Ferndown (Old)

The Old Course at Ferndown is a beautiful layout, and part of the 27-hole complex that also includes the 9-hole Alliss Course.  

The club dates back to 1913, with Harold Hilton – a two-time winner of the Open Championship – designing the layout of the Old Course.  

Tree-lined fairways and plenty of heather for as far as the eye can see, Ferndown is certainly an attractive prospect, but it is a very tough one as well.

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Ferndown Golf Club has been in operation for more than a century now, having originally opened back in 1913, prior to the First World War. 

Harold Hilton – a two-time winner of the Open Championship – was the man behind the design of the Old Course at Ferndown. 

Percy Alliss was the pro at Ferndown for more than 25 years, with Peter – who go on to become a great player in his own right, and then a legendary commentator – growing up on the course. The venue would name their 9-hole layout the Alliss Course in honour of the pair. 

The Old Course is the star attraction of Ferndown’s 27-hole complex. Visually, Ferndown is never dull. There is plenty to look at and to enjoy throughout a round at the Dorset venue, and through the height of summer, the sight of the white sand and the glorious green complexes make Ferndown an attractive place to play golf. From the back tees, the course comes in at just under 6,600 yards, meaning that there is plenty of hitting to be done and three very juicy par 5s to make a mess of.  

The opening hole at Ferndown is one of the most picturesque. Playing just shy of 400 yards, there is a relatively wide fairway to greet you before the trouble comes closer to the green, in the form of six bunkers. The first of the four short holes at Ferndown comes at the 2nd, an 180-yard par 3. It plays over a small ditch, to a green surrounded by trees and two greenside bunkers. The 3rd is a dog-leg right and the first of several par 4s measuring more than 400 yards in length.  

When you're on the 4th tee, have a look at the 16th green and try and drink in the three-tiered green, pin position and almost unimaginable way to locate it with your driver from 300 yards away. Then, try and forget about it as you play through the rest of the course! The 5th is the longest of the par 3s, coming in at more than 200 yards from the tips. It plays to a round green, but one that is not too large. The 6th features three large fairway bunkers, and another generous green, before you come to the only par 5 on the front nine at Ferndown. 

If you can locate the par 5 7th fairway, hitting a fairway wood into the green is good fun, but if you miss the fairway then you are in trouble. Trees line the left side, while the right side is heather-clad. Big hitters might opt to take the driver out on the par 4 8th, with it measuring just a smidge over 300 yards, and there is space on either side of the green for anything not too wayward. The front nine comes to a close with the dog-leg right par 4 9th. Aim down the left side and if you find the fairway, then it becomes a birdie chance. 

The 10th is the shortest of the three par 5s on the course, and offers up eagle opportunities for the longer hitters. Any score gained on 10 might well be quickly taken away on 11, the longest of the par 4s. The 12th is the first par 3 on the closing side at Ferndown, with a narrow, kidney shaped green. Two bunkers guard the putting surface, one on either side. 13 is the last of the par 5s, and is a double dog-leg left. There is a generous fairway, but the hole pinches in towards the green.  

The 14th sticks in the memory as the best par 3 on the property. It plays downhill to a round putting surface, guarded by three sand traps at the front. The closing stretch then features four par 4s, beginning with the dog-leg right 15th. Three fairway bunkers are in play for those that want to cut the corner, but the fairway is generous for those taking the safe route off the tee. Then, we’re back at the 16th. Do you opt to go for it with the driver, or do you take the more conventional route. Even if you do, can you find the right tier on the green? 17 and 18 are both long and narrow par 4s, and if you have a good score on your card, you will be trying to hold on down the last two to keep it that way.  

David Walker: Not overly long, with generous fairways and greens that are reasonably flat – yet when you walk off the 18th it is not uncommon to be several shots over your handicap. Its endearing beauty ensures even a poor round is a pleasure

Dan Murphy: It’s beautifully presented, an easy walk, always classy and has several sporty holes, including one of the past short 4s I have played in the 16th, with its three-tiered green

Read more about our panellists here.

Where is Ferndown Golf Club located?  

Ferndown Golf Club is located near the South Coast of England, just outside the village of Ferndown itself. The club is a few miles north of Bournemouth, while Southampton is only 30 miles to the east. The venue sits just off the A348, which runs all the way through to Poole.  

Bournemouth Airport is just four miles from Ferndown, with a range of flights to European destinations. For those coming to the South Coast form even further afield, both London Heathrow and London Gatwick Airports are around two hours from the venue. Bournemouth also houses one of the closest train stations to the golf club, with trains running across to London and north to Manchester throughout the day. 

Are there any other NCG Top 100s: England venues nearby?  

Ferndown is one of several venues on the NCG Top 100s: England to be based in and around the city of Bournemouth. Parkstone, Broadstone, Remedy Oak and Isle of Purbeck are all in close order. Stoneham, just north of Southampton, is also within an hour from the club. 

What golf facilities does Ferndown Golf Club offer?  

Along with the Old Course, Ferndown is also home to the 9-hole Alliss Course, which provides the perfect place for beginners and youngsters to learn the nuances of the game, as well as a good warm-up for those more experienced golfers. The club also has a driving range and short game area, located to the north of the Old Course.  

What are the green fees at Ferndown (Old) Golf Club?  

The price of a green fee at Ferndown (Old) changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend. 

For more information on current green fees at Ferndown Golf Club, visit their website here.