The Danish owners have a real gem in their hands, the natural surrounding landscape and clever Hawtree design make a superb course comprising of 3 loops. This is also a golf resort with hotel and luxury log cabins, perfect for a few days away.
The Satnav will take you through pretty but narrow lanes of the Dorset countryside, I just prayed I would not find a tractor along the way. Luckily I didn't, only the postman and his van who was helpful in guiding me to the last mile as there were no signs. I should have followed the main road and ignored the GPS.
A very warm welcome in the ProShop by Gerart, more likely of Danish origin if going by the bright blue eyes/ blond hair/fair complexion and his excellent command of the English language. The shop was a delight as full of Ladies clothing & smart accessories, left hand Ladies clubs too..... I did a little shopping. There was the usual Mens gear, but smart & fashionable makes. An excellent choice of golf bags, shoes and clubs.
A very special price of £35 inclusive of bacon roll + coffee was negotiated by Brian H., who was going to be my playing partner for a mixed competition that was cancelled, but as the course looked so attractive, we decided to still play the course. We had a beautiful weather too.
The course: there are 3 loops of 9 which is always attractive proposition: the Lakeland, the Parkland and the Woodland. We played the first 2, water was certainly present on every hole, lots of ditches (some being hidden from the Tee), ponds or lakes, and huge/ numerous bunkers in the multi leaf clover shapes with nice soft sand, probably from the Dorset coast.
The fairways were in very good condition and wide enough, the rough was certainly hiding the ball and difficult to play.
The greens, has been scarified, a few weeks ago and I personally could not putt today (6.5.2014), the shapes were interesting, with ondulations and tiers.
The beauty of this course is that one does not hear cars, does not see houses, just nature all round, reminiscent of the New Forest not that far away from this golf resort. Lots of wildlife & natural habitat. A pleasant walk with well defined paths to the next Tee.
Practice facilities, all present but did not use them.
Ladies Changing room: very large and very well appointed, lots of light and all the goodies one needs after a round. Plenty of lockers etc.
The Clubhouse is large and light too, with lovely terrace in the setting sun, by the 18th/9th hole and the practice putting green. Friendly staff and good food too at very reasonable prices.
Quite a long drive for a days golf, but one could stay at the Golf Hotel or in Poole which is not very far away.
I am glad I made the journey and played the course, I shall return but will probably plan a few days golf and try the luxurious log cabins, lots of special offers and as proved by Brian H. the Dorset GC is prepared to negotiate.
If you get a chance to travel to Dorset, do try the course, a very pleasant experience and surrounds await.
THE END...... ( Will post a few photos)
Date Friday, 09, May 2014
