Sturminster Marshall Golf Club

Over the years, I have played here a number of times, but for a first visit for over a year, I have gone away very dissapointed indeed. Two complete par 4's have been taken away for a driving range and practice facility, and these have been replaced by very short par 3's. Whilst not detracting from the fact that they are really encouraging Juniors in these practise areas, the pure fact is that now, the couse as mentioned elsewhere is now just a glorified pitch and putt. Condition on my visit in April 2007 was not very good, the tees bare and poor, the fairways quite good and short, but to the sides of the fairways, well, the rough is very ball hugging and finding balls is very difficult indeed...not very good for the enjoyment of learners. The greens, well they were cut short, but quite bumpy. I will allow a little though as we have just had quite a few weeks without rain, so everywhere is suffering a bit.. All in all, though, once a very worthwhile 9 hole course and of fair lengthy is now so short as in truth not really worth bothering with.

We played this course on 17th March 2007. It is really a glorified par-3 course with some short par-4 holes to accompany the pitch and putt holes. This is a nine-hole course with "allegedly" two sets of tees although the second set of tees is only a pace or two behind the front nine and therefore doesn't pose any real difference. We played on mats and therefore cannot comment on the tees, however through the green, the condition of the course is very good. Fairways are well grassed and the rough is suitably thick to offer some punishment. The greens were a disappointment, being patchy and bumpy - however this could be because it was coming out of the back end of winter and the growth of the grass had yet to take hold. It is a short course and whilst an excellent test of the short game, doesn't provide any real problems for accomplished players. The welcome was however impeccable and whilst the fare was typical of golf clubs (i.e. we had bacon sandwiches), the service was good. Depending upon your need, this could be made-for-purpose, as long as you are aware that the challenge is modest.