There are few golf resorts in the UK that can compete with what’s on offer at Celtic Manor. The main attraction at this top resort just over the border in Wales is undoubtedly the Twenty Ten course which was purpose built for the 2010 Ryder Cup. While this course alone is reason enough to make the pilgrimage to Celtic Manor; it is not all this world class, all encompassing resort has to offer. A round on the Twenty Ten can be supplemented with another 18 holes on the gorgeous Montgomerie Course or the traditional Roman Road Course which was the resorts first. Then again you could go golf crazy and play all three! While it would be understandable to spend your entire time at Celtic Manor on one of the three first class golf courses you simply must venture into and explore the fabulous Resort Hotel to experience and fully appreciate all that the resort has to offer.
Resort Hotel
Approach Celtic Manor from any direction and the magnificent Resort Hotel will suddenly loom large atop a hill overlooking all that surrounds it. Just the sight of this imposing building will set the pulse of any avid golfer racing. When you arrive at the doors the efficient valet service will see your car whisked away…not to be seen again until you check out. Check in and you are greeted with the warmest of welcomes from the amazingly friendly staff who will bend over backwards to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
Each one of the lavish guestrooms has all the modern amenities you may require and your time in your room is as comfortable and relaxing as it could be. But let’s be honest…you didn’t come all the way to the UK’s top golf resort to stay holed up in your room!
To start your golf break off with a bang and get yourself into the holiday mood head to the Forum Health Club & Spa where you can relax in ultimate luxury. Start off in one of the jacuzzis followed by a dip in the plunge pool. That will get your bodies attention before you head for a session in the heat of the sauna and the steam room. Once you have worked up enough of a sweat in there you can take a dip in the swimming pool before heading back to the changing rooms where it would be rude not to hop back into the jacuzzi and the plunge pool one last time! Whatever order you decide to experience the spa facilities in you will be sure to leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated; ready for the golfing delights ahead.
Of course a five star hotel experience wouldn’t be complete without a collection of top class restaurants and bars of which there are plenty at Celtic Manor. For fine dining head to The Crown Restaurant or for something more relaxing and equally delicious there many options including the stylish Merlins Bar and the Olive Tree.
The nearby Manor House is the perfect complement to the new hotel; since the early 1980s it has been recognised as one of Wales’ finest places to stay, and was awarded Egon Ronay’s top prize for five consecutive years. The 70 guest rooms and suites have retained the character of the 19th century property itself, which sits amidst beautifully manicured gardens. Inside the Manor, guests can choose to drink or dine in The Patio Restaurant, the Cellar Bar or Hedley’s, the Manor Bar.
Twenty Ten Course
Built at the bottom of the valley, the purpose built Twenty Ten Course has an exclusive aura about it and for any golfer the ride down to the clubhouse is filled with excitement and anticipation. World class practice facilities await those who are after a well advised warm up and then it’s off to the first tee. With Ryder Cup memories on show throughout the course, will you be a fist-pumping McDowell holing a putt on the 16th or a chip-duffing Mahan on the 17th? Hopefully you’ll be doing a McDowell but perhaps a Mahan is more likely! With the course measuring 7,469-yards from the Championship markers, every part of your game needs to be sharp to score well here. Long straight drives are important as deep rough and an endless array of water hazards await those stray tee shots. Next up is the approach shots which again have to be accurate as perfectly manicures greens are large, undulating and well protected by bunkers and well designed run off areas. The 18th hole is the perfect way to end the round and will require three solid shots to reach the green. If you are travelling in a group the clubhouse is the perfect place from which to cheer or jeer your playing partners as they put the finishing touches to their rounds.
Montgomerie Course
European Tour and Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie has forged a strong reputation as a course designer over recent years and his design at Celtic Manor is a truly remarkable one. Severe undulations, massive putting surfaces and thick rough make for a dynamic and interesting golfing experience. Highlights of the round are the par 5 3rd which drops steeply away from the golfer and offers a great view of the Twenty Ten Course. Whether it’s your second or third shot, the approach into this green is an exciting one! The tenth is the most picturesque on the course and requires a well placed drive and a sensible and well struck shot to find the green. All in all the Montgomerie is a great golf course and unless you are a glutton for punishment you should hire a buggy…the walk will take it out of the hardiest of golfers!
Roman Road Course
Opened in 1995, The Roman Road Course was the resort’s first and was then ranked as the best inland golf course in Wales. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, The Roman Road was always destined to be a great golf course and through significant investment it has improved over the years and is now a recognised championship layout having played host to the Welsh Open in 2005 and 2006. Similarly to the Montgomerie Course, the par 5 3rd here is a stunner and is followed by a tough uphill par 4 where the longer hitters will fancy having a pop at the green. As with the other courses the Roman Road is always in superb condition and is an important part of the resorts portfolio and history.
Adventure Golf and Forest Jump
For an added adventure golfers can head for the Resort’s very own brand new Adventure Golf Course. Now open so even complete novices will get the chance to experience some of the most famous holes in golf, the fun putting challenge for all the family comprises two layouts of nine holes each – one based on a Celtic theme; the other replicating in miniature a selection of the world’s best known holes from famous courses including St Andrews and Sawgrass. If this doesn’t quench your thrill buds then head to the Forest Jump centre. Located in woodland within the Resort grounds, this exciting activity features both high and low ropes courses, bridges, walkways and challenging obstacles made from wood, rope and wire high in the treetops.
For information on Celtic Manor golf breaks please visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644.
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