Bowood Park Golf Club occupies 230 acres of the Black Prince's historic deer park near Camelford. Bob Sandow's 1992 parkland layout features a memorable island green accessed via a covered footbridge. Positioned between North Cornwall's championship links courses, the venue combines dramatic terrain with year-round accessibility for golf holidays.
Overall rating
4.0
Bowood Park Hotel & Golf Club
Bowood Park Golf Club occupies 230 acres of the Black Prince's historic deer park near Camelford. Bob Sandow's 1992 parkland layout features a memorable island green accessed via a covered footbridge. Positioned between North Cornwall's championship links courses, the venue combines dramatic terrain with year-round accessibility for golf holidays.
Bowood Park Golf Club extends across 230 acres of the 14th-century hunting estate that belonged to Edward of Woodstock, Duke of Cornwall and Prince of Wales, better known as the Black Prince. The golf course opened in 1992 within what was once Cornwall's largest deer park, with terrain designated an Area of Special Landscape Value. Bob Sandow, a former associate of Robert Trent Jones, routed the layout, whilst Bob Knott laid it out in collaboration with Brian Huggett, who represented Great Britain & Ireland in six Ryder Cups and captained the team in 1977.
The Cobbledick family commissioned Eddie Connaughton, one of Europe's leading agronomists, to oversee construction alongside the design team. Greens were built to USGA specifications to ensure consistent playing conditions throughout the year. The par-72 layout measures 2,042 metres (6,692 yards) from the championship tees, with the course incorporating more than two dozen water hazards across the routing.
Experience mainland parkland golf within a medieval royal hunting ground, situated between North Cornwall's championship links courses.
The estate's connection to the Black Prince dates to the 14th century, when these rolling hills and woodlands served as hunting grounds for the heir to the English throne. The land remained largely agricultural until 1992, when the golf course opened in June with just a small pro shop serving as the clubhouse. The facility expanded steadily through the 1990s, with a restaurant addition completed in 2000. A 31-bedroom hotel was integrated with the golf course to create a comprehensive stay-and-play destination.
The outward nine routes around rolling hillsides, establishing the parkland character with significant elevation changes. Mature trees line fairways throughout the property, with the River Allen valley becoming prominent as play turns for home. The back nine descends into the valley, where water features become increasingly influential.
The 189-yard par-three 12th hole stands as the layout's signature feature. Named "Azalea," this hole presents an island green accessed solely via a covered New England-style wooden footbridge. The putting surface floats within a lake, demanding precise club selection and execution. The sharply doglegging 510-yard par-five 13th follows as stroke index one, with water protecting both the corner of the dogleg and the approach short left of the green. Despite its modest yardage, birdie opportunities prove rare on this demanding hole.
The 600-yard par-five 7th represents Cornwall's longest hole, stretching down the hillside before the routing drops into the Allen valley. The course's varied tee positions accommodate players of all abilities without overwhelming higher handicappers.
Regional Golf Context
North Cornwall concentrates some of England's finest links courses within convenient touring distance:
Within 30km (19 miles): St Enodoc Golf Club lies 22km (14 miles) away near Rock, approximately 23 minutes' driving. James Braid's Church Course ranks as Cornwall's premier links, with the famous Himalaya bunker dominating the par-four 6th. Trevose Golf & Country Club sits 24km (15 miles) distant at Constantine Bay, roughly 30 minutes by road.
The Rock-Padstow area across the Camel Estuary offers excellent accommodation bases for accessing both championship links and Bowood's parkland alternative. Wadebridge, 16km (10 miles) from Bowood, provides central positioning for multi-course itineraries.
30-60km (19-37 miles): Newquay Golf Club occupies duneland 27km (17 miles) south, approximately 34 minutes' driving. Further afield, Perranporth Golf Club presents James Braid's acclaimed links design 40km (25 miles) away.
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Practical Planning
Booking remains essential during the summer months (May-September) when Cornwall attracts peak visitor numbers. The on-site hotel provides convenient accommodation, though independent options abound in Camelford and surrounding villages. Green fees vary seasonally, with reduced rates during shoulder periods (April, October).
Transport Information ✈️
Cornwall Airport Newquay: 37km (23 miles), approximately 33 minutes driving via A39. Major car rental facilities with direct motorway access. Year-round services from London Gatwick, London Stansted and Manchester, plus seasonal European connections.
Exeter Airport: 103km (64 miles) for broader domestic and international flight options, roughly 90 minutes by road.
Ground Transport: From the A39 north of Wadebridge, follow signs towards Camelford. The course lies just outside the town centre with clear signposting from major approach roads.
Seasonal Timing
Spring (March-May): Course emerges from dormancy with improving conditions. April and May offer excellent value with warming weather and fewer visitors.
Summer (June-September): Peak season delivers optimal playing conditions and longest daylight hours. Advance booking is essential as demand peaks during school holidays.
Autumn (October-November): Shoulder season combines good conditions with reduced green fees. The course remains in strong condition through October before winter approaches.
Winter (December-February): Year-round accessibility is maintained through mild Cornish winters. USGA-specification greens ensure playability, though reduced daylight hours limit rounds.
Bowood Park delivers accessible parkland golf within a historic deer park setting, providing variety alongside North Cornwall's links concentration. The island green at the 12th creates a memorable moment, whilst the Allen Valley holes showcase natural topography. Positioned between championship venues at St Enodoc and Trevose, the course offers an alternative playing experience for golf holidays exploring Cornwall's diverse layouts.
Golf Club Rental
Golf Cart Rental
Pull Cart Rental
Golf equipment/accessories for purchase
Club Fitting Services
Group Clinics
Golf Lessons Available
Locker Room Access
Locker Rooms with Showers
Shoe/Club Cleaning Service
Parking
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