A milder than average UK climate means that the Isle of Wight is ideally placed as the South's premier, short break golfing destination. Boasting a total of 8 golf courses, all abilities are catered for from the low handicap weekend golfer to the occasional rusty swinger.

You can enjoy exhilarating downland courses with breathtaking views and fresh sea air, a round on a peaceful parkland course or just whack some balls at the floodlit driving range.

Full details of all the golf courses on the Isle of Wight can be found below.

Cowes Golf Club - Ward Avenue, Cowes

Found within the centre of the town, Cowes Golf Club is a pleasant flat parkland course. The Club is within 5 min taxi ride of Red Funnel’s Hi-Speed terminal and is quickly accessible from the vehicle ferry terminal in East Cowes via the floating bridge.

Most of the course offers stunning views of the Solent, which is usually dotted with sails and teeming with maritime activity. The 5,878 yard course offers the golfer many challenges. Bar and catering facilities are available for a mid or after round break. Societies are most welcome on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays by prior arrangement with the Secretary.

Telephone: 01983 292303

Freshwater Bay Golf Club - Military Road, Freshwater

One of only two 18-hole courses on the Island, Freshwater Bay is situated on Afton Down and offers sensational panoramic views of the Solent and the English Channel. A virtually unique downland links course on which Neolithic and Bronze Age Burial mounds form natural hazards on most holes. Listed in the top 40 winter courses in the country by Today's Golfer.

The site, owned by the National Trust, is a SSSI and a European Special Area of Conservation, home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. With arguably the finest beach on the Island not much more than a couple of par fives away, it is an ideal venue for all the family. Visitors and societies are always made most welcome.

Telephone: 01983 752966

Newport Golf Club - St George's Down, Newport

A delightfully scenic downland course. Nine testing holes worthy of any visiting golfer wishing to challenge their handicap. Make your visit to the Island a memorable one! A full and varied menu for your after or pre round meal is offered all year. Full bar facilities.

Telephone: 01983 525076

Osborne Golf Club - Osborne, East Cowes

Two holes opened by Royal Household in 1892. Extended to 9 holes by Osborne House Governor in 1904. Extremely pleasant course with some challenging holes. Glorious views and friendly atmosphere. Just one mile from Red Funnel's East Cowes terminal.

Telephone: 01983 295421

Ryde Golf Club - Binstead Road, Ryde

A delightful 9 hole undulating landscaped parkland course adjacent to the coastal path. Recently extended in length and now has an 18 hole par of 70.

Telephone: 01983 614809

Shanklin & Sandown Golf Club - The Fairway, Lake

A welcoming and hospitable Private Members Club founded in 1900, boasting excellent facilities for members and visitors alike. This County Championship Course is recognised for its natural beauty, spectacular views and its challenging qualities. The 5th and 13th holes are two of the best you will enjoy anywhere in the South of England. The course itself demands respect with accurate driving and careful club selection being the order of the day. It is worthwhile to check dates and times with the Club in advance of your trip, to avoid any possibility of disappointment.

Telephone: 01983 403217

Westridge Golf Centre - Brading Road, Ryde

Westridge Golf Centre is the Island's only pay as you play golf course (no booking is necessary), with extensive practice facilities, including the only floodlit driving range on the Island. A new state of the art teaching bay is soon to be installed with three qualified golf professionals already on hand to provide tuition.

The Centre also provides players with a vast selection of golf equipment from all the major brands with custom fit experts standing by to make sure the clubs you buy are right for you.

Telephone: 01983 613131

Ventnor Golf Club - Steephill Down Road, Ventnor

Situated on the side and ridge of the down. An energetic course with bracing air and panoramic views across the Island.

Telephone: 01983 853326