FERNDOWN PREPARES TO HOST ENGLAND’S TOP AMATEUR TALENTS AND OPEN HOPEFULS

Ferndown Golf Club’s traditionally fast-running fairways are set to see a bumper season of competitive golfing action this summer, as the south Dorset club prepares to host the English Amateur Championship and a Regional Qualifier for The Open Championship.

The historic club, which opened for play in 1914, has long been a stage for the game’s biggest names, with Nick Faldo, Tony Jacklin, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle and Greg Norman all having graced the heathland Old Course during their careers. Indeed, this is the club where Peter Alliss learnt his trade, while his father, Percy, was the professional here for more than a quarter of a century.

The course, which was designed by former Open champion Harold Hilton, has hosted countless top amateur and professional events, with the British Women’s Open being staged here in 1989.

Ferndown will be welcoming the next generation of golfing talents at the 2023 English Amateur Championship, which is being held from August 1-6, with the event being shared with nearby Broadstone Golf Club. The championships begin with 36-hole stroke play competitions for both men and women. In the men’s event, the leading 64 players progress to the knock-out match play competition, while in the women’s event, the top 32 from stroke play proceed to the knockout stages, both of which will be held at Ferndown.

Previous winners of the English Women’s Amateur include Lily May Humphries, Bronte Law and Ferndown’s own Hayley Davis, who has been a member at the club since she was a junior. Previous men’s winners of the English Amateur include last year’s champion Joe Sullivan, Tommy Fleetwood and Ferndown Golf Club’s Head of Coaching, Scott Godfrey.

Before that, golfers hoping to win a place at the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool in July will be taking part in 13 regional qualifying events up and down to country, with Ferndown hosting its 18-hole qualifier on June 26.

By today’s standards, Ferndown’s 6,530-yard course –which was recently rated as no.1 in England for ‘playability’ in Golf World’s Top 100 ranking – is fairly short, but the heathland layout, with its steeped-lipped fairway and greenside bunkers, will challenge the very best golfers and will enthral the average handicapper with its inherent beauty. Always presented in championship-level condition, it’s heathland golf of the very highest order.

The club also boasts the wonderful 9-hole Alliss Course, making it an ideal choice for a full day’s golf for societies, corporate outings, and golfers visiting from further afield.

The club also hosts an annual Festival Week, where a mix of competitions are open to visitors, including the Men’s Individual Open on August 20, a Fourball Better Ball on August 25, and the Mixed Open on August 27. With entry fees from £95, compared to the standard summer green fee of £160, competition tee times are selling out fast, so call 01202 653953 now to reserve your place!

For all the latest green fees and society packages, visit www.ferndowngolfclub.co.uk