Celtic Manor Resort (Montgomerie Course)

Links Thinking on Parkland Ground

The Montgomerie Course at Celtic Manor Resort opened in 2007, combining land from two earlier golf layouts. The front nine uses the opening and closing holes of the former Wentwood Hills course. The inward half crosses ground once occupied by the Coldra Woods academy course. Colin Montgomerie shaped these sections into one par-69 round.

Montgomerie's Scottish golfing background is clearest in the deep pot bunkers, which bring a links-style idea to open parkland. The land creates a different task through strong changes in height. Elevated tees send shots across valleys, and the shifting levels can alter both the view and the club required. The third hole was included in 1001 Golf Holes You Must Play Before You Die.

Wide views reach over the Usk Valley and towards the Severn Estuary. Those outlooks come with carries over lower ground and targets seen from changing elevations. The par-69 card still requires careful positioning, especially when a direct line brings the deeper bunkers into play.