The Grove

Two Levels Across the Estate

The golf course at The Grove opened in September 2003, with Kyle Phillips using 300 acres of Hertfordshire estate land around existing trees and preservation constraints. He worked with broad natural contours and well-draining soil to create room between holes while keeping the historic estate visible from several parts of the routing.

The course moves between two levels. Early holes descend from higher ground to a lower shelf, then the seventh begins the climb back towards the hotel. The inward nine follows a related pattern, falling again from the 13th before rising towards the 18th. This movement changes the elevation of approaches and how much of each target golfers can see.

Raised, undulating greens and closely mown run-offs place much of the challenge around the putting surfaces. Four teeing areas on every hole extend the course from 5,507 to 7,152 yards, allowing the design to suit varied golfers. The Grove later staged the 2016 British Masters, won by Alex Noren.