Poole Dorset hotels:

Probably the best known of all the south coast golf clubs, Parkstone is famous for its association with Reg Whitcombe the 1938 Open champion, and with Peter Alliss who was with the Club for thirteen years during the period of his greatest golfing achievements.Designed in 1909 by Willie Park Junior, twice Open champion in the late 1880s, the course was substantially enlarged and re-designed in 1937 by James Braid, the famous golf course architect and five-times Open champion. The result of this highly imaginative reconstruction was an intriguing and varied test of golf set amongst pines and heather-fringed fairways where every hole presents a different challenge. Postcard of the Clubhouse in 1910. The brickwork of the walkway was uncovered in 1998. Click on image to enlarge. The land originally belonged to Lord Wimborne and was, for a time, used by Poole Water Company. It is not surprising therefore that it was one of the first courses in the country to install automatic irrigation. The two reservoirs and the old Victoria pumphouse still exist and continue to perform this essential function for tees, greens and fairways. Parkstone is a traditional heath and heather golf course, with panoramic views over Poole Harbour in Dorset. The course is a varied test of golf, set amongst pines and heather-fringed fairways, where every hole presents a different challenge. Over the years many famous golfers, both amateur and professional, have been associated with the Parkstone Golf Club. Among the amateurs was the 1952 English Champion and Walker Cup player, Ernest Millward. Well-known ladies include former English Ladies' Champions Jeanne Bisgood and Barbara Dixon, together with former Curtis Cup Captain Maureen Garratt. Professionals to the Club include the 1938 Open Champion Reg Whitcombe, whose championship medal is on display in the Parkstone clubhouse, Ryder Cup player and well-known television commentator Peter Alliss, together with Bill Shankland, former Rugby League star and twice third in the Open Championship. Many major competitions have been held at the course and, in 2000, the English Ladies' County Finals were hosted by the Club.