The Autumn Wind
Assistant Pro
I went to Dorset with a couple of friends last week, and played 3 rounds. Here's a very quick mini-review :
Broadstone GC - This was my second visit to Broadstone, having played there last Summer when the heather was in full bloom. Obviously, the course in late Winter conditions wasn't going to be as scenic or as manicured, or as challenging playing off the Winter white tees. But it's still one hell of a great course. The two lads I went with hadn't played it before and they loved it. It loses a mark purely because of the sub-standard clubhouse and bar (I hear they are getting a much needed refurb this year), but the course is one of my favourites.
Green fee paid : £38 (members guest rate).
Rating : 9 out of 10.
Isle of Purbeck GC - Some stunning views and some fantastic holes. Bit of a slog to walk though,and the course conditions weren't the best after all the recent rain. This was our least favourite course of the 3 we played, but I imagine in Summer it would probably be the best value by far.
Green fee paid : £30
Rating : 7 out of 10
Ferndown GC (Old Course) - It had rained heavily the night before we played, and we expected the course conditions to be poor. However, we were amazed at how beautifully manicured this course was. Everything was stunning. The bunkers were the best looking and best conditioned bunkers any of us have seen, regardless of season. At a guess, I've now played around 40-45 of the UK's top 100 courses, and Ferndown is one of my favourites as it's just so pretty and has such beautiful course conditioning. Highly, highly recommended. I can't wait to go back in Summer, and the £110 Summer green fee wouldn't put me off at all.
Green fee paid : £55
Rating : 10 out of 10
Broadstone GC - This was my second visit to Broadstone, having played there last Summer when the heather was in full bloom. Obviously, the course in late Winter conditions wasn't going to be as scenic or as manicured, or as challenging playing off the Winter white tees. But it's still one hell of a great course. The two lads I went with hadn't played it before and they loved it. It loses a mark purely because of the sub-standard clubhouse and bar (I hear they are getting a much needed refurb this year), but the course is one of my favourites.
Green fee paid : £38 (members guest rate).
Rating : 9 out of 10.
Isle of Purbeck GC - Some stunning views and some fantastic holes. Bit of a slog to walk though,and the course conditions weren't the best after all the recent rain. This was our least favourite course of the 3 we played, but I imagine in Summer it would probably be the best value by far.
Green fee paid : £30
Rating : 7 out of 10
Ferndown GC (Old Course) - It had rained heavily the night before we played, and we expected the course conditions to be poor. However, we were amazed at how beautifully manicured this course was. Everything was stunning. The bunkers were the best looking and best conditioned bunkers any of us have seen, regardless of season. At a guess, I've now played around 40-45 of the UK's top 100 courses, and Ferndown is one of my favourites as it's just so pretty and has such beautiful course conditioning. Highly, highly recommended. I can't wait to go back in Summer, and the £110 Summer green fee wouldn't put me off at all.
Green fee paid : £55
Rating : 10 out of 10