Designed by Kyle Phillips of Kingsbarns fame, The Grove is one of the Home Counties' big-name rounds, and it has the tournament CV to back it up. Tiger Woods won the 2006 American Express World Golf Championship here and the venue returned to the spotlight when Luke Donald hosted the 2016 British Masters after an eight-year absence from the European Tour schedule.
On the course, Phillips mixes mature woodland with open parkland and asks you to think your way round. Water is in play on key stretches, bunkering is placed to punish the lazy line and you'll score best by keeping the ball in position rather than simply sending it. When conditions are up, it can feel properly championship, especially if you miss the fairway and start coming in from the wrong angle.
Just off the M25, it's also one of the easiest top-end golf venues to reach from London and the airports, which is exactly why it works so well for a society day or a quick luxury escape that doesn't involve a long drive.
Who is this for? Golfers, societies and corporate groups who want a high-end UK golf day or weekend within easy reach of London.
Who is it best for? Mid-to-low handicappers who enjoy a strategic championship test, plus couples or mixed groups where the spa and facilities matter as much as the golf.
