Southerndown is unique. Nature has crafted an unusual ‘limestone-heath’ on which we play our golf. The massive limestone outcrop, which rises over 70 metres from the sea and gives us such superb views, accounts for the course’s free drainage; the overlying soil supports acid-loving heathland vegetation such as heather, bracken and gorse; and the westerly winds have deposited centuries of sand to give the front eight holes a springy, links-style character.

This 'limestone-heathland-links' presented the original course architects with a unique tableau on which to work. Willie Fernie, Herbert Fowler, Willie Park, Harry Colt and Donald Steel - some great names in golf course design - have all played their part over the years in creating Southerndown as we know it today.