Top ten golf courses in Southampton

1. Southampton Golf Club

Designed by five-time Open Championship winner J H Taylor, Southampton Golf Club was established in 1935 and still remains one of the finest courses in the area today. It's also very central and relatively affordable, so perfect for those living in the city centre.

Postcode: SO16 7LE
Closest station: Swaythling
Cost of round: £22-27
Playing requirements: None
Website: Southampton Golf Club

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2. Stoneham Golf Club

Stoneham is made up of a combination of heathland and parkland landscape and plays 6,392 yards from the back tees. The course regularly receives glowing reviews and the clubhouse has great facilities, but it is one of the more expensive courses in the area.

Postcode: SO16 3TT
Closest station: Swaythling
Cost of round: £52-59
Playing requirements: Visitors welcome after 8.30am on weekdays, 11am on Saturdays and 10am on Sundays
Website: Stoneham Golf Club

3. Paultons Golf Club

Situated just outside the New Forest, you would be forgiven for thinking you were in the heart of it on this woodland and parkland golf course. And if you choose your tee-off time carefully, you won't have to pay over the odds for the privilege either.

Postcode: SO51 6AN
Closest station: Totton
Cost of round: £13-29
Playing requirements: None
Website: Paultons Golf Club

4. Chilworth Golf Club

Chilworth's 18-hole course has been gradually developed over the last 25 years, having started out as just a driving range. It is also located within a mile or two of the three main access roads, the M27, the M3 and the A33 from the city centre.

Postcode: SO16 7JP
Closest station: Swaythling
Cost of round: £19-24
Playing requirements: None
Website: Chilworth Golf Club

5. Romsey Golf Club

Romsey Golf Club can be found just on the edge of Southampton. At 5,718 yards it's not the longest around, but if you miss the tree-lined fairways then you could find yourself in trouble.

Postcode: SO16 0XW
Closest station: Redbridge/Romsey
Cost of round: £30-40
Playing requirements: None
Website: Romsey Golf Club

6. East Horton Golf Club

Set on a 260-acre site in the Hampshire countryside, former Ryder Cup player Guy Hunt redesigned this 6,186-yard course in 2009. The 160-yard carry over the water on the par-three 17th is sure to provide a test for the nerves.

Postcode: SO50 7EA
Closest station: Hedge End
Cost of round: £20-30
Playing requirements: None
Website: East Horton Golf Club

7. New Forest Golf Club

As its name suggests, this course is in the heart of the lush New Forest, but beware of the wildlife and general public wandering across the fairways!

Postcode: SO43 7BU
Closest station: Ashurst New Forest
Cost of round: £10-25
Playing requirements: None
Website: New Forest Golf Club

8. Brockenhurst Manor Golf Club

Designed by Harry Colt - who also worked on Muirfield, Hoylake and Wentworth - Brockenhurst Manor is not cheap but it's easy to see why. The 6,222-yard course is made up of three six-hole loops that meander through the New Forest. And don't be surprised if you see a few different species of deer along the way.

Postcode: SO42 7SG
Closest station: Brockenhurst
Cost of round: £60-70
Playing requirements: None
Website: Brockenhurst Manor Golf Club

9. South Winchester Golf Club

South Winchester plays 7,086 yards off the back tees, so will test any player's long game. It was designed by Dave Thomas and Peter Aliss with the aim of creating an inland links feel. The course is set on a 210-acre site and is built upon fast-draining chalk soil, allowing it to be kept in good condition all year round. A luxury without the price tag.

Postcode: SO22 5QX
Closest station: Shawford
Cost of round: £35-45
Playing requirements: Visitors after 12pm at weekends
Website: South Winchester Golf Club

10. Ampfield Golf & Country Club

Ampfield is a par-three course at just 2,314 yards, so more suited to shorter hitters or those under time pressure. The course architect was triple Open Championship winner, Sir Henry Cotton, so don't be fooled into taking this one too lightly.

Postcode: SO51 9BQ
Closest station: Chandlers Ford
Cost of round: £13-15
Playing requirements: No visitors before: 10am (Mon), between 10am-11am (Tue), 10.30am (Wed), 8.30am (Fri)
Website: Ampfield Golf Club

And one to look out for...

The Ageas Bowl County Golf Club is currently undergoing development to turn it from a nine-hole into an 18-hole course. Here is the link to the website to keep up-to-date with developments: Hampshire CCC