Tony Houghton

I really love Highcliffe -always play when I go down to Dorset. A shortish flat course built about 130 years ago : not far from the coast but sheltered. Makes me seem a better player than I am.

The people in the clubhouse are very welcoming : they invited me to pull up a chair and chat . A good “ craick “ and when the sun starts to set the view from the balcony us lovely. The sea air makes you hungry : drop into the fish & chippie in Mudeford and queue with the locals. Golf ; sea air; nice pint; fish & chips : can’t wait to go again.

I also play at Parley Golf Centre ( which I have reviewed) when I’m on holiday and at Barton: Barton is right on the coast and has a lovely view of the Isle of Wight both “out” and “in”. No where near as welcoming as Highcliffe though. Solent GC is in the shadow of Hengeist point near Christchurch. More a Par 3 course really but testing with the winds off the Solent. Practice all parts of your game within 5 miles!!

I played this yesterday with Gary Tim Dave and Lee in the Watford FC golf day: ordinarily I wouldn’t dream of playing here because the course is so long and it’s way out of my price league. A buggy is essential but once a year it’s a treat: I found it really testing but know that people complain that it’s a bit bland in places. Good to see how the other half live : and how they spend their leisure time! I’ve played twice there now and the staff are lovely : because it was so wet they brought towels out so we didn’t sit on wet buggy seats!!

Social membership is good value because for £150 you can play 10 times at Members Green Fee so it means you can alternate with other courses. Larry McGowan - this year’s captain is a lovely guy; the pro shop are very nice ; bar staff very attentive and food is very nice. They’ve put a lot of work into the course over lockdown - members tell me it’s the best condition for 70 years!!!!

Quite a long course …. We went to the Harvester for a meal afterwards