Searching for coastal golf courses that offer jaw dropping views and interesting wildlife, as well as challenging holes? RICHARD BRYSON picks out some of his favourites around the British Isles
I’m about to commit golfing heresy now, but links courses can be rather underwhelming from an aesthetic point of view.
There’s no questioning the challenge of seaside golf. The undulating fairways, deep lying bunkers and fast running greens are a test, plus throw in a maritime storm and you have the potential to wreck any score. But what I’m talking about is the visual appeal - can you depart the 18th and recall in your mind’s eye a really striking vista, one you can capture on camera and marvel at in the years to follow?
I’ve played the likes of Royal Liverpool, last year’s Open venue, plus Royal Porthcawl but can barely remember anything about them. Admittedly these were on autumn days of low grey cloud and chilly winds and the flat topography didn’t help. However, having heard so much about these renowned courses I expected more.
As a consequence let’s explore a few really photogenic - some you might even call quirky - courses on our coasts. And, for those not so besotted with the game, I’ll also flag up some places to stay and visit nearby. These all combine enjoyable golf with stunning views.
Let’s start our ‘round Britain’ tour near Bournemouth. Few courses can match the panoramic Isle of Purbeck, set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty looking over Poole harbour, Brownsea Island and the Solent. One of its past owners was consultant Dr Darrell-Waters whose wife was the author Enid Blyton and in more recent times the former football manager Harry Redknapp has bestrode the fairways.
“It’s a tough site to look after,” says head greenkeeper David Field. “Due to its Site of Special Scientific Interest status, we are limited to where we can apply nitrates. The greens complexes and tees can be treated but the fairways are restricted due to the possible leaching of product into the heathland and water courses. This is why we promote the course as ‘golf in its most natural form’.”
There’s plenty of gorse and scrub to punish errant shots but the wilder parts of the course home the rare Dartford warbler, nightjar, stoat, sika deer, smooth snakes and sand lizards.
Says David: “A five- to six-year masterplan has been made to improve the quality of the golf course as well as collaborating with the National Trust to remove invasive species of trees and gorse to provide a habitat that will encourage rare flora and fauna to thrive.”
