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‘ Broadstone boasts 250 acres of rolling terrain, its fairways running freely and separately through superb natural heathland with its swathes of heather, pine, gorse and rhododendrons. It has some fine views but torrential rain and gusting winds for most of our round prevented us from seeing the course at its best. Before the rain really set in we loved the par four third hole, with an approach over water to a two-tier green, but by the time we teed off on the stroke index 1, 7th hole (a traffic light system tells you when it is clear to drive) we could barely view a marker pole through a heavy shower. But in dry, clear conditions this undulating course must be a delight to play.
Brownsea Island can be seen from parts of the Isle of Purbeck course For more details such as green fees and booking arrangements go to ferndowngolfclub.co.uk purbeckgolf.co.uk broadstonegolfclub.com
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The hotel
Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa
If you are planning a golf trip to the south coast with a partner who is not so keen to walk the fairways, but doesn’t mind some pampering and relaxation, the Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa is just the place. Whilst about a half hour or so drive from our golfing destinations it’s an unbeatable place to stay.
It’s the city’s only five-star hotel, with 119 luxury rooms including 10 suites, an award winning restaurant, a luxury spa with state-of-the-art gym, a destination rooftop bar, and stunning contemporary interiors throughout. Set on a small, private marina it has a striking ’super yacht’ style
design - our suite had views over the marina and out across the Solent. Inside you only have to pick out details such as 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, waterfall showers, Nespresso coffee machines and White Company toiletries to show you are basking in luxury. It was blissfully quiet at night too.
You dine at the HarBar, a rooftop bar, kitchen and club featuring floor to ceiling windows and a terrace with outdoor firepits, heaters and wood-fired pizza oven.
We had a superb evening meal overlooking the twinkling lights of the marina and the choice of cereals, (fruits, granola and cooked dishes) at breakfast was exceptional - if this is the most important meal of the day the Harbour Hotel has it covered.
Be assured you can work off any calorie overload in the HarSpa with its swimming and hydrotherapy pools, sauna, steam room and well equipped gym.
Rates at Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa start from £239 per night on a B&B basis. www.harbourhotels.co.uk