The Telford Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort Review

Review by Golfshake Ambassador Mel Davies

Located on the outskirts of Telford and pretty equidistant to Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton, Telford Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort is easy to find and is also situated not far from the World Heritage site of Ironbridge Gorge.

The course itself is a parkland design that was inspired by Augusta National. Part of The QHotels Collection, it has plenty more than just golf to offer with 114 hotel rooms on site, a spa, gym, swimming pool and a great selection of establishments where to sit and have a meal and/or drink ... all with some great views outside.

Before describing the course, let's first take a look at the wider venue at Telford.

Accommodation

Boasting 114 rooms, of which the majority have recently undergone a renovation with the rest soon to follow, there is ample space for the largest of gatherings, whether it be golf, a wedding or a conference. The rooms themselves are everything you would want and expect, with plenty of space (especially to keep your clubs safe and warm). They are en-suite, which again is a good size, and each room can be made into a double or twin dependent on your requirements. They all have a very modern feel to them and offer up stunning views over the historic Severn Valley gorge or the course for those golf lovers.

Food

We were lucky enough to sample the delights of a full English breakfast buffet style in the very relaxed and comfortable restaurant. There was plenty of choice aside from that traditional offering, including pastries, cereals, juices and tea or coffee. I have to say the breakfast was one of the nicest I've had for a long time.

Facilities

The facilities on offer here really do cover it all. The golf course has an adjoining driving range with both undercover bays and also some grass areas to hit from, while next to that is the very well sized putting and chipping green. There are also numerous buggies for those wanting to take the weight off your feet.

The hotel itself has a newly refurbished gym with all the latest equipment following their recent upgrade. There is also one of the better sized swimming pools I've seen at a hotel with some relaxing mood lighting and also a steam room. 

The gym and the pool are all free to use as part of your stay. 

Finally, there is a spa for all your relaxing treatments, this however isn't part of your stay so you need to book and obviously pay extra for that service.

And - now, it's time to review the golf course.

Front 9 Overview

Situated a short walk from the range, we headed to the first tee and to what looked like a great opening hole - an inviting tee shot downhill to a decent sized fairway, which like all the holes here was tree lined. Straight away you get to see the large, sloping greens that hardly have a straight putt on them. 

Next up is a really good par 5 sweeping round to the left making placement off the tee imperative. You then come across a truly great stretch and mix of holes where accuracy rather than distance is in my opinion the order of the day. 

The 7th played really long for us into the wind and required a good hit to get to the green and walk away with a par 3.

The 8th and 9th are two great but very differing par 4s, which once again highlighted the wonderful design that was put into place at this course. The approach shot to 8 is one of the best approach shots you’ll have the pleasure to play.

Back 9 Overview

The back 9 is a bit more undulating than the front 9 and this throws up some very interesting shots and clubbing choices. The tenth sits right next to some lovely properties and is a challenging hole off the tee but does play downhill.

The 13th and 14th are again two very well designed holes that offer up the chance to show your prowess off the tee in avoiding well placed fairway bunkers. 

The 15th for me is the best hole on the course and a real risk reward for the bigger hitters. I really do love holes like this. 

The finish to the course is another fantastic par 3, followed by a wonderful looking par 5 going down then up and sweeping to the right, and then the finishing hole is a par 4 gently uphill to probably the biggest green on the course, which is again well protected by bunkers as is the case on most holes here.

At Telford, the highlights are the large, sloping but pure greens. All were in amazing condition and running at a really great pace.

Post-Round Thoughts

The course, given the very wet weather of the last week, stood up really well. Nice and lush fairways, receptive yet well paced greens really were on show.

The food we had was of the highest quality as were the drinks, all served in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The staff were very welcoming which was the same for everyone we came across.

Verdict

As with a large number of courses at this time of year (November), it plays a bit longer than it would in the summer, but it was still a very enjoyable round and I for one will definitely be returning. 

If you're looking for a place to get away, relax and unwind, Telford really does cover all bases.

Overall Rating - 9

Course (Conditions) - 9

Course (Hole Variety/Layout) - 10

Course (Green Condition) - 10

Course (Challenge/Difficulty) - 9

Club Facilities & Clubhouse - 10

Practice Facilities - 10

Friendliness/Hospitality - 10

Pace of Play - 10

Value For Money - 10