Ferndown Golf Club Old Course Key Information
Ferndown is a pristine heathland course with sandy fairways and heather lurking to either side of the mown surfaces. With pine trees and firs also lining many of the holes, it’s an extremely attractive layout.
A beautifully conditioned course boasting exceptional playing surfaces.
REASONS TO PLAY FERNDOWN GOLF CLUB OLD COURSE
– A heathland layout maintained in impeccable condition
– Spiritual home of the late, great Peter Alliss
– A club with a great competitive history. Former host to the The Hennessy Cognac Cup and the Women's British Open
RANKINGS
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 93
The Old Course at Ferndown, one of the most beautiful in our Top 100 Courses UK&I was originally designed by Golf Monthly’s first editor and two-time Open Champion Harold Hilton.
The layout is essentially two loops: an inner comprising holes 1-8 and an outer featuring 9-18.
The course prides itself on its conditioning which is always first rate. The fabulous bunkers are a standout feature. Many are scalloped and edged with heather making them look rugged and challenging. Ferndown is one of the very best golf courses in Dorset.
Ferndown has long had a well-deserved reputation as one of the best presented tracks in this country. I have always found the playing surfaces to be amongst the very best in terms of quality and consistency and all the holes are highly memorable and individual.
Over the years Ferndown has been the venue for a number of significant competitions and many greats of the game have played here. Percy Alliss was professional at Ferndown and son Peter Alliss counted the club as his spiritual home.
The holes at Ferndown are highly memorable and individual. To pick out a couple – I particularly enjoy the uphill 6th that turns to the right, with its cluster of bunkers waiting short to catch a poorly struck second; then the par-3 14th is a cracker where you feel you should take advantage of the receptive green but it’s easier said than done and the 15th, another strong par-4 turning to the right and demanding two solid blows.
Ferndown has long had a reputation as one of the best presented tracks in this country. It’s supremely well maintained, and the surfaces are a true pleasure to play from.
Recent improvements include the addition of a new covered driving range with 5 internal bays and 4 external bays. On course, the 2nd hole on the Old course and access route were revamped to improve aesthetics. A new tee complex was constructed on the 16th hole.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said...
Ferndown benefits from an excellent maintenance and conditioning plan throughout the course. The standard of turf is excellent which means lush fairways and pristine greens. Greens are fast and true and again there is little sign of any blemish, pest damage or irrigation issues. Credit to the greenkeeping staff for a very well-maintained course.
A very friendly welcoming club with a strong championship course to boot. Some excellent holes early and late with several direction changes to keep the player focused.
A really pretty course that can suit all levels of golfer, whilst offering a good test for the best. it is an intimate course, a little haven, hidden amongst the surrounding housing. It’s pine tree lined, with heather and a mix of flowering shrubs. It is not Augusta, as some have likened it to, but it is a wonderful place when the sun is shining and the flowers are in bloom.
Ferndown Golf Club Old Course Location
See the club website for more green fee details.
Ferndown Golf Club Old Course scorecard
Best Courses Near to Ferndown Golf Club Old Course
Best Places To Stay Near Ferndown Golf Club Old Course
Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel - Book now at Booking.com
For the full hotel experience, the Highcliff Marriott Hotel enjoys a dramatic clifftop location just a ten-minute walk from the centre of Bournemouth. Guests enjoy free WiFi in all public areas. The hotel boasts a striking terrace overlooking Bournemouth Bay and lies a 20 minute drive from Ferndown GC.
Holiday Inn Bournemouth - Book now at Booking.com
A modern hotel that is centrally situated 10-minutes walk from Bournemouth Beach and town centre. The property provides on-site parking and free high speed WiFi. An on-site restaurant with bar, gym and an outdoor seating terrace is also featured. Electric car charging points available. It's a short drive, less than 20 minutes to Ferndown Golf Club.
Ferndown Golf Club Old Course Gallery
Ferndown Golf Club Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I
- 2025/26 - 93
- 2023/24 - 88
- 2021/22 - 87
- 2019/20 - 88
- 2017/18 - 90
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a dress code at Ferndown?
The club expects a good standard of dress both on the course and in the clubhouse. Full details can be found on the club website.
What Tournaments has Ferndown hosted?
They include: The Hennessy Cognac Cup, featuring leading players from the European Tour, the European Ladies’ Championship and the Women’s British Open. In 2023, Ferndown is host to one of the R&A Regional Open Qualifiers and the English Amateur Championships.
