Parkstone Golf Club

Parkstone Golf Club (Poole, Dorset, England)

Tucked between the bustling coastal towns of Poole and Bournemouth, Parkstone Golf Club emerges as a jewel of Dorset’s golfing landscape. Since its inception in 1909, this heathland masterpiece has captivated golfers with its rolling fairways, vibrant heather, and breathtaking vistas of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, and the distant Purbeck hills. Designed by two-time Open Champion Willie Park Jr. and refined by the legendary James Braid, Parkstone blends historical prestige with natural splendor.

As Reg Whitcombe, the 1938 Open Champion and former club professional, once declared, “There Is No Better Place.” Ranked among the top 100 courses in Great Britain and Ireland, Parkstone invites golfers to step into a world where every swing is framed by scenic beauty and strategic challenge.

Key Details

• Location: Parkstone, Poole, Dorset, England
• Length: 6,282 yards (white tees)
• Par: 72
• Designers: Willie Park Jr. (1909), James Braid (1937)
• Established: 1909
• Notable Events: European Ladies Amateur Championships 2019

History and Significance

Founding and Early Years

Parkstone Golf Club was born from the vision of Lord Wimborne, whose wealth from the Merthyr Tydfil iron works fueled his ambition to create a premier golfing destination. In November 1908, construction began on a 100-acre site in the Luscombe Valley, with Willie Park Jr. tasked with crafting the course. By June 1909, the course was inaugurated by golfing icons James Braid, Sandy Herd, J.H. Taylor, and Harry Vardon. Early reviews were mixed, with some describing the undulating terrain as “suitable for a qualified goat,” yet Parkstone quickly gained acclaim for its challenging layout and scenic charm. The first recorded match in May 1910 saw Parkstone’s team face Bournemouth Golf Club, with the visitors claiming victory.

Evolution and Redesigns

The 1920s and 1930s marked a period of growth, with additional land acquisitions enabling significant enhancements. In 1937, James Braid returned to overhaul the course, introducing six new holes and modifying four others to improve flow and challenge. These changes cemented Parkstone’s status as a heathland gem. More recently, architect Martin Hawtree has overseen updates, focusing on bunker consistency and heather regeneration, particularly after Natural England designated the course a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). These efforts have restored much of the course’s original character, blending modern playability with historical integrity.

Major Tournaments and Events

While Parkstone may not boast a roster of major professional tournaments, it has hosted significant amateur competitions, most notably the 2019 European Ladies Amateur Championships. This event showcased the course’s ability to challenge elite players, earning the greenkeeping team the 2020 Championship Greenkeeping Performance of the Year award from the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA). The course also hosts regular amateur opens, including junior and senior events, reinforcing its role in nurturing golfing talent.

Cultural Impact

Parkstone’s legacy extends beyond its fairways, enriched by its connections to golfing luminaries. Reg Whitcombe’s endorsement and Peter Alliss’s tenure as club professional from 1957 to 1970 underscore its historical significance. Georgia Hall, the 2018 Women’s British Open champion, remains an honorary member, adding contemporary prestige. Ranked 74th in Golf Monthly’s Top 100 UK & Ireland Courses and among England’s top 50, Parkstone is celebrated for its beauty and challenge. Its proximity to Bournemouth’s heathland trio—Ferndown and Broadstone—further elevates its status as a must-play destination.

Course Features

Layout and Terrain

Parkstone is a quintessential heathland course, characterized by sandy, free-draining soil that ensures year-round playability. Its 6,282-yard layout weaves through undulating terrain, with elevation changes that create dramatic tee shots and strategic approaches. The course comprises five par 3s, five par 5s, and eight par 4s, offering a balanced test of skill. Heather and mature pines line the fairways, demanding precision, while the greens, rated among the South of England’s finest by the STRI, are fast and subtly contoured, rewarding skillful putting.

Unique Features and Challenges

Strategic bunkering defines Parkstone’s challenge, with hazards positioned to punish errant shots while encouraging thoughtful play. Water hazards, including lakes and streams, feature prominently on holes like the third, where a causeway tee shot tests nerve. The course’s proximity to the coast introduces wind as a variable, requiring golfers to adapt their strategy. Heather-lined fairways penalize inaccuracy, and the undulating terrain adds complexity to club selection and shot shaping. Together, these elements create a course that is both demanding and fair, appealing to golfers of all levels.

Scenic Elements

Parkstone’s visual allure is undeniable. From elevated tees, golfers are treated to sweeping views of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, and the Purbeck hills. The heathland’s vibrant heather and towering pines create a rugged yet picturesque landscape, enhanced by seasonal blooms like rhododendrons. Each hole offers a new perspective, making a round at Parkstone as much a feast for the eyes as a test of golfing prowess. The course’s natural beauty elevates the experience, leaving lasting memories.

Signature Holes

Hole 3: Par 5, 495 Yards

The third hole is a standout par 5 that combines risk and reward. The tee shot, played from a causeway over a water hazard, sets a thrilling tone. The fairway, flanked by heather and bunkers, narrows as it approaches the green, tempting long hitters to go for it in two while cautious players opt to lay up. The well-guarded green demands precision, making this hole a strategic highlight that rewards bold yet accurate play.

Hole 8: Par 4, 341 Yards

Hole 8 is a visually striking par 4, with an elevated tee offering a panoramic view of the fairway. The drive must thread between heather and bunkers, setting up a precise approach to a green protected by subtle slopes and hazards. The hole’s compact length belies its difficulty, requiring careful club selection to avoid trouble and secure a par.

Hole 12: Par 4, 328 Yards

Another par 4 with an elevated tee, the twelfth hole challenges golfers with a tight fairway bordered by heather and trees. The drive demands accuracy, as wayward shots are severely penalized. The small, well-defended green requires a deft approach, making this short hole a test of finesse and strategy.

Hole 18: Par 3, 201 Yards

The eighteenth is a dramatic par 3 that serves as a fitting finale. Played over a valley to a green near the clubhouse, the tee shot must carry 201 yards to reach safety. Bunkers and slopes guard the putting surface, and the hole’s reputation as a “card-wrecker” adds pressure. A well-struck shot here provides a triumphant end to the round.

Why Visit

Golfing Challenge and Appeal

Parkstone Golf Club offers a golfing experience that balances challenge with enjoyment. Its varied terrain, strategic hazards, and fast greens test every facet of a golfer’s game, from driving accuracy to putting touch. The course’s design encourages creative shot-making, appealing to both low-handicap players and those seeking a fun, scenic round. Its reputation as Dorset’s top course and a top-50 English venue ensures a memorable golfing adventure.

Emotional and Historical Resonance

Stepping onto Parkstone’s fairways is a journey through golfing history. The course’s ties to Reg Whitcombe, Peter Alliss, and Georgia Hall imbue it with a sense of legacy, allowing golfers to feel connected to the sport’s greats. The pristine condition and warm hospitality, as noted in reviews, create an emotional bond, making each visit special. As one golfer on enthused, “Unrivalled attention to detail, course set up and conditions… definitely the best course and experience we had ever been lucky enough to play.”

Practical Benefits

Beyond the course, Parkstone’s facilities enhance the visit. The clubhouse offers dining and relaxation with views of the course, while practice areas cater to skill improvement. Coaching from PGA professionals and equipment fittings ensure golfers are well-prepared. The club’s location, just minutes from Poole and Bournemouth’s beaches and amenities, makes it an ideal base for a golfing getaway.

Facilities

Clubhouse and Dining

Parkstone’s clubhouse is a welcoming retreat, featuring a professional shop stocked with equipment and apparel. The recently redecorated bar and lounge area opens to terraces overlooking the first and eighteenth holes, perfect for post-round relaxation. Dining options showcase local cuisine, and locker rooms with showers and valuables lockers provide convenience. The clubhouse’s warm ambiance and scenic views make it a highlight of the Parkstone experience.

Practice Areas and Services

Golfers can hone their skills at Parkstone’s comprehensive practice facilities, including an astroturf driving range, a short game area, and a putting green maintained to course standards. An indoor swing studio offers coaching and fittings, led by Head Professional James Baldwin and his team. Buggy and trolley hire, including single-seater buggies (£30) and electric trolleys (£15), are available through the pro shop, ensuring accessibility for all players.

Contact Details and Directions

Address

Parkstone Golf Club
49-A Links Road
Parkstone, Poole
Dorset, BH14 9QS
United Kingdom

Phone

+44 (0)1202 707138

Email

admin@parkstonegolfclub.co.uk

Directions

Located between Bournemouth and Poole, Parkstone is accessible via the A338 from Bournemouth (4 miles) or the A35 from Poole (2 miles). From London, take the M3, M27, A31, and A338, a journey of approximately 2 hours. The club is 9 miles from Bournemouth Airport.

Public Transport

Parkstone Station, 1 mile away, offers regular services from London Waterloo, Weymouth, and Poole. Taxis from the station provide quick access to the club.

Parking

Ample on-site parking is available for all visitors.

Map

View on Google Maps

Green Fees and Booking

Pricing

Green fees for 2025 vary by season and day, as outlined below:

Group bookings (5–11 players) require a £30 non-refundable deposit per person, with the balance due on the day. Larger groups (>12) pay the balance 30 days prior.

Booking Process

Tee times can be booked online at Parkstone Golf Club or by contacting the club at +44 (0)1202 707138 or lisa.jones@parkstonegolfclub.co.uk. Early booking is advised due to limited availability.

Requirements

Visitors must be members of an affiliated club with a WHS Handicap Index and adhere to the dress code, detailed at Parkstone Golf Club.

Nearby Attractions

Dorset’s coastal charm and rich heritage make it an ideal destination for golfers and their companions. Parkstone’s proximity to Poole and Bournemouth offers a wealth of attractions to complement a golfing trip.

• Tower Park: A family-friendly hub with restaurants, a cinema, bowling, and more, perfect for post-golf entertainment.
• Lemur Landings: Ideal for families, this indoor play center offers fun activities for children.
• Ashley Cross Green: A tranquil park in a vibrant village, great for a leisurely walk or picnic.
• Flaghead Chine: A picturesque beach area with cliffs and sea views, ideal for nature lovers.
• Splashdown: A thrilling water park with slides and pools, appealing to all ages.
• Branksome Chine Gardens: Serene gardens with walking paths and coastal views, offering a peaceful escape.
• Poole Harbour: One of the world’s largest natural harbours, offering boat tours, water sports, and waterfront dining.
• Brownsea Island: Accessible by ferry, this island features wildlife, walking trails, and a historic castle.
• Sandbanks Beach: Renowned for its pristine sands and upscale vibe, perfect for beach days.
• Bournemouth Pier: A lively spot with arcades, restaurants, and coastal attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I book a tee time at Parkstone Golf Club?

Tee times can be reserved online at Parkstone Golf Club or by contacting the club at +44 (0)1202 707138 or lisa.jones@parkstonegolfclub.co.uk.

2. What are the green fees for visitors?

Fees for 2025 range from £80 (winter weekdays) to £185 (summer weekends). County Card holders pay £130 from April to October, Monday to Friday.

3. Is there a dress code at Parkstone Golf Club?

Yes, smart golf attire is required on the course and in the clubhouse, as outlined at Parkstone Golf Club.

4. What facilities are available at the club?

Facilities include a clubhouse with dining and terraces, a professional shop, driving range, short game area, putting green, and an indoor swing studio.

5. Are there any membership options available?

Membership categories are available, with details at Parkstone Golf Club. Contact the club for current availability.

6. What is the best time to play at Parkstone Golf Club?

April to October offers optimal weather, with early mornings or late afternoons providing quieter rounds.

7. Is the course suitable for beginners?

While challenging, Parkstone is enjoyable for all levels. Beginners may find some holes tough but can benefit from coaching services.

8. What are the nearby attractions?

Attractions include Tower Park, Lemur Landings, Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Beach, and Bournemouth Pier, all within 5 miles.

9. Has the course hosted any notable tournaments?

Parkstone hosted the 2019 European Ladies Amateur Championships, earning accolades for its greenkeeping.

10. Why is Parkstone Golf Club famous?

Its heathland beauty, historical ties to Reg Whitcombe and Peter Alliss, and top-100 ranking make it a celebrated destination.

11. Are there accommodation options nearby?

Poole and Bournemouth offer hotels and guesthouses, such as The Haven at Sandbanks, catering to various budgets.

12. What is the history of the course?

Founded in 1909 by Lord Wimborne, designed by Willie Park Jr., and redesigned by James Braid in 1937, Parkstone is a historic gem.

13. What are the unique features of the course?

Undulating terrain, heather-lined fairways, strategic bunkers, water hazards, and stunning views define Parkstone’s character.

14. How can I get to the course?

Drive via the A338 from Bournemouth or A35 from Poole, or take a train to Parkstone Station, 1 mile away.

15. Is there parking available at the club?

Yes, ample on-site parking is provided for members and visitors.