Why play

A serious Dorset heathland anchor

Ferndown combines the 18-hole Old Course with the 9-hole Alliss Course, giving travelling golfers more flexibility than a single-course venue. The Old Course is the headline test: level heathland, heather, well-positioned bunkering and greens that reward accurate approach play.

That makes it a natural anchor for a Bournemouth or Poole golf break, particularly when paired with Parkstone or Broadstone for a wider heathland itinerary.

Playing character

Position first, aggression second

The Old Course rewards golfers who choose the line that simplifies the next shot. Several official hole guides emphasise fairway position, avoiding front and cross bunkers, and staying below the hole on strongly sloping greens.

That means tee selection, conservative targets and short-side avoidance are more valuable than trying to overpower the course.

Visitor planning

Old Course access is deliberately limited

From the 2026 season onward, Ferndown’s Old Course is available to visitors only between April and October, with published visitor windows on Tuesdays, Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings.

The Alliss Course is available more broadly and can work as a shorter or more accessible second round. Current green fees, visitor windows and competition restrictions should always be confirmed directly with the club.

Equipment & mobility

Plan hire before arrival

The club publishes current hire rates for buggies and electric trolleys. If mobility support is important, reserve it before travel rather than assuming availability on the day.

For groups, society packages are offered on selected visitor days, making Ferndown a practical option for organised golf as well as individual bookings.

Stay · Play · Recover

Use Ferndown as the fixed tee time

Stay: Bournemouth or Poole both work as practical bases.

Play: build Parkstone, Broadstone or other Dorset rounds around the scarcer Old Course visitor window rather than the other way round.

Recover: the Alliss Course can provide a lighter second session if the group wants more golf without committing to another full championship round.