1 Night, 2 Rounds
Right, let's talk about Isle of Purbeck. Formed in 1892, it's one of those courses where the golf and the scenery are so intertwined you can't really separate them. Set high on the cliffs in Dorset, you're looking out across Poole Harbour to Brownsea Island, with the Solent and the Isle of Wight sitting on the horizon. If you like your golf with a proper "stop and take it in" moment, the view from the 5th tee is the one everyone talks about, and with good reason.
It's not just a pretty walk, either. Isle of Purbeck regularly appears in Golf World's Top 100 in Great Britain and it's also featured in Golf Monthly's Top 200 UK & Ireland list, which tells you what sort of test you're in for. It's a thinking golfer's place. The wind is always part of the puzzle and the par 3s, in particular, can play completely differently from one day to the next depending on direction and strength. The club has a strong competition pedigree and has been a favourite with visitors for generations, which speaks volumes about the quality of the layout and the welcome you'll get.
If you're planning a UK golf break and want something with history, views and a bit of bite, Isle of Purbeck is a cracking shout. Bring your camera, bring a few extra balls and don't be surprised if you spend as much time looking up as you do looking down at your line.
Who is this for? Golfers looking for a proper clifftop test where wind, angles and course management matter as much as ball-striking. Ideal for mates' trips and societies who like great views and a course with a bit of teeth.
Who is it best for? Mid-handicappers and better who enjoy strategic golf in the breeze, plus anyone building a Top 100 Great Britain tick-list.
* Where applicable, the relevant promotions will be applied during the booking process. T&Cs may apply.
1 Night, 2 Rounds
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
From the back tees the course tips out at just over 6,200 yards, but don't let that fool you. Between the elevation changes, sloping fairways and fast-running coastal wind, it's a proper test of control and course management rather than a driver-fest. The greens have plenty of movement, the bunkering is well placed and misses can finish a long way from where they first land.
The par 3s are the headline act. Each one asks a different question and the answer changes with the breeze, so you'll earn your 2s and 3s rather than collecting them. If you're trying to score, it's a day for picking smart targets, shaping the odd shot and accepting that "middle of the green" is sometimes the best play. I've played a lot of clifftop courses and the variety here, hole to hole, is what keeps you engaged all the way round.
A couple of handy first-timer notes. On the 9th, local knowledge is to favour the left side of the fairway to keep the out-of-bounds right out of the conversation. Coming home at 18, pay attention to the prevailing wind as you choose your club, because it can be deceptively quick into (or down) the breeze and the green is brisker than it first appears. The sloping fairways throughout mean you'll want to think about where your ball is going to finish, not just where it lands, especially if the ground is firm.
Off the course, the clubhouse is well worth a visit for a post-round pint and a bite to eat, with those big views still in play from the terrace. There's also a pro shop for essentials and souvenirs, plus practice facilities including a driving range, putting green and chipping area. Buggies, clubs and trolleys are available for hire, which is no bad thing when you're walking up and down a clifftop layout.
| Par | 70 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Harry Colt |
| Opened for play | 1892 |
| White | 6,295 yards | SSS 71 |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 5,986 yards | SSS 69 |
| Red | 5,582 yards | SSS 73 |
Karl
✓1 Oct 2019
Great course with stunning views. Tough in the wind but very enjoyable.
Ryan
✓26 Sep 2019
Dave
✓18 Sep 2019
Fantastic views on a nice golf course
Jon
✓10 Sep 2019
Great course - super friendly members chatted to us on the course and in the clubhouse. Stunning views and a great test. Course was pretty full though and quite a bit of hanging around. Would love to play this one again.
Neil
✓11 Jun 2019
Horrific.... 5.5hr round. So many blind shots on links course, society in front thought they were in the tour and so walked back and hit balls rather than just hitting provisional on tee. Called Course, they sent a 17y old out to get them to speed up which ended up with an ugly confrontation with the group in front. AVOID on society....
Graham
✓2 Jun 2019
Very disappointed in the course this year as it looked tired. The Buggies were expensive
Gordon
✓13 May 2019
Great position . Fantastic views . Well kept course enjoyable
Bob
✓2 Oct 2018
This course is the reason we keep returning to Dorset. The course and clubhouse are first class with food and drink reasonably priced. The views from some of the tees are stunning overlooking Poole Harbour and Isle of Wight
8:15am onwards
Yes
Yes
There is complimentary car parking
