Planning a relaxing day on the fairways is incredibly easy from Southampton. The unique, rolling landscapes of Hampshire feature a fantastic selection of pristine championship courses, historic clubs, and welcoming public facilities that cater perfectly to seasoned low-handicappers and casual weekend golfers alike.
This guide highlights the best golf courses in Southampton. Each featured venue is easy to travel to, offering a high-quality layout, excellent practice facilities, and a welcoming clubhouse atmosphere.
How This Guide Was Put Together
This guide is based on the architectural layout of the courses, the overall value of visitor green fees, the standard of the on-site practice facilities, and feedback from local Hampshire golfers. I selected locations that offer well-maintained greens, hospitable clubhouses, and varying levels of difficulty to suit any player’s skill level.
When choosing the best golf courses in Southampton, I considered:
- Course design – Venues featuring everything from challenging woodland hazards and rolling downland fairways to highly engaging par-3 setups.
- Value for money – Clubs that provide fair visitor rates, attractive twilight discounts, or affordable public play.
- Practice areas – The quality of on-site driving ranges, high-tech tracking bays, putting greens, and pro shops.
- Clubhouse amenities – The standard of the bars and restaurants, changing rooms, and overall hospitality for visitors.
- Course conditions – Venues praised for keeping their fairways, bunkers, and greens in reliable condition throughout the seasons.
No golf course, private club, or local leisure centre has paid to be included in this guide.
7 Best Golf Courses in Southampton
Whether you want to test your accuracy on a highly prestigious Top 100 course, play a quick and relaxing round on an 18-hole par-3 layout, or hit some balls under the floodlights of a modern driving range, these golf courses in and around Southampton make a perfect trip.
1. Boundary Lakes Golf Course
Boundary Lakes Golf Course is a pristine, parkland course nestled alongside the famous Utilita Bowl cricket stadium. This beautifully designed, par-69 parkland layout features shimmering lakes, strategic bunkers, and stunning views, making it a highly modern and luxurious destination to play a round.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★★
4.8/5.0
Location: Botley Road, West End, Southampton, SO30 3XH
Cost: Visitor green fees typically range from £30.00 to £35.00
Best For: Modern parkland play and pairing golf with high-end hotel dining
Facilities: 18-hole course, premium clubhouse bar, pro shop, practice putting green, and custom-fitted GPS buggies
Boundary Lakes offers an exceptionally polished experience. The close connection with the Hilton Hotel and the stadium grounds ensures that the clubhouse facilities are second to none, providing a fantastic level of luxury from the first tee to the final green.
How to Get to Boundary Lakes Golf Course
- By Car: Drive east out of Southampton on the A3024, heading toward West End. Follow the clear signage for the Utilita Bowl on Botley Road. The course features spacious, free visitor parking right outside the clubhouse.
- By Bus: Take the local First Hampshire line 8 or Bluestar line 14 from the city centre, which drops you off directly by the main stadium gates, followed by a short walk to the reception.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Be prepared for the water hazards on the closing holes, which require high levels of precision to navigate safely.
- Book a tee time in the early afternoon to secure their competitive twilight rates and enjoy a quieter course.
- Utilise the state-of-the-art GPS tracking screens mounted in the custom-fitted buggies to get highly accurate yardages.
- Combine your game with a hot meal or afternoon tea at the stylish on-site hotel bar overlooking the pitch.
- Ensure you adhere strictly to their smart-casual dress code, which requires collared shirts and tailored trousers or shorts.
2. Stoneham Golf Club
Stoneham Golf Club is a highly prestigious, historic private club nestled in a beautiful, undulating deer park north of the city centre. Designed by the legendary Willie Park Junior in 1908, this championship heathland layout is consistently ranked among the Top 100 courses in England.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★★
4.9/5.0
Location: Weyhill, Bassett, Southampton, SO16 3AY
Cost: Midweek visitor green fees start from £120.00 per round
Best For: Historic championship heritage, fast greens, and peaceful heathland landscapes
Facilities: Historic 18-hole layout, indoor golf academy, fully covered driving range, pro shop, and historic clubhouse dining
Stoneham is an absolute masterpiece of golf design. The mature woodlands, deep purple heather, and natural undulations provide a thrilling physical challenge and a wonderfully quiet countryside experience just minutes from the city.
How to Get to Stoneham Golf Club
- By Car: Head north out of Southampton on the A33 directly toward Basset. Turn onto Weyhill Road, and follow the private drive straight to the club gates. The drive takes around 10 minutes from the city centre.
- By Public Transport: Catch a Bluestar line 1 bus to Bassett Crossroads, followed by a pleasant 15-minute walk up to the clubhouse.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Note that visitor tee times are highly exclusive and generally restricted to Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
- Practice your putting extensively on the practice green before playing, as Stoneham is famous for its remarkably fast, sloping surfaces.
- Look out for the herd of wild deer that still roam freely across the quiet woodland sections of the back nine.
- If playing with a county card, be sure to request their discounted rate of £90.00 when making your booking.
- Check out the state-of-the-art indoor golf academy for a professional swing analysis before hitting the first tee.
3. Southampton Municipal Golf Course
Southampton Municipal Golf Course, affectionately known to locals as “The Muni,” is a highly popular, historic public course set across 250 acres of the wooded Bassett valley. Designed in 1935 by five-time Open Champion J.H. Taylor, it offers a fantastic, inclusive 18-hole championship layout and a fun 9-hole pitch-and-putt.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.5/5.0
Location: Golf Course Road, Bassett, Southampton, SO16 7AY
Cost: Weekday 18-hole adult green fees start at £18.65, weekends from £22.70
Best For: Affordable pay-and-play, historic design, and casual family-friendly golf
Facilities: 18-hole championship course, 9-hole short course, active pro shop, and a welcoming local community café
The Muni is an absolute treasure for local golfers. It is completely public, beautifully laid out across mature parkland, and offers some of the most affordable pay-and-play golf in the south of England without any membership barriers.
How to Get to Southampton Municipal Golf Course
- By Car: Drive north from the city centre on the A33, continuing past the Bassett junction. Turn left onto Golf Course Road, which leads directly to a large on-site public car park.
- By Bus: Catch a Bluestar line 1 service from the city centre, dropping off at the Winchester Road corner, followed by a short walk to the first tee.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Book a round on the shorter 9-hole course if you are short on time or playing a relaxed game with children.
- Check out their highly affordable twilight rates, which start from £17.50 on weekends during the summer months.
- Keep a sharp eye on your ball placement on the sloping fairways of the back nine, which feature many tricky elevation changes.
- Visit the welcoming on-site clubhouse café after your round for a fantastic, traditional English breakfast.
- Be prepared for busier conditions on sunny weekends, as the course is highly popular with local pay-and-play golfers.
4. Chilworth Golf Club
Chilworth Golf Club is a highly charming parkland course situated just on the northern borders of the city. Known for its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, this 18-hole parkland layout features challenging water hazards, a high-tech floodlit driving range, and a highly popular clubhouse café bar.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.6/5.0
Location: Chilworth Road, Southampton, SO16 7JP
Cost: Visitor casual 18-hole green fees start from £35.00 midweek, £42.00 on weekends
Best For: High-tech range practice, casual weekend golf, and post-round dining
Facilities: 18-hole parkland course, floodlit driving range, Charlie’s café bar, pro shop, and full changing rooms
Chilworth is a brilliant spot for golfers of all abilities. The recent additions to the greenkeeping team have completely revitalised the fairways, and the bustling Charlie’s café bar offers a fantastic, relaxed atmosphere.
How to Get to Chilworth Golf Club
- By Car: Head north from the city centre along the A33, turning left onto the A3024 Chilworth Road. The entrance is clearly signed on the right and features ample free on-site parking.
- By Bus: Catch the frequent Bluestar line 1 service from Southampton city centre, which stops a short distance from the club entrance.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Take advantage of their fantastic, floodlit driving range to warm up your swing before head-starting your round.
- Watch out for the narrow par-4s on the front nine, which demand high levels of accuracy off the tee.
- Dine at Charlie’s café bar after your game to enjoy their popular, delicious range of homemade meals and cold drinks.
- Look into their various flexible membership options if you plan to play the course regularly to reduce green fee costs.
- Wear reliable, spiked golf shoes during the winter months as the woodland trails can get quite damp after rain.
Why Southampton is a Top Destination for Golfers
Southampton sits in a wonderful geographical position for golf enthusiasts. Bordered by the beautiful ancient woodlands of the New Forest and the rolling hills of the Hampshire downlands, the local region provides a highly diverse array of geological landscapes.
Because of this natural variety, you can easily transition from playing a highly prestigious, historic Willie Park heathland championship layout to tackling modern, scenic parkland holes next to luxury stadiums—all within a twenty-minute drive from the city centre.
5. East Horton Golf Club
East Horton Golf Club is an exceptional, multi-course facility set across the beautiful rolling Hampshire countryside near Fair Oak. With three distinct courses—the challenging Greenwood, the scenic Parkland, and the family-friendly Marwell Par-3—it is widely considered to be one of the most versatile and welcoming golf destinations in the region.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.7/5.0
Location: Mortimers Lane, Fair Oak, Eastleigh, SO50 7EA
Cost: 18-hole Greenwood green fees typically range from £41.00 weekdays to £46.00 on weekends
Best For: Choosing between multiple active layouts and hosting corporate golf days
Facilities: 18-hole Greenwood, 18-hole Parkland, 9-hole Marwell course, driving range, and a spacious historic barn clubhouse
East Horton offers a superb variety of golf under one roof. The Greenwood Course features a brilliant championship layout with challenging tree-lined fairways, while their beautifully converted 16th-century barn clubhouse provides a highly charming setting to enjoy food and drink after your round.
How to Get to East Horton Golf Club
- By Car: Drive northeast out of Southampton on the A27 toward West End, then take the B3037 straight into Fair Oak. Turn onto Mortimers Lane, and the club features a very large, free parking area directly on-site.
- By Train: Take a direct 10-minute train from Southampton Central to Eastleigh Station, followed by a quick 10-minute taxi ride to the course gates.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Book a round on the Greenwood Course if you want a true championship challenge with fast, sloping greens.
- Try the 9-hole Marwell Par-3 Course if you are looking for a quick, relaxed hour of practice or are playing with beginners.
- Take advantage of their fantastic twilight green fees, which offer excellent discounts during the late afternoon hours.
- Warm up your swing on the spacious driving range and dedicated chipping area before heading to the first tee.
- The venue features excellent facilities for private events, making it a highly popular choice for local society outings.
6. Ampfield Golf & Country Club
Ampfield Golf & Country Club is a highly unique, picturesque par-3 woodland course situated on the peaceful outskirts of Romsey. Designed by the legendary Sir Henry Cotton, this beautifully landscaped 18-hole course features mature trees and highly challenging greens, proving that short-game courses can be incredibly sophisticated.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.6/5.0
Location: Winchester Road, Ampfield, Romsey, SO51 9BQ
Cost: Green fees typically range from £15.00 on weekdays to £20.00 on weekends
Best For: Short-game precision practice and relaxed woodland rounds
Facilities: Pristine 18-hole par-3 course, welcoming clubhouse bar, restaurant, changing rooms, and a modern pro shop
Ampfield proves that a par-3 course can deliver a genuinely proper, high-quality golfing experience. The mature trees lining every fairway and beautifully kept greens make it a fantastic, tranquil place to hone your iron play and short game.
How to Get to Ampfield Golf & Country Club
- By Car: Head northwest out of Southampton along the A33, turning left onto the A27 toward Romsey. Follow the A3105 Winchester Road straight into Ampfield. The club is easily accessible and offers free parking.
- By Bus: Catch a local bus service from Romsey town centre, which drops you off a short distance from the entrance of the parkland course.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Focus heavily on your accuracy off the tee, as the mature trees and tight lines make this a deceptively challenging layout.
- Present your County Card if you have one to claim a brilliant 20% discount on standard green fees.
- Enjoy a hearty lunch at the highly praised clubhouse restaurant, which serves fantastic seasonal dishes after your game.
- Note that the course does not feature a driving range, so arrive early to warm up on their practice putting green instead.
- Be sure to book your tee slots online in advance, as nice days can occasionally get quite busy with local players.
7. Dibden Golf Centre
Dibden Golf Centre is a fantastic, highly modern facility situated on the edge of the New Forest, looking directly over Southampton Water. Featuring a highly challenging 18-hole course, a quick 9-hole layout, and a modern floodlit driving range, it is celebrated for its stunning panoramic views of the Solent.
Hello Southampton Review
★★★★☆
4.7/5.0
Location: Main Road, Dibden, Southampton, SO45 5TB
Cost: 18-hole green fees typically range from £26.00 midweek to £29.50 on weekends
Best For: Stunning Solent views, New Forest excursions, and high-tech practice
Facilities: 18-hole course, 9-hole course, floodlit driving range, clubhouse restaurant, pro shop, and professional buggy hire
Dibden provides some of the most scenic golf in Hampshire. The high vantage points on the main 18-hole course offer spectacular, sweeping views of Southampton Water and the passing cruise liners, making it a highly memorable place to play a round.
How to Get to Dibden Golf Centre
- By Car: Take the A36 west out of the city centre toward Totton, following the A326 south down the Waterside toward Hythe and Dibden. Turn onto Main Road; the venue features a massive, free car park on-site.
- By Ferry & Bus: Take the scenic Hythe Ferry from the Town Quay, then catch a quick local bus or enjoy a pleasant walk straight to the clubhouse gates.
Hello Southampton Tips
- Be prepared to play in windy conditions, as the coastal location next to the water can heavily affect ball flight.
- Utilise their modern, floodlit driving range to practice your technique on dark winter evenings.
- Opt for the shorter 9-hole course if you are looking for a quick and casual practice session during the week.
- Hire one of their modern buggies to help you navigate the highly undulating fairways with absolute ease.
- Visit the spacious clubhouse terrace after your round to enjoy a cold drink with great views overlooking the greens.
Which Golf Course in Southampton Should You Choose?
The best golf course to visit near Southampton depends entirely on your skill level, budget, and the type of landscape you prefer.
If you are looking for a prestigious, historic championship challenge on a Top 100 heathland course with fast greens, booking an exclusive tee time at Stoneham Golf Club is our premier recommendation. For a highly modern, polished parkland experience nestled next to a luxury cricket stadium, Boundary Lakes Golf Course is exceptional.
If you want an affordable, completely public pay-and-play experience on a historic layout with a fantastic community atmosphere, Southampton Municipal Golf Course is an unbeatable local choice. Golfers wanting a relaxed parkland round coupled with a high-tech driving range and post-game dining should head to Chilworth Golf Club.
If you want to choose between multiple layouts and enjoy a drink inside a beautifully converted 16th-century barn, book a tee time at East Horton Golf Club. Short-game enthusiasts who want to hone their iron precision on a pristine, Henry Cotton-designed par-3 course will fall in love with Ampfield Golf & Country Club. Finally, for stunning coastal views of Southampton Water and the New Forest, Dibden Golf Centre is a spectacular option.
Looking for More Active Indoor Fun?
If you want to enjoy a lively night of cosmic bowling, upgrade to a luxury VIP lane, or tackle high-tech arcade games with friends and family, check out our guide to the best bowling in Southampton for the perfect group outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most prestigious golf course in Southampton?
Stoneham Golf Club is widely considered to be the most prestigious, consistently ranking among the Top 100 heathland courses in England.
Are visitors allowed to play at private clubs in Southampton?
Yes, most private clubs like Stoneham and Boundary Lakes welcome visitors, though tee times are usually limited to specific weekdays and must be booked well in advance.
Is there a fully public golf course in Southampton?
Yes, Southampton Municipal Golf Course (affectionately known as “The Muni”) is completely public, offering affordable pay-and-play rates for everyone.
Which golf course near Southampton is best for beginners?
Ampfield Golf & Country Club is fantastic for beginners, as its pristine Henry Cotton par-3 layout allows players to focus on short-game accuracy without the pressure of long par-5 fairways.
Can you rent golf clubs and buggies at these courses?
Yes, major centres like Dibden Golf Centre, East Horton, and Boundary Lakes offer complete hire services, including GPS-fitted buggies, trolleys, and clubs.
Does Southampton Municipal Golf Course have a driving range?
No, “The Muni” does not have a driving range on-site. However, nearby Chilworth Golf Club features a brilliant, floodlit driving range perfect for pre-round practice.
