This is a well established, but busy, golf course cut amongst the pines and heather on the Dorset/Hampshire border.It is not particularly long by today’s standards, but does have enough natural hazards and well placed bunkers to focus the attention of any golfer.

There are conflicting views as to whether this course merits its status among the elite and a regular point raised is the lack of space between some tees and greens. This is not quite so evident when everything is in full bloom and natural screening is provided, but it does lack a degree of individuality for some holes.

We particularly liked the number of dog legged holes which make the tee shot so crucial if the many trees are to be avoided and some of the well designed, steep lipped bunkers are especially tough.

There are a few elevation changes but in general it is easy walking on the soft sandy turf. It’s difficult to pick one hole as memorable, but the short par 4,300 yard, 8th, with its sloping fairway, out of bounds and elevated green, is certainly very interesting and a tantalising challenge for the really big hitters.