Business Details
Premier Golf Course in Gosport Since 1885
Established in 1885, Gosport & Stokes Bay Golf Club holds a distinguished place in the history of English golf. Originally founded as the United Services Golf Club to serve military officers in Portsmouth, we transitioned to our current name in the mid-20th century as our membership expanded beyond the armed forces. Our 9-hole links course, featuring 18 tees and 11 greens, was the birthplace of the term 'Bogey' in 1890, a legacy that underscores our pioneering role in the sport. The course, originally laid out on Haslar Common, has evolved through drainage improvements and land adjustments while maintaining its challenging character. Today, we offer a unique golfing experience with panoramic views of the Solent and Isle of Wight, combining historic tradition with modern course management.Our irrigation systems and dedicated green staff ensure optimal playing conditions year-round. We welcome both visitors and members, providing access to one of Hampshire's most demanding yet rewarding courses. With a centenary celebration in 1985 and continued global recognition, we remain committed to preserving our heritage while embracing contemporary golfing standards. Our club facilities cater to diverse golfing needs, from casual play to competitive events, reflecting our enduring commitment to the sport since Victorian times.
Services
Green Fees
Membership Applications
Course Hire
Golf Lessons
Club Events
Highlights and features
- We offer a historic links course established in 1885
- Our course features the origin of the 'Bogey' concept
- We provide panoramic coastal views of the Solent
- Our dedicated green staff maintain championship conditions
- We welcome both members and visiting golfers
What people say
Breathtaking Solent views
Unique 18-tee configuration
Rich golfing heritage
Challenging links layout
Warm welcome received
Services
Golf Course
Our historic 9-hole links course features 18 tees and 11 greens, offering varied challenges for golfers of all abilities. Originally established in 1885 on Haslar Common, the course maintains its traditional character while incorporating modern drainage and irrigation systems. The layout provides spectacular coastal views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, creating a unique playing environment that combines natural beauty with technical demands.
Membership
We offer membership opportunities to golfers seeking regular access to our historic links course. Members enjoy priority booking rights, participation in club competitions, and access to our centenary-celebrated facilities. The application process considers both individual golfers and affiliated groups, maintaining our tradition of welcoming players who appreciate challenging coastal golf since Victorian times.
Green Fees
Visitors can book tee times on our historic links course that originated the 'Bogey' concept. The green fees grant access to our 9-hole layout with temporary fairways and preferred lies during specific seasons. We accommodate visiting golfers seeking to experience Hampshire's coastal golfing heritage while maintaining course quality through managed play conditions.
Club Events
We host regular golfing events that celebrate our 135-year heritage while fostering contemporary competition. The calendar includes traditional tournaments and special occasions that reflect our role as pioneers of English golf. Events utilise our flexible 18-tee configuration, allowing diverse format competitions while preserving the course's historic character and challenging nature.
Course Hire
Our golf course and club facilities serve as venues for special events beyond regular play. The location offers unique opportunities for corporate hospitality and private functions with coastal vistas. The course's historical significance as the birthplace of the 'Bogey' concept adds distinctive character to events hosted at this Victorian-era golfing landmark.
People
Paul Bearman
President
Overseeing club governance with extensive experience in golf administration, Paul ensures our historic traditions align with modern golfing standards while maintaining our coastal course's unique character.
Sue Tosdevin
Club Manager
Managing daily operations with professional expertise, Sue coordinates course maintenance and visitor services, ensuring our 135-year-old club maintains championship standards while welcoming new golfers to England's south coast.
Ian Osborne
Chairman of the Greens
Leading course maintenance efforts, Ian supervises the green staff responsible for preserving our links' challenging conditions, implementing irrigation systems that sustain the historic layout through changing environmental conditions.
Karen Brotherton
Club Welfare Officer
Ensuring member wellbeing and safeguarding standards, Karen maintains our inclusive environment that has welcomed golfers since 1885, balancing traditional values with contemporary club management practices.
Dean Smith
Club Captain
Representing playing members as current captain, Dean promotes golfing excellence on our challenging links, continuing the leadership tradition established when the 'Bogey' concept originated at our course in 1890.
Questions
What makes your golf course historically significant?
We originated the 'Bogey' concept in 1890, making us one of England's most historically important links courses with documented golfing heritage.
Can visitors play without membership?
Yes, we welcome green-fee players year-round, offering access to our challenging 9-hole layout with panoramic coastal views for visiting golfers.
How does the course adapt to seasonal changes?
We implement preferred lies on specific areas and use temporary fairways during wet seasons to maintain playability while protecting the course.
What facilities do you offer for events?
Our club provides venue space for golf-related functions and special occasions, combining historic character with coastal vistas for memorable events.
How has the course evolved since 1885?
Originally on Haslar Common, we've adapted through drainage improvements and land changes while preserving our challenging links character and 18-tee configuration.
What visitor services do you provide?
We offer tee-time bookings, equipment advice, and local golfing information to ensure visitors experience the best of our historic coastal course.
