The Ultimate Golfer’s Guide to Cams Hall Golf Club

Cams Hall Golf Club stands as one of the most distinguished golfing destinations in the region. The club combines championship-level golf facilities with stunning views across the Fareham Creek, making it a premier choice for both seasoned players and newcomers to the sport. Members and visitors experience exceptional service standards that reflect the club’s commitment to excellence.

The facility offers comprehensive amenities that extend far beyond the greens. Members enjoy access to state-of-the-art practice facilities, a fully equipped health club, and relaxing spa facilities. The club also maintains strong environmental practices while hosting regular social events that bring the golfing community together throughout the year.

The Club at Cams Hall Estate

The Club at Cams Hall Estate has transformed into a premium destination that combines exceptional golfing with comprehensive leisure facilities. The establishment features an impressive 27-hole golf course complemented by extensive practice facilities, including a 200-yard practise area where golfers can perfect their skills from both grass and mat positions [1].

Golf and leisure facilities

The golf facilities include immaculate greens and a dedicated practice zone complete with bunkers and putting greens. Golf enthusiasts can access the driving range, where 30 balls are available for £3.00 [1]. The club caters to various event sizes, accommodating golf days for up to 200 guests, with dedicated event organisers ensuring seamless experiences [2].

Health club and spa offerings

The club’s recent transformation has introduced state-of-the-art health and wellness facilities. Members now have access to:

• A brand-new 16-metre indoor swimming pool
• Modern Technogym-equipped fitness centre
• Hydrotherapy pool with therapeutic features
• Sauna and steam room with ice experience
• Tranquil poolside garden with loungers
• Two exercise studios offering over 50 weekly classes [3]

The aqua facilities provide excellent low-impact workout options, with regular classes designed to improve muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness without stressing the joints [4].

Social events and networking opportunities

The Club at Cams Hall Estate excels in hosting various social and business functions. Two primary event spaces accommodate different gathering sizes:

The Harbour Room | 40 guests | 92 m² | | The Orangery | 120 guests | 198 m² [5] |

The club’s Orangery and Bar serve as sophisticated venues for relaxed dining and social occasions, offering seasonal dishes and refreshing drinks in an elegant setting [3]. Corporate clients can benefit from meeting spaces and team-building opportunities, combining business discussions with golf and leisure activities [2].

The establishment maintains a vibrant events calendar throughout the year, facilitating networking and socialising among members [3]. Whether it’s celebrating special occasions, hosting business meetings, or arranging award ceremonies, the dedicated events team ensures every gathering meets the highest standards of service and presentation [5].

Mastering the Course: Pro Tips and Tricks

Designed by the legendary Peter Alliss in 1993, the Creek Course at Cams Hall presents a strategic challenge that rewards thoughtful play and course management [6]. The 18-hole, par 71 layout stretches to 6,201 yards, offering a unique test of golf with water features on three sides of the property [7].

Expert advice from club professionals

Under the guidance of Head PGA Professional Sam Pleshette, golfers can access premium coaching services tailored to their skill level. The club offers comprehensive coaching packages:

 | Quick Tune-up | 30 minutes | £30 [8] | | Full Assessment | 1 hour | £55 [8] | | Intensive Package | 12 hours | £540 [8] |

For those seeking shared instruction, players can bring a friend and split the cost with just a 20% addition to standard rates [8].

Common mistakes to avoid

The course’s distinctive layout, featuring numerous doglegs and water hazards, requires careful navigation [9]. Common pitfalls include:

• Underestimating the impact of coastal winds on shot selection
• Aggressive play on dogleg holes where positioning is crucial
• Poor club selection around water features, particularly on the signature 16th hole [9]

Course management strategies

The Creek Course demands strategic thinking and precise shot placement. While it might appear shorter for big hitters, the numerous doglegs create a risk-versus-reward scenario on many holes [7]. The course maintains excellent playing conditions throughout the year, with consistent green speeds and well-maintained fairways [6].

Players should pay particular attention to:

• Ball Placement: The course rewards accurate positioning over raw distance [9]
• Green Reading: Subtle breaks and consistent speeds require careful attention [9]
• Weather Considerations: Coastal location means wind can significantly affect play [9]

Professional instruction is available through various formats, including individual sessions, shared coaching, and specialised packages focusing on specific aspects of the game [10]. The club’s Junior Academy, led by Assistant PGA Professional Stanley Garland, provides structured development opportunities for young golfers, ensuring the next generation masters the intricacies of this challenging layout [8].

Environmental Initiatives and Sustainability

Situated in an area of exceptional ecological importance, Cams Hall Golf Club demonstrates a remarkable commitment to environmental stewardship. The club’s location on the banks of the River Wallington, flowing into Portsmouth Harbour, creates a unique responsibility for preserving the natural landscape while delivering outstanding golfing experiences [11].

Wildlife conservation efforts

The club’s environmental significance is highlighted by its proximity to Fareham Lake, which holds multiple prestigious designations:

• Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
• Ramsar site designation
• Special Protection Area for nature conservation [12]

The surrounding woodland areas, including Cams Plantation and Bathinghouse Grove, are designated as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation in the Fareham Borough Local Plan Review [12]. These natural features contribute significantly to the area’s biodiversity while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the golf course.

Water management practises

The club implements sophisticated water management strategies throughout its operations. During recent renovation projects, a two-phase approach was adopted to minimise environmental disruption [13]. This careful planning included:

 | Phase One | Combined drainage and bunker reconstruction | Reduced hole closures and temporary alterations [13] | | Ongoing Maintenance | Hydroseeding practises | Efficient water usage in establishment areas [13] |

The maintenance team pays particular attention to water conservation, especially during the critical three-month grow-in period for renovated areas [13]. Some bunker areas, exceeding 300 square metres, require careful water management to maintain optimal playing conditions while preserving natural resources [13].

Eco-friendly course maintenance

The original course design demonstrated remarkable environmental consciousness, with carefully planned relief features to protect the setting of historic buildings [12]. This environmentally sensitive approach continues in modern maintenance practices, where the course’s natural “linksland” characteristics are preserved while implementing necessary improvements [11].

The club’s commitment to sustainable practises is evident in its recent renovation strategy, which includes:

• Strategic bunker positioning to enhance playing experience while minimising environmental impact
• Careful integration of drainage systems with existing landscape features
• Preservation of natural viewscapes across Portsmouth Harbour [12]

The maintenance team, led by Head Greenkeeper Chris Greest, ensures the courses remain in excellent condition throughout the year while adhering to environmental best practices [6]. This balance between playability and conservation has created a golf facility that serves as both a premier sporting venue and a guardian of local ecological heritage.

The club’s location provides stunning views of Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower and the surrounding marina [6], demonstrating how thoughtful design can integrate world-class golfing facilities with natural landscape preservation. This approach has not only maintained but enhanced the unique character of the Estate, contributing significantly to the conservation area’s distinctive appeal [12].

Planning Your Visit to Cams Hall Golf Club

Preparing for a round at Cams Hall Golf Club requires attention to timing, proper attire, and adherence to club protocols. The club welcomes visitors throughout the year, offering beautifully maintained courses in both summer and winter, thanks to its excellent coastal drainage system [14].

Best times to play

The Pro Shop operates with seasonal hours to accommodate golfers throughout the year. During the main golf season, it’s open from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week [15]. Winter hours adjust according to daylight availability, ensuring optimal playing conditions for members and visitors alike.

For the most enjoyable experience, visitors should plan to arrive at least one hour before their scheduled tee time [16]. This allows ample opportunity to:

• Warm up at the practise facilities
• Enjoy refreshments at the clubhouse
• Check in with the starter
• Familiarise themselves with daily course conditions

What to bring and dress code

The club maintains strict dress code requirements to uphold its professional atmosphere. Essential attire includes:

| Required Items| Collared shirts with sleeves | Proper golf shoes | |Tailored shorts or trousers | Smart casual wear |

 | Prohibited Items | Denim clothing  | Tracksuits| Football/Rugby shirts |Trainers [14] |

Players should ensure they have all necessary equipment, including:

• Golf clubs and balls
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Valid identification
• Payment method (Visa, American Express, or Mastercard accepted) [17]

Local rules and etiquette

The club emphasises proper etiquette to ensure an enjoyable experience for all players. Key protocols include:

1. Arrival Time: Players must present themselves to the starter 10 minutes before their tee-off time [14]
2. Pace of Play: Four-ball groups are expected to complete their rounds in 4 hours [16]
3. Course Care Requirements:

• Repair pitch marks
• Replace divots
• Rake bunkers after use [16]

Visitors have the flexibility to play from any set of tees, allowing them to choose the most appropriate challenge for their skill level [16]. The club encourages “Ready Golf” to maintain smooth play flow, and faster groups should be allowed to play through when appropriate [16].

The club’s Local Rules are prominently displayed in the clubhouse, and all players are required to familiarise themselves with these guidelines before beginning their round [14]. These rules help maintain the course’s excellent condition and ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

For optimal course management, players should pay particular attention to:

• Following the guidance of on-course marshals
• Maintaining pace with the group ahead
• Observing all posted signage and directions
• Keeping equipment carts away from greens and tee boxes

The Creek Course, measuring 6,201 yards, and the Park Course, at 3,202 yards, are both maintained to exceptional standards year-round [14]. The Park Course, featuring two par 5s, two par 3s, and five par 4 holes, offers particularly good value for those seeking a shorter round [14].

Conclusion

Cams Hall Golf Club stands as a remarkable example of how traditional golfing excellence meshes with modern amenities and environmental responsibility. The club’s comprehensive facilities, from its challenging 27-hole layout to state-of-the-art health club amenities, create an exceptional experience for members and visitors alike. Professional instruction, strategic course design, and meticulous maintenance standards ensure golfers of all abilities can enjoy and improve their game within this prestigious setting.

The careful balance between sporting excellence and environmental stewardship sets Cams Hall apart from typical golf establishments. Members benefit from world-class practice facilities and leisure amenities while participating in the preservation of protected wildlife areas and sustainable course management practises. This thoughtful approach to combining premium golf, comprehensive leisure facilities, and environmental consciousness creates a truly distinctive club atmosphere that rewards repeated visits throughout the year.

References

[3] – https://www.theclubatcamshallestate.com/health-and-fitness/
[4] – https://www.theclubatcamshallestate.com/health-and-fitness/swimming/
[5] – https://www.theclubatcamshallestate.com/functions-and-events/
[6] – https://www.thesocialgolfer.com/golf-courses/united-kingdom/hampshire/cams-hall-estate-golf-club
[7] – https://www.golfpass.com/travel-advisor/courses/32683-cams-hall-estate-golf-club-creek-course
[8] – https://camshall.intelligentgolf.co.uk/golfcoachingandclubrepairs
[9] – https://www.golfshake.com/course/view/14191/CamsHallEstateGolfClub.html
[10] – https://www.theclubatcamshallestate.com/golf/golf-lessons/
[11] – https://www.gaunt-golf-design.com/cams-hall/
[12] – http://moderngov.fareham.gov.uk/Data/Executive/20080107/reports-public/MFR-070911-Draught%20Cams%20%20Hall%20CA%20-%20final%20version.pdf
[13] – http://www.greenkeepingeu.com/the-club-company-carries-out-renovations-with-john-greasley/
[14] – https://www.teetimes.co.uk/courses/cams-hall-estate-golf-club-park-course/684
[15] – https://www.teetimes.co.uk/courses/cams-hall-estate-golf-club-creek-course/665
[16] – https://camshall.intelligentgolf.co.uk/whs–coursesloperating_tables
[17] – https://www.golfnow.co.uk/tee-times/facility/14941-cams-hall-estate-golf-club-park-course/search