Parkstone Golf Club Key Information
The tempting vista from the clubhouse patio almost physically drags you down to the 1st tee, and from there until you putt out on 18, every hole presents a new and thought-provoking challenge. Just as importantly, all 18 are a delight to the eye.
There are several thrilling tee-shots including those at the 3rd where you play from a causeway crossing water, at the elevated 8th and 12th holes, and at the closing hole, a potential card-wrecker of a par 3.
REASONS TO PLAY PARKSTONE
- A truly pretty heathland layout with wonderful vistas across the course and towards Poole Harbour
- Elevation changes throughout accentuate the views, especially on the downhill par 3s.
- Combining it with games at neighbouring Ferndown and Broadstone makes for a superb short break
RANKINGS
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 74
Parkstone, Ferndown and Broadstone - Bournemouth’s big-hitting heathland trio in our Top 100 Golf Courses UK & Ireland rankings - have all been spurring each other on to greater heights in recent years. The trio comfortably holds the top three spots in most people's best golf courses in Dorset lists.
I have long been swayed this way and that as to which is my favourite, but a visit last year definitely swung things back in Parkstone's favour, and its noticeable climb up the rankings this time is fully justified. It was in quite simply sensational condition and looked an absolute picture from start to finish.
Going back to its roots, Parkstone is a Willie Park Junior creation dating back to 1909. But it is largely James Braid’s modifications in 1937 that define this top-drawer layout, which offers a thoroughly desirable mix of examination and enjoyment.
It is also one of many courses around the country striving to rediscover its heathland roots, initially on the advice of Donald Steel late last century and more recently under the masterful supervision of Martin Hawtree.
Restricted in terms of overall lengthening by the slopes and course boundaries, the focus of this work has been to make the bunkers more consistent, visible and relevant, with green complexes upgraded to match.
Tree clearance to promote light, air movement and heather regeneration was given a welcome shot in the arm when Natural England declared the course an SSSI with a requirement to return it to open heathland. Parkstone has now really reaped the benefits of re-finding much of its original character and feel.
The tempting vista from the clubhouse patio almost physically drags you down onto the 1st tee, and from there until you putt out on 18, every hole presents a new and thought-provoking challenge. Just as importantly, all 18 are a delight to the eye, and I would find it hard to pick out a favourite hole, though visually, the 1st sets the scene absolutely perfectly for me.
There are several thrilling tee-shots including those at the 3rd where you play from a causeway crossing water, at the elevated 8th and 12th holes, and at the closing hole, a potential card-wrecker of a par 3.
Each of the short holes is a gem, and although the course is fairly short by today’s standards, there’s an entertaining mix among its five three-shotters. The bunkerless 17th is the pick of the bunch as it sweeps up and round to the right to a green set in the pines.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said…
Parkstone is such an enjoyable course to play. The par 3s are excellent, the par 5s offer birdie opportunities and there is a very good mix of long and short par 4s. It is superbly routed through the natural topography, providing a good test of golf on a wonderful landscape. Its defence is not length, but a mix of elevation, doglegs, some unforgiving heather and now some longer rough that frames each hole. I was just really impressed with the uplift in presentation – a really good job.
The rare combination of five par 5s and five par 3s makes for an unusual and extremely enjoyable test. Lots of opportunities to hit GIR and our group was rewarded with a higher number of birdies than normal. This playability is what makes Parkstone stand out for me. Strikingly presented and very playable, Parkstone is a quintessential hidden gem.
Parkstone Golf Club location
Contact Parkstone to enquire about tee-times
Best Courses Near Parkstone
Best Places To Stay Near Parkstone
Applewood Hotel, Bournemouth - Book now at Booking.com
Located on Bournemouth's West Cliff not far from the centre and a couple of miles from Parkstone, this family-run hotel offers a range of accommodation in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. There's free WiFi and free parking plus an enclosed garden and lounge bar for guests to enjoy.
Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel - Book now at Booking.com
The Highcliff Marriott Hotel enjoys a dramatic clifftop location just a ten-minute walk from the centre of Bournemouth. Guests enjoy free WiFi in all public areas. The hotel boasts a striking terrace overlooking Bournemouth Bay and lies just over three miles from Parkstone Golf Club.
Parkstone Golf Club Scorecard
Parkstone Gallery
PARKSTONE HISTORICAL TOP 100 RANKING UK&I
- 2025/26 - 74
- 2023/24 - 81
- 2021/22 - 80
- 2019/20 - 78
- 2017/18 - 82
- 2015/16 - 91
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parkstone the best golf course in the Bournemouth/Poole area?
Yes, according to the Golf Monthly UK&I Top 100 rankings. This part of Dorset is lucky enough to have three very fine heathland courses in close proximity - Parkstone, Broadstone and Ferndown. Parkstone (74th) is currently 19 places above Ferndown (93rd) and 23 places above Broadstone (97th). There are other good courses like Remedy Oak and Isle of Purbeck not far away.
How many golf courses are there in Dorset?
There are currently 34 clubs affiliated to the Dorset Golf Union from Lyme Regis in the west to Highcliffe Castle in the east, and from Weymouth in the south to Rushmore in the north. Rushmore is on the border with Wiltshire and has nine holes in each county, while Yeovil is part of the Dorset Golf Union despite the town being in south Somerset.
