Freshwater Bay Golf Club

I have to say that this is a ‘must play’ course for anyone visiting the Isle of Wight. On paper it isn’t the longest course in the world, but it’s certainly no pushover. From its position climbing Compton Down, the views of Freshwater Bay, the Solent and the English Channel are magnificent, ensuring that, even if your game’s not up to scratch, you’ll always remember your round here. I played on a mild, fresh day but I can imagine it would be an absolute beast in poor weather because it’s so exposed up there. The tee boxes were in good nick and the fringes & greens were lovely – well grassed and true after a long dry spell. The heathland fairways slope away from both sides of the Tennyson Trail that runs through the spine of the Down, making each tee shot strategic and many approaches difficult with the ball below or above your feet. The stiff coastal breeze behind me on the climb to the turn, then against me on the shorter descent back home, added another dimension to a hugely enjoyable, testing round of golf. There are a few ‘samey’ holes on the out 9 but the reward for making it to the turn is a lovely series of holes that I particularly enjoyed, including 3 short holes (14-16) tucked away in the lee of the Down, each of which I played to par, stopping a seemly relentless series of bogeys and giving me a lift for the final pair of picturesque holes. The 18th tee box has a lovely view and you can really open your shoulders and let one go down towards the bay with the wind in your face. If you play within yourself, treat the course with respect, keep it straight and take your chances, you’ll score well. However, the course will penalise wayward shots severely, with plenty of gorse to swallow your ball if you stray too far. Decent shots may also be dragged off into harmless semi-rough so you need to be prepared to take your medicine. One fly in the ointment was the inconsistent bunkering – I recognise that they’re supposed to be penal but some were very hard, gritty and unforgiving whilst others were soft and easy-playing. I’d recommend buying their strokesaver or perhaps teaming up with a member because it’s not always obvious where you’re heading, also where to go from the green to the next tee. The friendly members are good value and the modern bustling clubhouse is somewhere you’ll always find someone to talk to. It’s a really interesting course and I look forward to returning next time I’m on the Isle of Wight. I paid a high-side £32 for the round but 2-fore-1 is available if you go as a group.

I played on the 9th November 2005 with 2 club members the Couses. The course was in very good condition.On some holes they where winter tees. But this did not distract from the enjoyable game. Also as soon as you walk into the club house you are made to feel at if you are one of the members. The bar staff and catering staff are very friendly. And the food is first class. This is the best course with stunning views that any one could play. Tony Blandford

I played this course on the 2nd June, for the first time. The staff at the course where very friendly and helpful. Also the fairways where in good condition, and the greens where in great condition, with each hole giving you a diffrent challenge. With the 14th the drop being diffrent from anything i have played before. And with this course the views are fantastic with the solent and the channel in view.

I played this course on the 2nd June, for the first time. The staff at the course where very friendly and helpful. Also the fairways where in good condition, and the greens where in great condition, with each hole giving you a diffrent challenge. With the 14th the drop being diffrent from anything i have played before. And with this course the views are fantastic with the solent and the channel in view. Tony Blandford London

Played in February and found the course to be in great condition. All of the greens were open and very few mats in use on the tees considering the recent wet weather. Although it sounds a short course, the wind and some sloping fairways combine to make it a course you would do well to play to handicap. We were fortunate to go out with a member, who was able to guide us through the low cloud which closed in towards the end of the round. What we did see of the spectacular views across the island and out to the needles left us promising ourselves that we would return in the summer. After the round we were warmly welcomed in the clubhouse by staff and members alike. Superb.

Secretary G. Smith is a gracious host, maintenance of the course is \r\nsuperb, the new club house with a bar is a welcome addition. \r\nA must stay and play location for those who enjoy challenging the \r\ncourse while over looking the beauty of Freshwater bay. It does not hurt\r\nto know you will be bumping golf balls about where Bronze men once walked. Golf \r\ndoes not get any better than this.