Bowood Golf & Country Club

The moment you drive through the grand gates, and up the tree-lined drive, you know you are somewhere classy. The layout weaves its way through 2,000 acres of rolling Capability Brown parkland and is always immaculate, despite seeing a lot of traffic. Star holes come thick and fast but you’ll probably best remember the sharp dog-leg right par-4 2nd; the round really picks up once you reach the 3rd and 4th holes, and the memorable holes just keep on coming. The star holes are the 8th with a sharp dog-leg left and the 11th as you tee off from up on high. The snaking par-5 13th which demands a precise approach to a green tightly flanked by water on the right. Among Dave Thomas’ finest designs, Bowood is parkland golf at its very best, plotted on exquisite Capability Brown land lined by an assortment of mature trees, further protected by intriguing water features and trademark Thomas mounded bunkering.

More Top 2-FORE!-1 parkland courses

Click here to find out where Bowood ranks in Golf World's Top 100 Courses England

The region’s top championship golf course was designed by Dave Thomas. Measuring 7,317 yards from the championship tees, and always superbly presented, the golf course provides a great day out for both scratch and occasional golfers.

The former estate farmhouse, dating from the 18th century, has been lovingly converted into a superb clubhouse with exceptional facilities and an informal, relaxed atmosphere. Luxury accommodation for up to eight golfers is available at Queenwood Lodge and includes tea, dinner, golf and breakfast.

Bowood became associated with the PGA during 2019 and has now become the official PGA Golf Course and PGA Golf Academy for the South West of England.

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course has: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course has: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course does not have: Handicap

• 4.5 out of 5 Best in the West! 07 May 2007

  By Paul George

  This is the BEST course in the West when using a 2-fore-1 voucher, offering Superb value for money. Play this at least once to see. Can sometimes be very slow if following some of the elderly members making a round nearly 5 hours,,ugh The course itself is challenging to all levels, great surroundings... A group of us keep returning...

• 5 out of 5 In My Top 10 08 February 2007

  By Anonymous

  Undoubtedly the finest course in Wiltshire and one of the best in the South West, Bowood is always a test and even in the Winter months, is in very, very good condition. It's one of those rare courses where every hole offers the player something special, but the 8th, 11th, 12th and 15th holes are superb. The welcome is always warm, the service excellent and the atmosphere relaxed.

• 5 out of 5 fantastic 05 February 2007

  By Anonymous

  Bowood is a great course which is always in Tip Top condition (although I always play there in the summer). As soon as you drive down the tree lined driveway you know that it is a special place. The course itself is a really tough test and starts off fairly sedately but once you play the back to back par 5's (3rd and 4th) the great holes just keep on coming. Further to the previous review I would agree that the 8th and 11th are truly great holes but I would certainly add the 12th and 15th to that list. The clubhouse is extremely welcoming and I can certainly recommend the club sandwich and a pint of Black Cat. I have always played the course on a 241 basis which makes it amazing value.

• 4.5 out of 5 local but great 01 February 2007

  By Anonymous

  My local course (not a member) and by far and away the best course for miles. The course is a very true test and there are some cracking holes. My only warning is that if your not on top of your game beware this course will test you. The 8th and 11th are truly great holes.