Hampshire, with its blend of rolling countryside and coastal landscapes, is a golfer’s dream destination. From challenging championship courses to picturesque parkland and links layouts, the county offers a diverse range of golfing experiences for players of all levels. In this guide, we’ve ranked and reviewed the top golf courses in Hampshire to help you find the perfect spot for your next round.
1. Liphook Golf Club
Location: Liphook
Course Type: Heathland
Par: 70
Green Fees: £80-£120 (approx.)
Liphook Golf Club is considered one of the finest heathland courses in the UK and is consistently ranked among the top 100 courses in the country. Its layout combines natural beauty with a challenging test of golf. The fairways meander through gorse and heather, and the subtle undulations make for a memorable experience. Liphook is a club steeped in tradition and history, offering fast, firm greens and excellent year-round playing conditions.
The course requires strategic thinking, with accuracy off the tee being crucial to avoid trouble, and the fast greens demand precision putting.
Review Summary:
- Pros: Beautiful natural setting, top-notch course conditions, a true test of golf.
- Cons: High green fees; advanced booking required due to popularity.
- Ideal For: Golfers looking for a premium heathland golfing experience.
2. North Hants Golf Club
Location: Fleet
Course Type: Heathland
Par: 70
Green Fees: £80-£100 (approx.)
North Hants Golf Club is one of Hampshire’s premier golf courses, with a history dating back to 1904. This heathland course is famous for being the home course of Justin Rose, a former US Open Champion and Ryder Cup star. The course is known for its undulating fairways, challenging bunkers, and slick greens. North Hants offers a classic heathland experience with fast-draining terrain that ensures excellent playability even in winter.
The signature hole is the 5th, a par-4 with a narrow, well-protected green that can catch even the most precise shots off guard.
Review Summary:
- Pros: Excellent layout, rich history, always in superb condition.
- Cons: Can be crowded during peak times, higher green fees.
- Ideal For: Golfers who enjoy heathland challenges and historical significance.
3. Stoneham Golf Club
Location: Southampton
Course Type: Parkland/Heathland
Par: 71
Green Fees: £70-£100 (approx.)
Stoneham Golf Club is a hidden gem in Hampshire, offering a beautiful mix of parkland and heathland features. The course, designed by Willie Park Jr., has undergone significant improvements in recent years and is now highly regarded for its strategic layout. Stoneham features rolling terrain, tree-lined fairways, and well-positioned bunkers that require careful shot planning.
The par-4 10th hole is a standout, with its elevated tee offering stunning views and a challenging dogleg to a well-guarded green. Stoneham provides a fantastic mix of beauty and challenge, making it a favourite among local golfers.
Review Summary:
- Pros: Recently improved course design, scenic layout, strong variety of holes.
- Cons: Can get muddy in the winter months.
- Ideal For: Intermediate to advanced golfers looking for a thoughtful and scenic course.
4. Hayling Golf Club
Location: Hayling Island
Course Type: Links
Par: 71
Green Fees: £60-£90 (approx.)
For a classic links golf experience, Hayling Golf Club is the top destination in Hampshire. Set on the south coast, this seaside course offers all the elements of traditional links golf—wind-swept fairways, fast-running greens, and stunning views of the Solent. With its exposed location, the wind often plays a key role, making every round different and challenging.
The firm, fast fairways and deep pot bunkers require a solid links strategy, and the coastal setting makes Hayling a unique experience compared to the inland courses of Hampshire.
Review Summary:
- Pros: True links golf experience, scenic coastal views, firm fairways.
- Cons: Can be tough in strong winds; coastal exposure means fewer trees.
- Ideal For: Golfers who enjoy traditional links-style golf and challenging conditions.
5. Blackmoor Golf Club
Location: Bordon
Course Type: Heathland
Par: 69
Green Fees: £55-£75 (approx.)
Blackmoor Golf Club is another James Braid-designed gem in Hampshire, offering a quintessential heathland golf experience. The course is relatively short by modern standards, but it is incredibly well-defended by heather, bunkers, and trees, making accuracy more important than distance. Blackmoor’s undulating terrain and excellent greens make it a joy to play year-round.
One of the standout holes is the par-3 13th, known as “Braid’s Bunker,” a hole that requires pinpoint accuracy to avoid the large and deep sand traps surrounding the green.
Review Summary:
- Pros: Classic Braid design, beautifully maintained, strong challenge despite shorter length.
- Cons: Can feel tight and tricky for beginners.
- Ideal For: Fans of James Braid designs and those who appreciate shot-making strategy.
6. Alresford Golf Club
Location: Alresford
Course Type: Downland
Par: 69
Green Fees: £45-£65 (approx.)
Alresford Golf Club is known for its beautifully maintained downland course and excellent year-round playability. The course drains exceptionally well, making it one of the best winter golf courses in Hampshire. Its layout offers a pleasant walk with gentle undulations, wide fairways, and well-protected greens.
With lovely views across the Hampshire countryside, Alresford provides a relaxing and enjoyable round for golfers of all abilities. The fast greens are some of the best in the region, and the friendly clubhouse ensures visitors feel welcome.
Review Summary:
- Pros: Excellent year-round conditions, especially in winter, friendly atmosphere.
- Cons: Shorter course, may not challenge low handicappers.
- Ideal For: Golfers looking for a pleasant and relaxing round, especially during winter months.
7. South Winchester Golf Club
Location: Winchester
Course Type: Parkland
Par: 72
Green Fees: £40-£60 (approx.)
South Winchester Golf Club offers a modern, championship-level parkland layout that caters to all abilities. Designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark, the course features wide, forgiving fairways, large greens, and several water hazards. The course’s layout is relatively flat, making it accessible for golfers who prefer an easier walk, but it still provides plenty of challenge with its strategic bunkering and tricky greens.
The signature hole is the 18th, a par-4 with water guarding the front of the green, creating a dramatic finish to the round.
Review Summary:
- Pros: Spacious, forgiving layout, well-maintained, accessible for all skill levels.
- Cons: Less scenic compared to some other courses in the area.
- Ideal For: Golfers seeking a modern parkland course that’s fair for all levels.
8. Royal Winchester Golf Club
Location: Winchester
Course Type: Downland
Par: 71
Green Fees: £50-£70 (approx.)
Royal Winchester Golf Club is a traditional downland course offering sweeping views of the Hampshire countryside. Known for its fast-draining chalk base, the course is playable in almost any weather, making it a popular year-round choice. The fairways are tree-lined, and the greens are quick and true, providing a challenging test for all golfers.
The course’s most famous hole is the par-3 8th, a long and challenging downhill shot to a well-protected green. The club has a strong sense of tradition, and visitors can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Review Summary:
- Pros: Excellent drainage, playable year-round, scenic views.
- Cons: Some holes can feel repetitive due to similar terrain.
- Ideal For: Golfers looking for a traditional course with strong year-round playability.
Conclusion: Best Golf Courses in Hampshire for 2024
Hampshire is blessed with a wide variety of golf courses, from the coastal links of Hayling to the historic heathland layouts of Liphook and North Hants. Whether you’re looking for a challenging test of skill, a relaxing round with stunning views, or a modern parkland experience, Hampshire has something to offer every golfer.
Plan your next round at one of these top-ranked courses and experience the best golf Hampshire has to offer.
