par: 72 | Yards: 6,510 | Opened: 1977

Why play here?

Crane Valley is known for its outstanding greens and friendly club atmosphere. Set across gently undulating parkland, the course offers a fair but engaging challenge.

Tree-lined fairways and strategically placed bunkers reward accuracy over power. It’s a dependable venue that pairs well with Bournemouth’s championship heathland courses for a varied golf trip.

Highlight hole

18th Hole (Par 4): A strong finishing hole framed by mature trees.

Key features

• Impressive putting surfaces
• Tree-lined parkland design
• Convenient location
• Welcoming clubhouse

Bonus fact

Crane Valley has long been a favourite with Dorset locals for its year-round conditioning.

Historic municipal course close to Bournemouth town centre

Location: Bournemouth | Designer: Sir Henry Cotton (redesign) | Par: 69 | Yards: 5,804 | Founded: 1905

Why play here?

Queen’s Park offers accessible golf in a classic parkland setting just minutes from the seafront.

Although shorter than Bournemouth’s championship venues, the course provides an enjoyable test with mature trees and well-protected greens. It’s ideal for a relaxed round during a golf weekend.

Highlight hole

17th Hole (Par 3): A tricky short hole requiring pinpoint accuracy.

Key features

• Central Bournemouth location
• Historic design heritage
• Ideal warm-up round
• Mature parkland setting

Bonus fact

Queen’s Park has been part of Bournemouth’s sporting landscape for over a century.

Best time to visit: April to September is peak golf season in Bournemouth, when longer daylight hours and firmer conditions make the most of the region’s renowned heathland and parkland layouts. Summer offers the liveliest atmosphere in town, while spring and early autumn often provide excellent value with fantastic playing conditions and fewer crowds.

Where to stay: Bournemouth is ideal for golfers who want great courses by day and a buzzing seaside atmosphere by night. Staying in or near the town centre keeps you within easy reach of bars, restaurants and the beachfront, while also giving convenient access to some of the South’s best courses.

Popular golf courses in the area include:

• Parkstone Golf Club – A highly regarded heathland layout regularly ranked among England’s Top 100.
• Remedy Oak Golf Club – A modern championship course set in beautiful Dorset countryside.
• Broadstone Golf Club – A classic heathland test with excellent year-round conditions.

If you’re planning to play multiple courses, basing yourself in Bournemouth allows easy access across Dorset and into the New Forest, making it perfect for a varied multi-round golf tour.

Booking tips:

• Plan early – Prime tee times at courses like Parkstone can book up quickly, particularly for weekend and summer dates. Booking 6–9 months in advance is recommended for peak season.
• Stay central – Town centre accommodation gives you walkable access to nightlife and restaurants, saving on taxis and making group trips easier.
• Mix course styles – Combine heathland layouts with scenic parkland courses nearby to experience the full variety of the region.
• Group your rounds smartly – Many of the top courses are within short driving distance of each other, so planning your itinerary carefully keeps travel time to a minimum.

Q: When is the best time to play golf in Bournemouth? A: Late spring through early autumn offers the best combination of course conditions and lively town atmosphere. May, June and September are particularly popular for great value and ideal playing weather.

Q: Are there Top 100 courses near Bournemouth? A: Yes – Parkstone Golf Club is frequently ranked among England’s Top 100, with Broadstone and Remedy Oak also highly regarded.

Q: Is Bournemouth good for golf and nightlife? A: Absolutely. It’s one of the South’s most popular golf tour destinations, offering strong course quality combined with a vibrant bar and restaurant scene close to the beach.

Q: Are stay-and-play packages available in Bournemouth? A: While Bournemouth is more tour-based than resort-based, we can package centrally located hotels with tee times at leading local courses to create a seamless golf trip.

Q: Should we book tee times in advance? A: Yes, particularly for peak summer weekends and Top 100 venues. Booking early ensures the best choice of tee times and accommodation.

Bournemouth truly delivers one of the UK’s most complete golf destinations. From Top 100 heathland masterpieces like Parkstone, Broadstone and Ferndown, to dramatic cliff-top experiences at Isle of Purbeck and modern championship tests like Remedy Oak, the region offers depth, quality and variety in abundance.

Whether you’re planning a competitive tour, a society trip or a relaxed coastal escape, Bournemouth combines elite golf with vibrant seaside charm - and that’s a winning formula every time.