Bournemouth: a golf tour review

Bournemouth has been a top-ranked destination in the past decade for a UK golf tour. With a plethora of golf in the area combined with being by the sea, plenty of hotels, and of course the buzzing nightlife. This article follows the journey of a fantastic 2-night & 3-round golf break at the start of April 2023.

Golf courses featured:

• Utilita Bowl
• Isle of Purbeck
• Broadstone

We began our trip by heading down to Southampton. Our first venue of the tour, the Ageas Bowl, known best as the home of Hampshire cricket. The Hilton venue is just off the m27, and from Windsor took a little over 1 hour 15 so we could get our round in after work.

Arrival at Hilton at the Utilita Bowl:

The first thing you see upon arrival is the amazing cricket stadium. The hotel is very well put together with a large restaurant called Beefy's, inspired by the legendary cricketer Sir Ian Botham, rooms that look onto the ground, a relaxing spa, as well as all the essential golf amenities.

The on-site Boundary Lakes Golf Course plays 5,511 yards from the whites, so this was a great way to ease us into the golf and wouldn't be too much on the legs. After a few balls at the practice nets and the use of the putting green, we headed to the first tee box.

Boundary Lakes Golf Course:

The first two holes navigate around a lake, providing great views of the stadium. The two holes are reminiscent of the 2018 Ryder Cup Le Golf National. The first is a gettable par 4, but with water straight ahead it makes you consider your club choice, followed by an intimidating par 3 over water.

During our round, the most impressive aspect was the USGA standard greens because although it had rained that week, they were in impeccable condition. Some of my favourite holes included #1, #2, #8, #18.

The signature hole is on the 14th. A long par 4 up the hill which requires a good drive and then a well-placed iron or wedge. The 17th/18th provide a great end to your round with a long dog leg, followed by a par 3 over water which makes for an exciting finish.

Travelling to Bournemouth:

The journey from Southampton to Bournemouth is easy enough. It is only an hour’s drive through the New Forest passing Remedy Oak Golf Club, a perfect way to break up the journey down south.

We eventually arrived at Holiday Inn Bournemouth, a stylish hotel with an open lobby and welcoming staff. We chose this hotel for its prime location and great value for money. Other great options close to the action include Hampton by Hilton Bournemouth, The Suncliff Hotel and The Cumberland.

Nightlife in Bournemouth:

We were tempted by the bar/lounge at the hotel, however, we decided to take a local's recommendation and headed to Sharkey’s Sports Bar. An upstairs bar that has over 30 TVs and a handful of pool tables. Our drinks continued at the lively Revs, which didn't disappoint and is perfect for groups.

With an afternoon tee time booked, we were able to relax after a lie-in and got up for the buffet breakfast. We headed over to the Isle of Purbeck nearby Swanage, passing Corfe Castle on the way.

Isle of Purbeck Golf Club:

As soon as we turned into the car park at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, we were greeted by stunning views of Dorset from the sandy beaches on sandbanks to the cliffs of the Isle of Wight.

We headed into the pro shop and were greeted by the friendly staff. The golf club is authentic throughout, with a clubhouse that showcases plenty of history and a charming wooden interior. At the facility, there is a large practice area with two chipping greens and a row of mats as well as a putting green by the first tee.

Isle of Purbeck Golf Course:

Right away you are struck with the views, which was definitely the highlight of our round. All the greens rolled fair and they were well kept considering the unfortunate weather this year. The course is a heathland style mixed with elements of a links. When we played, there was only a gentle breeze, but I can imagine it would be much more challenging on a gusty day.

The fairways were undulated and in excellent condition. And the rough was all heathland, meaning not many trees featured so you could always take in the views. On numerous holes, you will find yourself taking different stances with the ball above or below your feet as well as tackling different elevations.

My favourite holes at the Isle of Purbeck included #6, #8, #10, #11, #15, and #18.

The signature hole is the 5th, and playing from the white tees is advised as you get the best view of Dorset. The hole is daunting with a blind elevated tee shot where the fairway opens up. The next shot is equally as stunning with a dogleg right with an ocean backdrop to a long green.

After our round, we enjoyed a well-earned pint of Guinness at the bar with some fantastic homemade brownies. As we booked a twilight round, by the time we got in the sun was setting and provided some stunning views summing up what the Isle of Purbeck is all about. A must-play for any golfer looking to tackle one of the top courses in the south of England, and at a steal of a price.

Saturday evening:

After a great day on the course, it was our final night, and being within walking distance of a handful of restaurants we ventured out. There are so many options to choose including O’Neil’s, George Tapps, Slug & Lettuce, Cosy Club and so much more.

We ate at Turtle Bay - a Caribbean restaurant which paired very nicely with some Jamaican rum. As well as the restaurants, Bournemouth is home to multiple clubs with numerous events taking place every weekend - perfect for a golf & stag trip.

Having booked an afternoon tee time, our only concern was getting up for check out. We filled the cars and as we had some time, walked down to the beach which was a five-minute walk away. After enjoying the sea breeze, we left and drove to Broadstone with plenty of time to make the most of the facilities at our main event for the trip.

Arrival at Broadstone:

At the complex, there is a pro shop, changing rooms, and an upstairs bar where food and drinks are reasonably priced. The practice facilities are fantastic with a main putting green, chipping green, practice nets, and driving range so we were able to prep before playing the 36th-best course in England.

Golf course at Broadstone:

The high standard of course was noticeable at Broadstone. Despite it having rained the week before the course was in prime condition, the greens were rolling, the fairways were lush, and the tee boxes were all very well kept.

During our round we tackled thick heathland bushes and dense trees which ensure you keep it on the fairway otherwise you will have to punch out. The views of the course are magnificent with many elevation changes, however, not a struggle to walk (especially at the end of the weekend).

All the bunkers were perfectly kept, and the tee box positions made each hole enjoyable. The layout of the golf course is unique with each hole having its own character, boasting championship golf and was clear to see why it is so popular for a Bournemouth golf tour.

Some of our favourite holes at Broadstone include #3, #6, #8, #13, #14, #16. However, the signature hole has to be the hardest hole on the course, hole #7. Requiring two well-placed shots with multiple traps between the tee box and the green as well as views across the course.

Verdict

An unbelievable experience! For the value and accessibility, it is clear to see why Bournemouth is such a popular golf destination. Ageas was a great warm-up and the accommodation was in the perfect location, but the two highlights were the views at the Isle of Purbeck GC and Broadstone's unbelievable track.

As we did, you can break up the journey with some great courses. Bournemouth offers a wide variety of heathland and parkland layouts, making the location ideal for any type of golf holiday.