Road Trip - Brockenhurst, East Dorset and Broadstone

[Snelly]

Hi,

I am setting off in the morning to play these courses this week, returning Friday.

I know Broadstone is going to be good but anyone got any views on the other two?

Any suggestions on good places to go for a bit of sport at night?

Cheers,


Snelly.

 

[MashieNiblick]

Played Brokenhurst Manor a couple of times a few years ago and really liked it. Course looked beautiful and in great condition. It's a Harry Colt design so is a good test of mental and physical skills. If you are out early look out for the deer. Enjoy.

 

[User20205]

As you say Broadstone is a cracking course, stands up next to anything with twice the green fee in Surrey. Brokenhurst again top notch, not too long but a really nice mature woodland course. The par 4's on the whole are quite short except 9/10 I think that are 440 & 460 yards long from memory.

East Dorset isn't in the same league as the other two, but still a nice track. It has 3 loops of 9, don't bother with the woodland 9 as it's a bit mickey mouse. The other 2 make up a decent parkland test off the whites/blues. It has a bit of water.

I'm not sure what you are after in the evening or where you are staying. The quay side in Poole is OK but can be a little rough. Bournemouth is better, the best pub used to be the Winchester in the Triangle and when you are there you can choose what you want, from clubs to restaurants, to maybe something for the more specialist taste!!

If you are staying further towards East Dorset, Weymouth is a top night out, it's like the wild west

 

[richart]

We have a courtesy at Brokenhurst Manor, but haven't played it yet, so interesting to hear what you think of it. Broadstone is a lovely course, better than Parkstone and Ferndown in my opinion. Never played East Dorset.

 

[Mongoose]

Not a fan of Brockenhurst, its anodd mix of holes, with some very tough Par 4's off the whites. There is a closeness of greens to tees (not always the next one) which means you are regularly waiting for other groups to putt or tee off, not a big deal in itself, but does impact the flow. Dont get me wrong, its worth playing and a lot of people like it, but some dont.

 

[sev112]

Damn - thought this was an offer for us all to join in ...

 

[TXL]

I played all 3 last year, April time frame. Brockenhurst had a problem with a couple of the first 4 holes being flooded during the winter, so they were not in the best condition, the rest of the course was in good condition. Broadstone is a really good course, you need to be a mountain goat as there are a few hills! East Dorset, feel sorry for you having to play this one. When we played it the greens were a mess, they had been treated about 3 weeks before but it looked like they had not been watered since.

Have a good time Dave.

 

[Snelly]

Hi All,

Many thanks for the replies.

I got back on Friday and I thought I would post an update.

The first course that we played was Brockenhurst Manor and my impression of it was overwhelmingly positive. It was a good layout in fantastic condition. The greens especially were excellent. We were made to feel very welcome and had a terrific day. I can really recommend a visit to the course as it is in my view, a bit of an underrated gem.

The Dorset Golf and Country Club - this was where we stayed for our two nights away and we also played the full 27 holes last Thursday. I had very low expectations which I can say were exceeded as it turned out to be an enjoyable course. There are 3 loops of nine and whilst it is still quite young in terms of tree growth and so on, I can report that the layout is really good with some excellent holes. The best aspect though was the general condition of the course. It was immaculate with greens that were like carpets. If you want a cheap and cheerful day on a good course then look no further. It is a nice spot with good golf to be had. The only downside is the food in the clubhouse. Lunch was good but the set dinners we had were very average.

Broadstone - this is a difficult golf course and is also absolutely excellent. Demanding, tough and beautiful with some absolutely classic holes. This is certainly up with the best that Surrey and Berkshire have to offer, particulaly on the back 9. Really worth the drive down to play but don't expect to play to your handicap!


In summary, a superb 3 days with 3 very good courses. I can recommend the itinerary to anyone looking for a break in the south west.

As a foot note, they say you also have a soft spot for the courses you play well at and I had a good week so may have slightly rose tinted specs on. Can't blame me though as I played 63 holes in two over par and won the trophy! I was really pleased as it is a terrific trophy, fashioned from an Indian Ganesh figure. It is two feet high and solid metal - weighs a ton but is a great object to have in pride of place at home.

Cheers all.


Snelly.

 

[Golfmmad]

Well played Snelly, and sounds like a cracking few days of golf. 2 over no wonder you won the trophy.

Golfmmad.

 

[Snelly]

Er, 10 over not 2 over. My mistake. Maths after a pint or two are not my strong suit...

 

[Region3]

Oh, 10 over. That's rubbish then

Seriously good scoring for your first time on courses that aren't easy.

Glad you enjoyed the trip