One of the golfing delights in south-west England is the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club. It is a delightful, natural course in a spectacular setting with fescue grasses waving in the breeze, heather and gorse, and sandy paths linking the green fairways that meander through this magnificent landscape. There is a variety of holes, that are not over long and offer an enjoyable game to all golfers. You are also assured of a warm welcome from friendly staff and members.
The course sits on a heathland plateau in the Purbeck Hills with views of the activity on Poole Harbour and the beaches of Studland, Sandbanks, Bournemouth and Christchurch. There is such a wealth of points of interest and so much to absorb but we encourage you to take it all in and the experience will be thrilling. At the end of your round enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the clubhouse which faces east and has distant views across Poole Bay and the Solent to the Needles on the Isle of Wight.
The 18-hole Purbeck course is a par 70 and 6295 yards off the white tees. The feature hole is the famous fifth with a tee shot that stays long in the memory. The fairway drops away from the elevated tee giving the impression you’re hitting out to Poole Bay. A par 4 of 404 yards from the back tee, it’s a golfer’s delight; a strategic hole with the green appearing to sit out in the gorse and heather. The preferred line is further left than it might first appear and less club is required to play downhill to the fairway. The bunkers on the apex of the dogleg on the right are 95 yards from the central pin position.
The course was once owned by Dr Darrell-Waters and his wife Enid Blyton, the legendary writer of children’s books. The original 9-hole layout was designed by Arthur Jackson in 1892. It was expanded to 18 holes in 1914 and is heavily linked to Harry Colt, the legendary golf architect. Tim Lobb was recently commissioned by the new owners to undertake a sympathetic course restoration which has enhanced the attraction.
The Dene course is a 9-hole ideal for golfers of all abilities, with a par 30 at 2007 yards. The course faces south west and overlooks a wonderful valley with Swanage nestling at the bottom.
Nearby are the delightful Purbeck villages and the World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast. Studland has a fine family beach run by the National Trust. New restaurants have opened up in Swanage, the seaside town three miles away, including a fish restaurant offering a tasty seafood platter for two. The town has smartened up in recent years with its clean beach and a welcome to visitors.
There are two hotels near the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club. The Knoll House Hotel and the Pig on the Beach. Knoll is an old hotel with a charm that attracts families and couples to return every year and enjoy the location. There are also local homes available to rent for a short break.
There are two routes into the Isle of Purbeck; one via a ferry across Poole Harbour and the other from the west past Corfe Castle.
Golf guide review:
‘I have played Isle of Purbeck on a dozen golf trips and always enjoyed the course, savoured the views and will return again soon. My golfing friends have fond memories of our holidays to the Bournemouth area; two or three fourballs with relaxed golf and always making a journey via the ferry to the Isle of Purbeck, enjoying the welcome, the pleasant golfing challenge and the views. Our most recent visit was a peaceful summer afternoon, a gentle breeze, the delights of the course, shadows appearing, boats returning to harbour, fairways firm but the greens watered to a lovely colour.
The Bournemouth and Poole area in the south west of England has a lot to offer to the travelling golfer. If you are thinking of visiting then include the Isle of Purbeck in your itinerary.’
