AR
Set in 300 acres of historic Hertfordshire countryside, The Grove is one of England’s finest luxury golf escapes.
A former home of the Earls of Clarendon that was previously used by Queen Victoria as her country retreat, five-star service promises a first-class experience, and that’s even before you arrive at the first tee of the 7,152 yard layout.
Designed by the world renowned Kyle Phillips of Yas Links fame, The Grove consistently features in the most influential Top 100 rankings and tests, much like his Abu Dhabi masterpiece, every club in your bag.
Phillips takes up the story of the parkland gem, which is acclaimed for its year-round playing conditions.
“This was a classic English parkland site. When you look across the landscape here with the longer horizon lines and you walk through the holes, you start to recognise some interesting landforms, some more dramatic than others. These begin to affect how you think about strategy on a particular hole,” said the American architect.
“So, at a macro scale, the course looks rather sympathetic, but at a micro scale, it really takes on an interesting personality. And part of creating this was remaining responsive to the integrity of the historic landscape that was around it and, at the same time, achieving a great golf experience.” Mission accomplished.
The Grove first came to prominence in 2006 when, just three years after opening, it was selected to host the 2006 American Express Championship. It speaks volumes that it remains the only English venue to host a World Golf Championship event.
You’ll be able to channel your inner Tiger Woods during a visit, although you mightn’t quite be able to match the former world No.1’s winning 23 under par effort for an eight stroke win.
On his way to victory, Tiger famously scored three eagles and a birdie on the 567-yard, par 5 18th (now the 9th). Three plaques, all within 20 feet of each other, commemorate the feat by marking the spots where his three drives came to rest. Good luck trying to emulate even one of his stunning approach shots!
Another former world No.1, Luke Donald, chose The Grove 10 years later as the venue for the 2016 British Masters. It was won by the Swede, Alex Noren, who triumphed with an 18 under par total.
Ernie Els was part of the field and had this to say: “I loved The Grove. Let me tell you, it is very, very impressive. I would say it’s the best-conditioned golf course in Europe, certainly in my experience. Everything was perfect; the course is great, the tees, fairways and greens were incredibly manicured and practice facilities were amazing.”
The Groves’ official Golf Ambassador David Howell, well known to UAE golf as former winner of the Dubai Desert Classic, is another fan. “There are very few five-star pay and play golf venues in the UK that create a premium experience that is delivered in a relaxed, friendly way, but The Grove has been at the top of its game, delivering this day-in, day-out since opening in 2003.”
Stay & Play
Alongside the championship course, The Grove offers the blend of character and style you’d expect of a country estate – and a ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ property.
With 215 luxurious guest rooms, including 26 suites within the historic 18th Century mansion, guests are welcomed into an environment that weaves 21st Century living with the original period architecture.
There are three restaurants – each with its own bar – including the sophisticated fine-dining restaurant Colette’s, which is under the watchful eye of head chef Russell Batemen, the 2015 National Chef of the Year. Guests can also relax in one of the many lounges within the mansion with its beguiling mix of contemporary design and relaxed, friendly service.
After you round, keeping in mind you probably pushed a little to keep up with Tiger, why not enjoy the award-winning Sequoia Spa, where professional therapists revive golfers and their non-playing partners using Natura Bissé and ESPA products.
There’s also an indoor swimming pool at the spa designed to make you feel like you’re taking a secret midnight swim, while the sauna, steam room and vitality pool are the perfect place to relax after a personal training session in the gym.
We suspect, though, that you’ll want to spend most of your escape outdoors, either on Phillips’ memorable layout or exploring the estate’s network of trails by foot or bike. You’ll stumble upon The Grove’s famed ‘Walled Garden’, home to a 22m outdoor heated pool, tennis courts croquet lawn, and even a private beach.
Green fees vary from £165 (Sunday–Tuesday) to £189 (Wednesday–Saturday) but what never changes is the quality of the golf or the surrounding experience. With more than 30 flights a day from the Middle East landing at Heathrow, a 30-minute drive away, ‘London’s Country Estate’ is an even more alluring option for golfers looking to escape the mid-summer mercury.
