Came Down Golf Club

Came Down stretches to little more than 6,000 yards and has no water hazards and only 40 bunkers – but the par of 70 and an often stiff wind ensures it is competitive. It was founded in 1896, sits on chalk downland and offers stunning 360˚ views to Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester, Isle of Wight and Maiden Castle.   The layout was designed by Harry Colt, the master architect who also created Muirfield, Royal Lytham, Pine Valley, St Andrews, Wentworth and Sunningdale.   Situated close to the county town of Dorchester and also close to the busy coastal resort of Weymouth, Came Down offers the ideal location for both the regular local player and the visiting golfer.     The course is a mature layout of 6,258 yards and its chalk downland location means it rarely closes and offers year-round golf.

The layout was designed by Harry Colt, the master architect who also created Muirfield, Royal Lytham, Pine Valley, St Andrews, Wentworth and Sunningdale.

The fairways are not narrow and the rough is maintained at a level that should enable you to find your errant shots, or at least most of them.   But, set high on the hill overlooking Dorchester, there is usually enough breeze to be a factor in club selection and the greens have subtle – and sometimes not so subtle – slopes; few 10-foot putts are straight.  The amateur course record for men is 65. Perhaps strong players are always too busy enjoying the views over Weymouth harbour and Portland – and even the Isle of Wight – to go lower.   If your golf is not going well you can still enjoy the wildlife, the wildflowers and the views. In the summer months you can see swifts, swallows and martins; the swallows are often flying past your feet. Buzzards are usually wheeling overhead and there is usually a kestrel hovering in search of prey.