The 2018 tour, otherwise known as 'Billy's year', sees an inaugural visit to Dorset and Billy's long-cherished Isle of Purbeck. We have at least three full days of golf organised, with an option to play an additional round on the Wednesday.

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This year sees a return to hotel accommodation, this time in the centre of Bournemouth. The proximity to the sea means that we should be able to continue the tradition of a cold sea swim on the morning of the Masters.

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The customary 'international' match will take place on the Thursday at Parkstone Golf Club. a seaside heathland course 3 miles west of Bournemouth. Ranked 3rd in Dorset and 48th in England, it was originally laid out by Willie Park Junior in 1909 and then altered by the legendary James Braid in 1932. Peter Alliss became the professional at Parkstone in 1957 and remained at the club until 1970.

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Friday's Brown Jackets Open will take place at Broadstone Golf Club, the top ranked course in Dorset and 31st in England. Located 4 miles north of Poole, it is an outstanding heathland course often described as a shorter cross between Sunningdale and Walton Heath. First designed by Tom Dunn in 1898, it was later redesigned by one of the all-time greats, Harry Colt.

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The Brown Jacket Masters on the Saturday will take place at the stunning Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, located 3 miles north of Swanage. Ranked 5th in Dorset and 67th in England, this is another seaside heathland course with stunning views (the view from the 5th tee has been described as one of the most scenic tee shots in the whole of the British Isles). The course was founded back in 1892 and subsequently modified at the turn of the 20th century by Harry Colt (again!). Whilst not technically a 'championship' course (it is less than 6,300 yards), it represents a significant challenge, due in part to the fact that the course is set on high ground and is fully exposed to the winds.

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There is an optional round on the Wednesday at Ferndown Golf Club. Located 2 miles north of Bournemouth, it is ranked 4th in Dorset and 52nd in England. It is where Peter Alliss learnt his trade, as his father Percy was the professional here for more than 25 years. The heathland course was designed by one of the finest amateur golfers, Harold Hilton (who won the Open twice as an amateur), opening for play in 1914. Its immaculate grooming means that it is often bracketed alongside Augusta, thanks in part to the fact that they pinched Sunningdale's green keeper in 2014.

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Travel will be by train from London to either Bournemouth or Poole, although people are of course welcome to drive. The Bournemouth train goes from Paddington, whilst the Poole train goes from Waterloo. Please note that it is up to you to book your own train tickets and also note that the only available tee time on the Thursday (10.18am) means that you will need to catch a very early train (around 7am) if you are arriving on the Thursday morning.

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All nights will be spent at the same location, The Cumberland Hotel in central Bournemouth chosen by Billy.

 

The tour itinerary is as follows:

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Wednesday 12 September

• Travel down to Dorset for those arriving on the Wednesday - most likely Saunders and Sam, joined by DB and Andy in the evening

• Golf at Ferndown GC

• Head to accommodation in Bournemouth - The Cumberland Hotel

• Dinner at WestBeach at 8.45pm

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Thursday 13 September

• New arrivals to be clapped in: Billy, Lemon, Ricardo, Paddy and El Mel

• Drive/taxis to Parkstone GC

• 'International' match at Parkstone GC - tee booked from 10.18am

• Post-golf sarnies and beers

• Drive back to Bournemouth - The Cumberland Hotel

• Dinner at Lola's Spanish Tapas Bar at 8.30pm, with live Cuban music

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Friday 14 September

• New arrivals to be clapped in: Alex, Ian, Hobbo, Jono, Clive, Gilo and Vanessa

• Drive to Broadstone GC

• Open at Broadstone GC - tee booked from 12.28pm

• Drive back to Bournemouth - The Cumberland Hotel

• Dinner at The Brewhouse & Kitchen at 8pm, followed by the draw and auction

 

Saturday 15 September

• Drive to Isle of Purbeck GC

• Masters at Isle of Purbeck GC - tee booked from 11.00am

• Post-Masters shenanigans, then drive back to Bournemouth

• Dinner at Ojo Rojo at 8.15pm

 

Sunday 16 September​

• Everyone to make their own way home