Ferndown sits just inland from Bournemouth, tucked into that lovely stretch of Dorset heath where the turf stays springy, the ball runs and the air smells faintly of pine. It's also where Peter Alliss learned the game, with his father Percy serving as the club's head professional, and you do get a sense of a proper golf club that has been doing things well for a long time.
For golfers building a South Coast break, the big appeal is variety in one stop. The Old Course is the main event, a smart heathland test where position matters more than brute force and you'll use every club in the bag if the breeze gets up. Alongside it, the nine-hole Alliss Course gives you a more relaxed option that still feels like real golf, not an afterthought.
It's an easy place to drop into a Bournemouth golf tour as either a headline round or a quality add-on when you want 27 holes without stretching the day too far. If you're travelling with mixed handicaps, it's even better. Play the Old Course when everyone wants the full test, then keep the competition going on the Alliss for a quick nine or a second loop from different tees.
In summer, expect firm fairways and plenty of run, so bring your low shots and a bit of imagination around the greens. The club has that members' feel without any stuffiness, and the conditioning is consistently good across both courses.
Who is this for?
Golfers who like proper heathland golf, groups who want 18 or 27 holes without any fuss, and anyone planning a Dorset or South Coast run of courses.
Who is it best for?
Confident mid-to-low handicappers who enjoy playing from the right spots in the fairway, plus mixed-ability trips where one course can provide the full test and the other keeps things sociable.
