Sandford Springs Golf Club offers 27 holes across three distinctive nine-hole loops – Park, Woods and Lakes – amid the rolling Hampshire countryside around Watership Down. The flexible layout is particularly well suited to golf breaks and societies, allowing groups to create different 18-hole combinations over several rounds rather than playing the same course each day.

The Park Course is the most open of the three, but exposed higher ground means prevailing winds can give parts of the nine a links-like feel. Ditches crossing the fairways encourage careful club selection and create several tempting risk-and-reward opportunities. Its standout hole is the downhill 317-yard par-four 9th, where an accurate tee shot sets up an approach to a green protected by two lakes and greenside bunkers.

The Woods Course changes the character completely. Mature trees create tighter corridors, while sloping lies, changes in elevation and demanding greens put a greater premium on accuracy. The 355-yard par-four 13th is one of the most memorable holes, dropping into a valley before golfers face an approach over water and a deep bunker.

The Lakes Course provides perhaps the sternest challenge. Water is a constant feature, with a particularly demanding opening stretch. The par-three 21st measures 205 yards, requiring a carry across a large lake to a bunker-protected green bordered by woodland.

Practice facilities include an eight-bay, 250-yard covered driving range, alongside a well-stocked Pro Shop and clubhouse. Significant investment has also been made in drainage and irrigation, with Sandford Springs stating that it plays at full length through winter without temporary greens or trolley bans.

With a four-star hotel directly on site, Sandford Springs is an excellent choice for a Hampshire golf break, particularly for groups wanting varied golf, attractive countryside and easy stay-and-play convenience in one location.