Golf

Surrounded by stunning scenery including open heathland, forest and even coastline, the New Forest’s golf courses are ideal for both seasoned golfers and beginners alike. Whether you are looking for 9 hole or 18 hole courses or even a driving range to practice your swing, there are a variety on offer all with varying difficulty. Finding a course to suit your needs and abilities won’t be a problem.

Golf in the New Forest is available for gentlemen, ladies, families and junior players, all of whom are welcome at the region’s courses.

For the more experienced golfer, you can choose from a wide range of courses to test your ability in the idyllic setting of woodlands and heaths that are still protected by an ancient system established by William the Conqueror. Beginners won’t be left behind either with many of our courses offering tuition or easier courses to test your abilities. Read on to discover more about where you can play golf in the New Forest.

Golf courses in the New Forest

There are around ten golf courses found within the New Forest so wherever you stay, you won’t be far away from enjoying a round or two! Here’s a bit more information about some of the golf courses you can find here in the New Forest:

Two courses are available to play at Bramshaw Golf Club Ltd; the original course, ‘The Forest’ which is the oldest in Hampshire, and the newer one, The Manor. A popular addition to The Manor course is the on-course ‘tuck truck’ which delivers snacks mid-game to golfers should they require them. The Manor is deemed the tougher of the two courses which demands accurate tee.

Paultons Golf Centre at Ower runs golf experience days, golf society days and the chance to improve your swing with the driving range. There’s a pay and play system in place as well as membership options with an 18 hole course and a 9 hole academy course.

Take in the sweeping views of Southampton Water as you play a round at Dibden Golf Centre. Two courses are on offer here; an 18 hole and a 9 hole course as well as a popular driving range. During the school summer holidays there are often special offers for younger people who wish to get into golf more.

Luxury five star, Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa has its own 9 hole par 3 golf course within the hotel’s extensive grounds. Guests staying at the hotel are welcome to make use of the facilities here and enjoy a round.

Hamptworth Golf and Country Club is one such location. Found near Landford, on the northern side of the New Forest, this club has an 18 hole, championship, par 72 course. The River Blackwater meanders its way through the course providing a water ‘hazard’ to the game. The club runs a membership scheme as well as a pay-per-play scheme for visitors to the area. There’s also the onsite club house for refreshments and meals. For those with families, the new 9 hole ‘Crazy Putting Challenge’ has been developed for a spot of added fun.

Just on the outskirts of the village of Burley, the Burley Golf Club can be found. Here there is a nine hole course with eighteen tees and visitors are more than welcome to give it a try (advanced booking is highly recommended due to the site’s popularity).

The great course architect, Harry Colt, designed the Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club, an eighteen hole course with onsite clubhouse. It’s an England golf championship venue as well.

Lymington Golf Centre (Walhampton Golf Course) overlooks the Solent, near to Lymington.  There’s pay and play sessions available, a driving range and a practice area. For younger visitors there is New Forest Adventure Golf with 18 holes. This course is modelled on the New Forest, the Solent and the Isle of Wight and offers quirky features such as sculpture and wooden carvings. It is also designed to challenge the short golf competitor.

Open just to members except for a couple of non-members open days is the Barton On Sea Golf Club with its impressive location overlooking the Solent and the Isle of Wight.

The New Forest Golf Club, on the outskirts of Lyndhurst is the second oldest golf club in Hampshire having been established in 1888. It was recently named by ‘Today’s Golfer’ magazine as one of the top heathland golf courses in the UK.  Expect to see New Forest ponies and cattle crossing or grazing on the course, the club likes to think of them as extra green keepers! Visitors are welcome to play the course plus there’s a handy pro shop on site for picking up all the essentials you may need.

Golfing tuition in the New Forest

If you are playing golf for the first time or for those who simply wish to improve their technique, you will find tuition is available from PGA qualified officials at many of our golf courses named above. This is a great way of learning from an expert and for practicing your techniques to improve your game.

Alternatively, head to one of our driving ranges to practice your swing ahead of your game.

Crazy Golf in the New Forest

Head to the new New Forest Adventure Golf, based at Lymington Golf club, for a couple hours of great fun for the whole family. The 18 hole course is all New Forest themed, with the holes being named after towns, villages and special places in the New Forest, including places such as Bolton's Bench and Bucklers Hard.

Golf holidays in the New Forest

A handful of our hotels offer golfing breaks here in The New Forest including the five star luxury Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa plus The Bell Inn, Bramshaw.

Look out for golfing packages which include accommodation, a round of golf and meals in our special offers pages or alternatively book a stay at one of our hotels, B&Bs or self-catering properties which are convenient for visiting one of our many golf courses.

Discounts of golfing activities

Keep an eye on our special offers with our Go New Forest Card, we have a range of discounts and offers on activities, things to do, places to stay and various eateries in The New Forest, saving you pounds off your next visit.

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