Top 10 Best Golf Courses in New Forest

Golf Amid Heath, Forest and Sea

The New Forest offers a golfing landscape unlike anywhere else in England. Courses here are shaped by the National Park's heathland, ancient oak woods and coastal cliffs, and several share their land with free-roaming ponies, cattle and deer. The result is golf that feels natural and unhurried, with firm turf, gorse-lined fairways and views that change with the seasons. The district has a long golfing tradition, with clubs dating back to the late nineteenth century, alongside modern facilities that cater to families, juniors and casual players.

This guide presents ten of the best golf courses in the New Forest, considered for course quality, setting, heritage and the overall experience they offer.

1. Bramshaw Golf Club

Bramshaw is one of the oldest golf clubs in Hampshire and offers two distinct 36-hole experiences. The Forest Course is played across open heathland where ponies wander freely and there are no formal bunkers, giving it a wild, historic character. The Manor Course, set in parkland beside the Bell Inn, is more conventional with water features and mature trees. Together they provide variety that few clubs can match, and the club's welcoming atmosphere adds to its reputation.

2. Barton-on-Sea Golf Club

Perched on the clifftops above Christchurch Bay, Barton-on-Sea Golf Club provides breathtaking views across to the Isle of Wight and the Needles. Its three nine-hole loops can be combined into different eighteen-hole configurations, and the exposed coastal position means wind is always a factor. The course is beautifully maintained, and the clubhouse terrace is among the finest places in the district to enjoy a post-round drink.

3. Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club

Founded in the early twentieth century and designed by the renowned architect Harry Colt, Brokenhurst Manor is widely regarded as the finest course in the New Forest. Its heathland and woodland layout features clever use of streams and natural contours, demanding accuracy over brute strength. The club maintains a traditional atmosphere and a high standard of course presentation, attracting members and visitors from across the region.

4. New Forest Golf Club, Lyndhurst

Established in the Victorian era, New Forest Golf Club at Lyndhurst is one of the oldest in the county and sits directly on open forest land. The course is compact, with firm fairways and heather and gorse defining the challenge. Ponies and cattle roam across the holes, and the club prides itself on an informal, friendly welcome. It is an ideal introduction to true heathland golf.

5. Burley Golf Club

Burley Golf Club is a nine-hole course set on the heath above one of the New Forest's most visited villages. Founded over a century ago, it retains a charmingly unspoilt quality, with wide views across the forest and a relaxed, unfussy approach. The course rewards thoughtful play, and its affordability makes it a favourite with locals and visitors who want an authentic forest golf experience without formality.

6. Dibden Golf Centre

On the Waterside near Hythe, Dibden Golf Centre is a community-focused facility offering an eighteen-hole course, a nine-hole course, a driving range and coaching. It is one of the most accessible venues in the district for beginners and families, with flexible pay-and-play pricing and an active junior programme. The main course is longer than many expect and provides a genuine test for experienced players too.

7. Paultons Golf Centre

Located near Ower on the northern edge of the forest, Paultons Golf Centre features an eighteen-hole parkland course, a nine-hole academy course, a floodlit driving range and practice facilities. Its relaxed atmosphere, comprehensive coaching and well-equipped shop make it popular with players developing their game. The main course offers lakes, mature trees and a good variety of hole designs.

8. Hamptworth Golf and Country Club

Hamptworth sits on the north-western fringe of the New Forest and is set within a mature estate of ancient oaks and open parkland. The course is spacious and beautifully presented, with an impressive clubhouse in a period manor style. Its blend of championship-quality golf and country club amenities draws members from across Hampshire and Wiltshire.

9. Romsey Golf Club

Just beyond the National Park boundary but firmly part of the wider New Forest golfing scene, Romsey Golf Club offers a tree-lined course with views over the Test Valley. The layout demands careful positioning through avenues of mature trees, and the club has a strong reputation for hospitality and competitive club golf. It is a popular venue for societies and corporate days.

10. Walhampton Golf Club, Lymington

Walhampton, near Lymington, is a nine-hole course set in gentle parkland with views towards the Solent. It offers an accessible, welcoming environment for players of all standards and is particularly popular with retirees and casual golfers in the coastal towns. The course is well maintained and provides a pleasant, unhurried round in beautiful surroundings.

What Makes New Forest Golf Special

Heathland turf drains well and plays firm and fast, encouraging the running game and rewarding creativity around the greens. The absence of fences on forest courses means animals are part of the experience, and local rules cover the unusual situations they create. Many courses have minimal artificial features, relying on natural hazards such as heather, gorse, streams and undulating ground. The scenery is a constant companion, whether it is the sea from Barton's cliffs or the ancient oaks of Bramshaw and Hamptworth.

Trends in Local Golf

Golf in the New Forest is evolving. Clubs are attracting younger members through flexible memberships, shorter formats and family-friendly initiatives. Environmental stewardship is increasingly central, with courses managing heathland habitats, reducing chemical use and supporting biodiversity in partnership with conservation bodies. Technology has arrived in the form of online booking, GPS course guides and simulators at practice facilities. And golf tourism is growing, with visitors combining rounds at several district courses with stays in local hotels and inns.

Planning Your Visit

Book tee times in advance during summer weekends, and check each club's dress code and visitor policy. Firm ground means the courses are playable year round, but heathland can be exposed in winter, so dress accordingly. Respect the animals and give them a wide berth. And take time to enjoy the clubhouses, several of which have historic character and excellent food. A golfing tour of the New Forest offers a rare combination of sporting challenge and natural beauty.

Conclusion

From Colt's masterpiece at Brokenhurst Manor to the wild heath of Bramshaw's Forest Course and the clifftop drama of Barton-on-Sea, the New Forest delivers golf of remarkable variety and character. Whether you are a low handicapper seeking a stern test or a beginner looking for an inviting nine holes, these ten courses represent the very best the district has to offer.