Parkstone Golf Club

Parkstone Golf Club in Dorset is a course rich in history and charm. It was designed by Willie Park Jr. and later refined by James Braid. Set in a natural valley, it offers a peaceful and scenic golfing experience that ranks among the top 100 in Great Britain and Ireland. 
Parkstone’s layout is a visual delight, with every hole presenting its unique challenge. The par-3 18th, with its elevated tee and three bunkers protecting the green, offers a memorable finish in front of the clubhouse. The course isn’t particularly long, but it demands precision due to its well-placed bunkers and undulating fairways. The stretch from 9 to 11 is particularly demanding, with long, narrow fairways that test shot accuracy.

The conditioning at Parkstone is superb. The greens are fast and receptive, while the fairways are maintained to a high standard, offering a smooth, carpet-like surface. Bunkers are strategically placed and well-kept, adding an extra layer of challenge to the course.

Despite being surrounded by housing, the course feels secluded and tranquil, nestled within a valley. Its peaceful environment and beautiful views make it ideal for a relaxing round.

The modern clubhouse has a large terrace overlooking the 1st and 18th holes, making it an excellent spot for post-round meals and drinks. The pro shop is well-stocked, and the staff are welcoming and professional, adding to the overall experience.

Parkstone Golf Club is a must-play for golfers visiting Dorset. Its strategic layout, top-notch conditioning, and serene atmosphere make it a standout course that provides both challenge and beauty. Whether you’re a low handicapper or just looking for a memorable round, Parkstone delivers in every aspect.

Parkstone has a super vibe and we enjoyed a lovely lunch with our host from its terrace before a quick warm-up.

On our way, a jovial lady member wished us a great day but warned us to steer clear of the rough.

Apparently, the greens’ staff can only cut it down twice a year because the course is in an area of special scientific interest. The intense spring rain has prompted it to grow like Topsy.

Its density was apparent after I thinned my approach to the first hole. The ball darted into tangly stuff behind the target, and it took me three attempts to extricate it.

Thus, it became clear that keeping the ball on the course is imperative to success.

Parkstone is a gorgeous course and among its jewels are its five par-threes,

It is not an overly long course at 6,200 yards but, vine though it has five par-fives, scoring is far from easy.

The conditioning at Parkstone was not just good, it was superb. The fairway turf was tight, the greens were true, and the tee boxes were pristine, ensuring a top-notch golfing experience.

It also looks great, with trees, water, and stellar properties that provide gorgeous backdrops.

But, above all, the holes on this Wille Park Jr course are excitingly varied, forcing players to think hard about placement, when to risk attacking, and when to hold off.

I could imagine the mirth of Parkstone’s most famous professional, former BBC commentator Peter Alliss over my failure to ascend the daramtic false front at the 12th green.

The run-offs on the whole course are carved like links but the one on the left of the 14th hole is so slippery that our host’s ball skidded down into the gnarly rough and was never found.

It also should be mentioned how much Mrs W enjoyed our time at Parkstone and that it has been particularly progressive in developing women’s golf.

Georgia Hall was a member alongside current PGA professional Alice Davis, who founded the very successful Pink Ladies Academy.

It has also developed European-style gender-neutral tees to ensure that players of all ages and abilities have a great time. We certainly did.

Parkstone was one of the two hidden gems I played on my 16 course trip through Wales, Somerset, Cornwall, Dorset and Surrey. This amazing heathland course seems to be lifted out of Surrey and placed at the beautiful Dorset coast. I bet if this course was situated in Surrey it would be in the same rankings as Swinley Forest, Sunningdale or Walton Heath.

I really loved it! beautiful tee's hitting to elevated or lowered greens. Best example is the par 3 holes 7 and 16 that are next to each other, one has an elevated green and the other you hit to a lowered green, really wonderful! The course was initially designed by Willy Parker Junior and later James Braid was involved, no wonder this is a master piece.

There are some views to the sea, hence the dolphin in the clubs logo but the club has mostly a heathland vibe. The clubhouse has been totally renovated from a brownstone to a white plastered seaside building. The view of the terrace to holes 1 and 18 is beautiful and I could sit there for hours just admiring this beautiful place.

Although still quite unknown to many golfers, this golf course is a real (hidden) gem and a must play course in Dorset. Probably the best golf course in that county... The maintenance is perfect and the course is just awesome. Really good holes, really nicely framed par3s and just a joy to play. The holes are quite undulating and it is not a very long course, but still 6200 yards are so. Really love this course!

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