Bramshaw Golf Club

Played both courses in mid-March for a decent winter rate of £37. No need to repeat the contrast between them, as others have outlined before. However, I'm going to stick my neck out here and say I prefer the Forest Course and also think it is the stronger test. I played the Manor course in the afternoon and, to be honest, was rather underwhelmed. Admittedly, the gents tees were placed relatively forward, but the course felt somewhat short and even a touch gimmicky in places - especially the short par 4s at 10, 12 and 14. It's a course that has its moments – the beautiful approach to the 2nd over the stream raises hopes (which are ultimately unfulfilled) – but it flits unsatisfactorily between woodland and parkland and never really gets the pulse racing. In short, a clear league or two below the likes of Broadstone and Liphook. For anyone who's played common land golf, the Forest Course is golf in its purest form. After an easy start, it boasts some stiff long par 4s such as the 10th (428 yds), 11th (427 yds), with its fantastic approach shot from high over the brook, and 14th (410 yds). Three of the five par 3s are also over 200 yards. Unlike the Manor Course, I really did find I needed most clubs in my bag around here. Of course, it's not all about length – and by all accounts in the summer there's much more run on the Forest Course. However, although some holes are wide open, pinpoint accuracy is also called for on holes such as the lovely 342 yd 6th that traverses the stream and the equally attractive par 3 12th – the only hole to feature any bunkers. But where it really wins hands down is that the Forest Course has a character and soul that transports you back to where this game began: man and mashie niblick against a course barely printed on the landscape – and here, it's in one of the most beautiful parts of the country to boot. Forest Course: 7.25/10 Manor Course: 6.75/10 'Young P' (h/c 11)

Stayed at the Bell Inn on a 3 day break in a party of 14(The hotel is excellent and the food is superb) and played Dunwood Manor plus the 2 Bramshaw courses. The Manor course is set in mature woodland and is superbly manicured with some lovely holes and great greens.Would recommend this course to anybody. The Forest course is completely different being set on heathland with ponies roaming around. Some very good holes with streams cut in front of the greens(course planner required) - This really was how golf used to be played.Opinion was split amongst our party, some loved it and some would not play it again, but all agreed it was an experience to remember.

Played both Manor and Forest courses in 1 day for £40. Heavy rain for days beforehand left Manor course still very playable, with its drainage and good paths. Glad of the buggy to shelter in during the rain. The Forest course was not so good in these conditions with the first hole being 75% muddy animal hoof holes and droppings. I'm told that during the summer it is a great course but being unmanaged countryside, it really suffers from the rain, mud and animals in bad weather. It is beautiful and an incredible experience but as with golf in olden times, the fairways are not defined and you can't expect a good lie from a good shot, so don't play if the weather is bad or if you are trying to keep a low score, or if you don't have a sense of humour when your ball ends up teed on a horse dropping. We are having a society weekend at Bramshaw soon and have now decided NOT to play the Forest course as part of of our competition as it would be unfair. Welcome was very good and clubhouse/food excellent.

An excellent venue with two very contrasting courses. The Manor is a good challenge with both fairways and greens in very good condition. One or two very short par 4's let the course down slightly but well worth playing. Even on a Saturday afternoon we got round in well under 4 hours so speed of play not a problem. The Forest course is a much different proposition. I enjoyed the challenge but would not want to play it very often. The course to and fros across the open land of the New Forest with holes often cut into the edge of the open spaces. Some interesting approach shots across rocks and steams. Worth playing for the experience and the scenery.

Have played both courses in summer & winter, and would recommend to others. I think average, not good, value for money. Few clubs could boast such a contrast between its courses- the Manor always immaculate and a good challenge for all but the best I imagine, with some tight drives and well-positioned bunkers protecting the (excellent) greens. The Forest a great experience, very open with ponies galore. Would expect to shoot 2-3 shots lower than handicap, but enough tricky holes to keep you honest. Can play very short in dry spells- but a real muddy slog in the depths of winter. A friendly and welcoming place as well in my experience

Stayed at the Superb Bell Inn (The welcome and the food is superb) and then played the 2 Bramshaw courses. The Manor course is set in mature woodland and is superbly manicured with some lovely holes and great greens. The Forest course is completely different being set on heathland with ponies roaming around. Some of the holes were amazing with streams cut in front of the greens - This really was how golf used to be played.

I recently stayed at the Bell Inn for a golfing weekend. We played Dunwood Manor, which was a lovely course in very good condition. It is quite hilly in parts which is a contrast to the courses at the Bell Inn. The Manor course at the Bell Inn is quite challenging. The Forest course is very open, but does have some tricky holes. It is certainly easier if you have played it before. The accommodation and food at the Bell Inn was excellent. I would recommend this venue to anyone who is planning a golfing weekend.

Forrest Course: Interesting course with ponies, joggers and dog walkers. Agree with above comments about grass not being cut and greens being in relatively good shape. But I do not believe it is good value for money! £30.00 for an above average municipal course standards (nothing against municipal courses) - this is rather an expensive golfing experience.

THIS IS KNOWN AS THE SLOWEST COURSE IN THE AREA. iF YOU ENJOY A NICE 5 HOUR ROUNDS THEN THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU. EVRYTHING ABOUT THIS CLUB IS SLOW BE IT THE GREENS OR THE PLAY OR EVEN GETTING SERVED IN THE BAR. APART FROM THAT THE COURSE LAYOUT IS GOOD, NOT HARD BUT GOOD. JUST GET THOSE SLOW GOLFERS AWAY FROM THE CLUB.

I play Bramshaw in a so-called "friendly" tournament once a year. I believe that the two courses together combine to form a perfect place to spend two days playing. The Manor course is a beautifully manicured, challenging course; the Forest is a wonderful counterpoint, with local rules governing animal droppings on the green. I consider the Manor course to be one of the best I have ever played - one of my friends feels the same about the Forest. A stay at the Bell in (attached to the course) on one of their golfing packages is terrific value. A night in the place with an evening meal, a full blow-out breakfast and two rounds of golf costs around the same as a couple of rounds at normal prices. Thoroughly recommended.

The Forest course suffers from the fact that you have no idea where you are going on some of the holes unless you have played the course before, the par 5 second being a good example of this.....The fairways are never cut, but kept to a low level by the wild ponies and deer that are native to the New Forest. (One of the funniest things I have ever witnessed was a friend creaming it off the tee 250 yards and smacking a pony square between the eyes - we shouldn't laugh, but we do). The greens were, however, fautless. The Manor course attatched to the hotel was a peach. Totally immaculate throughout. A total contrast to the Forest course, and a joy to walk around on, let alone play on..Superb.

I agree with the above comments, having stayed there recently I acn only confirm how good it is, you will love the food.