Mark Twain was a little unkind when he described golf as ‘a good walk spoiled’. It’s a great sport and a test of hand-eye coordination, consistency, temperament… and it’s good exercise to boot. If it’s just some exercise you’re after, then the New Forest has endless miles of walking trails. If, however, you and your friends want to test yourselves on some of the South Coast’s loveliest courses, Ashurst is a great base for golf. There’s a myriad to choose from, but we’ve picked some of our favourites that we think will suit you to a tee (pun intentional)…
If you’re heading to the New Forest for a golf break – and the area around Ashurst in particular – then we can help you in terms of where to stay. Think of the New Forest Collection as the ultimate 19th hole, where you can relax, refresh and recharge after a day of fairways and greens – and hopefully not too much time in the rough and bunkers!
There’s Forest Lodge in Lyndhurst – our beautiful townhouse which blends heritage charm and urban style interiors; close by is Bartley Lodge in Cadnam, our Grade-II listed 18th century country house; and in Beaulieu you’ll find Beaulieu Inn – wonderfully quirky and super dog-friendly. All of them are golfer friendly, of course!
Hampshire’s oldest course, you have the choice of The Forest (the original course which dates back to 1865) or The Manor, which takes you through landscaped parkland of mature trees and hardwood plantations.
Visitors are welcome, with daily pin positions, buggies and electric trolleys for hire – and the on-course Tuck Truck to keep you going mid-round.
Based at Dibden Golf Centre, Bramshot was formed in 1975 when a group of golfers were asked by New Forest District Council to start a new golf club. A public parkland course, it’s a 27-hole complex with the 18 hole, par 70 course and a nine-hole par 58 course which opened in 1991.
A friendly club that welcomes visitors as well as its members, this English Golf championship course is just over 5,500 yards long, with a par of 70. There are no booking fees, and visitors can expect to pay £80 per round (or all day) in the week, and £90 at weekends.
‘The Friendly club in the New Forest’, Burley boasts a nine hole, 71-par course, with different tees for the two rounds. Founded in 1905, this heathland course has changed little in over 100 years.
We love how Hamptworth describes itself as ‘the home of enjoyable golf’- what more could you ask for? This course is no pushover, however; the River Blackwater winds itself through the course, and appears on nine of the holes, either as a hazard or attractive feature. Other holes feature elevation changes, two tiered greens, or prominent bunkers to test even the most skilled golfer.
Hamptworth is also home to the 16th hole known as ‘The Beast’ – a par 6 measuring a whopping 666 yards. Now there’s a challenge…
Overlooking the Solent and New Forest, this is a golfer’s paradise, with not only a charming nine-hole ‘pay and play’ course, but New Forest Adventure Golf, their mini golf challenge. There’s also a range and practice area, with lessons also available if you want to fine tune your short game before heading out onto the course itself.
Whether you’re a season ticket holder or ‘pay and play’ visitor, Moors Valley is a charming 18-hole course owned by Dorset Council, with an 11-hole option available, practice nets and putting green too. There’s also a five hole pitch and putt area, as well as the new Golf and Activity Outdoor Fitness Area which is free to use.
Established in 1888, this is the second oldest golf club in Hampshire, so they must be doing something right! On the outskirts of Lyndhurst, it’s a relatively easy walking par 69 course, but a test whatever your skill level. The welcome is warm and the rough is relatively kind.
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