| The Grove in a Snapshot |
| – Former host of the World Golf Championships – eventual winner Tiger Woods |
| – Member of the Leading Hotels of the World |
| – Award-winning Sequoia Spa |
| – Three top-class restaurants |
| – 17 minutes from London Euston |
The Grove labels itself as “London’s Cosmopolitan Country Estate” – and when you get there it’s easy to understand why. You’ll find it hard to believe that The Grove, formerly the home of the Earl of Clarendon, is just 30 minutes from Heathrow, 17 minutes from London Euston and 3 minutes from the M25!
First off we’ll take a look at The Grove’s magnificent championship track – one of England’s finest luxury golf courses – which is renowned for its all-year-round immaculate conditioning.
The course, which opened in September 2003, was designed by the renowned golf course architect Kyle Phillips whose creations include the epic Kingsbarns Golf Links in Scotland and the stunning Yas Island Links in Abu Dhabi. Troon Golf manages the golf operations at this marvellous resort, and they’ve really helped preserve the quintessentially “English parkland” feel of the estate – something which can be very hard to come by.
The fairways are lush and thickly grassed, so the ball usually sits up proudly – this in turn gives the average golfer a bucket load of confidence and every chance to make solid contact with the ball.
Since its opening The Grove has also played host to some major golf tournaments including the 2006 World Golf Championships – the first time that the American Express event had been held in the UK – with a certain Mr Woods dominating the field to claim the 2006 title. So why not follow in Tiger’s footsteps and take on The Grove yourself?
The track measures a hefty 7,150 yards from the back tees, however the four large teeing areas on each and every hole mean that the course can cater for all golfing standards – reducing the length all the way down to 5,500 yards from the front tees. The putting surfaces, which are undulating and raised, are simply magnificent – lightening quick and very true. There’s no blaming the greens for your three putts here! But if you do miss the green with your approach shot, your short-game will need to be on tip-top form to negotiate the tricky slopes.
Measuring 7,150 yards from the back tees, The Grove can be a bit of a monster, however various tee options allows golfers to play the course from as little as 5,500 yards.
In terms of a signature hole it’s difficult to pick one, because they are all equally as good. However if you had to choose the best looking it might just have to be the 13th – a long downhill par-3 which is guarded by five greenside bunkers. If you’re feeling brave you could have a go at carrying a long iron all the way, but the conservative option would be to aim right and hope the slopes get you near. To the left of the green there is a big bridge which you will need to cross in order to get to the 14th tee. A truly stunning sight from the tee.
Who’d have thought you could reach a stunning course like The Grove in just 17 minutes from central London!
But you don’t have to take my word for it, here’s what Ernie Els had to say about The Grove after competing in the 2006 WGC there:
“I loved The Grove. Let me tell you, it is very, very impressive. I would love to say it’s the best-conditioned golf course in Europe, certainly from my experience. Everything was perfect; the course is great, the tees, fairways and greens were incredibly manicured and the practice facilities were amazing. And the food we had at the club all week was magnificent. This was the benchmark for how a tournament should be. It was that good.”
Now onto the accommodation – the 217 5* rooms and suites at the “London’s Country Estate” are split between the magnificent Mansion House and the modern and chic West Wing. The Mansion House is home to 26 rooms and suites; this Grade II Listed mansion harmoniously blends characteristics of period style and original modern art and furnishings. Alternatively you may choose to stay in the contemporary West Wing, which extends into the stunning gardens towards Sequoia Spa. The modern option at The Grove boasts 191 spacious, opulent rooms which are perfect for a luxurious golf break.
Each of the sumptuous rooms at The Grove boast a 42-inch plasma screen TV, Bose iPod docks, complementary Wi-Fi and even a free daily platter of fresh fruit and water.
Whilst you’re at The Grove it would be rude not to spend an afternoon at the award winning Sequoia Spa. Escape the stresses and strains of everyday life by experiencing one of a number of intuitive ESPA treatments, including: facials, body treatments, body massage, manicures and pedicures, waxing and make-up and Sequoia signature spa treatments. Or if you would just prefer to relax, then why not do so in the sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi or one of the swimming pools. Amazingly, The Grove also has a beach! Located in the Walled Garden it’s the perfect place to enjoy a BBQ, refreshing drink and partake in a game of volleyball or even build a sandcastle.
Now I’m not sure of the exact numbers, but there can’t be many inland resorts in the UK which are able to boast a beach as one of their attractions.
Not only does The Grove brag an award-winning spa, world-class accommodation, a beach and a championship golf course, but it also has a multitude of dining options to experience. Choose from gourmet to homely, 10-course to the lightest of snacks; morning, noon and night. There are 70 chefs at The Grove, each as passionate about food as the next. All the ingredients, which are used to make the delicious dishes, are locally sourced and some are even grown on-site in the Walled Garden. Colette’s (a 3AA Rosette establishment) serves fine-dining options where as The Stables offers rustic food for hungry golfers. The Glasshouse is an experience in itself – here chefs prepare mouth-watering food before your very eyes. The Lounges is also on hand for a relaxing drink or a spectacular showpiece from the pastry Head Chef.
Experience the tasting menu at Colette’s, a 10 course extravaganza with expertly paired wine, a creation thoroughly deserving of its three AA Rosettes.
So if you’re thinking about a luxury golf break, in or around the London area, look no further than The Grove. Packages start from just £160 – includes: 1 Night B&B and 1 round on the brilliant championship course which is almost guaranteed to be in tip-top condition for your visit.