Parkstone – Golf Course Review

Golfer’s Tips

• It may not be the quickest round, even at typically off-peak mid-week times, so don’t expect to nip out for 2-3 hours. The membership is a keen one and of an age where they aren’t perhaps in the biggest hurry!
• Hole 1 is one of a few blind tee shots – to combat any first tee nerves I would recommend trying to hit a tee shot, favouring the left side, at around 180-200 yards where the landing space is at its widest. This still leaves a reasonably comfortable second shot in and avoids re-loading having leaked a driver right.
• The 15th is a brute, and not to be underestimated. One of the narrower driving holes, at all times sloped from right to left, with an interjecting heathered mound just prior to the green that intercepts a high frequency of longer approach shots.

Signature Holes

• 6th hole – a relatively short but very interesting par 5. The tee shot is played to the brow of a hill – get that away well and you have a long shot into a guarded green in front of heathered banks, or a simpler lay-up leaves an uphill pitch shot.
• 18th hole – a par-3 finish, not always a favourite, but very much fits the bill here. Plays downhill to a picturesque diagonal green complex anchored by tall pine trees and heathery mounds forming a beautiful backdrop.

Review:

A completely unique course that is fantastic condition and offers a subtle challenge.

There aren’t many courses out there that could be described as links and heathland squeezed in amongst a relatively busy town (Poole/ Bournemouth), but Parkstone is as brilliant as it is quirky.

The course is epitomised by beautiful fairways that are lined by vivid heather and undulate between the pine trees, with excellent (often elevated) green complexes. The par 3s are a standout – all are interesting and nicely designed with bowl greens surrounded by bunkers or cleverly designed drop off areas.

Its not long, no single hole measuring over 500 yards and not many driver holes for longer hitters, but precision is at a premium as missing can lead to lost balls in the heather or hitting the wrong slope. A great challenge.

I would guess that the reason that the course is not higher than mid 30s in the England golf ranks is due to the lack of absolutely standout holes, but I wouldn’t hesitate to return again to a course that surely can’t get boring due to its individuality and quality.

• “Top 100” Ranking: 37th (England), 88th (GB & I)
• Golfer View Rating: 84%

https://www.parkstonegolfclub.com/

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