Broadstone - Dorset - England

After all the improvements to this course over the years I now think this course is the best in the area. I even enjoyed the 18th which some people do moan about. And why do some golfers think the first is a weak hole , it's a great hole. Played a couple of times in the summer of 2011 and the greens got a bit scary when you were above the hole, very fast. Keep it up Broadstone.

From my summer trip to Dorset I would have to say I found this to be the best course in the group I played in Dorset, though not necessarily my favourite – Parkstone and Isle of Purbeck would have to do battle for that title. Broadstone is set in idyllic surroundings and starts with a welcoming par 5 that allows for a good start to be made, without having to hit career shots, on flat land where only the stream has to be avoided. A sight of deer on the second tee told me I was in for a natura golfing treat. The condition was excellent throughout with plenty of options in how to play each hole including a driveable par 4 in the shape of the sub-300 yard 5th. From that point I found the course ratchets up the difficulty level, as the land becomes more severely sloped, asking much of anyone’s game. The challenge is also to concentrate on the golf and not become entranced by the beauty of the course and its sympathetic integration into the countryside. The par 3s are all excellent and works of art in their own right. The back nine is very strong and offers some teeing ground views that will surely lift the soul of any golfer. A must visit if in Dorset.

The debate between which is the best, Broadstone or Parkstone is a popular talking point at both clubs. In reality both courses are excellent, but I think there are legitimate golfing reasons as to why Broadstone is better. Indeed I believe that Broadstone rates as one of the best inland/heathland tracks in England. So the case for Broadstone starts with its stunning location and the sheer amount of space that this course occupies. Every hole is separate from the last (maybe the 2nd to the 3rd is the only exception) and quite deliberately carves its way through the expansive heath setting making best use of the landscape to set out a challenging and varied mix of holes. The first comparison I would draw to Parkstone though is the start and finish. Parkstone is excellent in this department – an aesthetically pleasing par 4 (to start) and a great par 3 from an elevated tee to finish. The start and finish at Broadstone is a neutral point for me with an average par 5 to start and a fairly featureless par 4 to finish. What happens between 2 and 17 though is what gives this course star billing. Parkstone has some great holes but the layout is tight and there is a sense that it all gets a bit on top of itself. Broadstone in contrast creates a storybook as you move from hole to hole, almost exiting the door as you leave one green to open the next door as you walk to the tee.

There are so many stunningly beautiful, but great golf holes on this course. Lets start with the par 3’s, all great short holes and each demanding an accurate iron. The first par 3 is the 6th which is a visually rewarding shot to a narrow elevated and well guarded green. We played it as a 150yard hole and got great satisfaction “nailing” a 7 or 8 iron to the heart of the green. The remaining 3 short holes are all demanding and need longer iron shots solidly struck to well guarded greens. The 9th is quintessentially heathland and needs a 200yard carry to reach the plateau. We also enjoyed the 11th, a shot across a slight valley to a tight two tiered green. The final par 3 comes at the 15th, so each are well spaced through the round, and this gives you a chance to again hit a 200 yard iron, but from an elevated tee to a distant green.

Other than the 18th which I have mentioned I enjoyed all the par 4’s but for hugely varied reasons. In terms of tough signature holes the 7th is a shinning example – part blind tee shot leaving approx. a 200 yard carry to the green. Broadstone is also a great exponent of the elevated tee shot with the 3rd, 14th and 17th the pick of the bunch. Broadstone has its share of tight demanding holes as well with the 10th lying in wait to spoil the start to a back nine card. We also enjoyed the 5th hole, only 270 yards long but a great risk and reward hole for those who can drive a long ball and keep it straight.

We found Broadstone in lovely condition, the tee on the 1st tells you that this course is well cared for. All the greens are excellent putting surfaces. We also found the club to be very friendly and welcoming and teed off with several members in front and behind. We were amazed at the pace of play, fourballs speeding round in 3 hrs 15mins! Some would contend whether this is as good as anything Surrey or Berkshire has to offer, but on closer inspection of its credentials we concluded that this is a truly great golf course and worthy of being "badged" as one of the best. IMO if you want Heathland, Broadstone and Notts are the best that England has to offer. Ian Henley

Played the course after heavy overnight rain and as a result there were a few temporary greens, but this didn't detract too much from a highly enjoyable round. There are many elevation changes on this beautifully scenic course, so there are some wonderful views, if you can take your eyes off all the heather and pine trees. Just about every hole is truly memorable so its hard to pick out the best, but for me they are holes 1,3,6,7,11,13 and 14!! The course was a bit wet under foot, but the greens were very true with subtle breaks. You have to keep straight off the tee as troubles looms left and right in the form of heather and trees. I would also say the 7th hole is as tough a hole as you can get, beware!! I would rank this course much higher in the top 100, for me its much better than its neighbouring course Ferndown which is ranked 49th.

An excellent course! Given the conditions this winter, this course was in excellent condition. The greens are probably the best I have played all year. The holes were each individually stunning, with views in all directions. The layout is challenging without being too long - although a good drive is still needed on most holes. This easily outshines the other courses in Dorset. A must-pay for anyone visiting the South for golf.

Fantastic - really enjoyed this heathland beauty. The change in elevation on several holes is evident as early as the 2nd and 3rd holes, two great par 4's - one uphill and one back down. The run of holes; 6th, 7th and 8th are quality and tough, in fact the 7th which has the SI of 1, could just be a candidate for toughest par 4 in the south of England. It is difficult to find any faults of the course at all - if being picky, then maybe the back 9 could do with a par 5 as there are none (the 13th or 16th could be taken back 100 yards and that would do it). Overall for me this is close to being a 6-baller, just going to give it a 5 though but enjoyed Broadstone as much as Walton Heath - which is normally the Heathland king.

Good track in excellent condition, worth a trip but pales in comparison to its near neighbour Parkstone.

A great heathland course with many stand out holes. The best being the 4th, 7th, 13th,14th, 16th which are among the very best in the country. But the course really needs to follow the lead of Parkstone and start cutting the trees back to open up the dramatic vistas and restore the heather e.g. between 4th and 7th. The cross bunker on the 5th needs some help too. Weak finishing hole is a little bit of a let down.

A good layout that uses changes in elevation to very good effect. Holes such as the 1st, 6th, 7th, 9th, 11th and especially the 13th are good testing golf holes. The greens are generally small and well defended and i found the course to be in above average condition on my visit. The clubhouse serves good bar food and the welcome was warm and sincere. A good venue for a days golf if in the area.