A golf hole measuring 666 yards and called The Beast has been opened on the Hampshire/ Wiltshire border.

The hole is believed to be the only par 6 in the country.

It has already become hugely popular among societies and amateur players who visit Hamptworth Golf and Country Club to take it on.

The Wiltshire course, between Southampton and Salisbury in the north of the New Forest, was recently purchased by entrepreneur and golf enthusiast Carl Faulds.

He set about improving the popular course and was able to extend the yardage on the 16th hole to make it a par 6.

Those who ‘Beat the Beast’ by making a net birdie receive a certificate, and these have already become highly sought-after souvenirs.

The 18-hole course is 6,500 feet long and weaves through the trees on the sprawling Hamptworth estate.

Anyone can turn up and play a round and take on The Beast - then celebrate in the 19th.

Carl said: “We believe this is the only par 6 in the country and it has certainly attracted a lot of interest.

“Previously the hole was a 570 yard par 5 but unlike many clubs we had the space to take the tee back.

“We were able to extend it to 666 yards and we called in The Beast for obvious reasons. It actually plays longer than 666 yards because it is hilly.

“There are still several different length tees should people prefer to play the old par 5.

Hampshire Chronicle: Hamptworth Golf and Country Club managing director Carl Faulds. 

“It is incredibly popular, especially among the societies that visit us, and is attracting golfers who just want to play a par 6.”

The longest golf hole in the world is reputed to be a 1,097 yard, Par 7 at the Gunsan Golf Club in South Korea.