The Grove Championship Golf Course Review

After celebrating its 20th anniversary last year, The Grove has risen to the top of many must play lists for golfers across the country. 

The combination of a championship golf course, practice facilities, a world class hotel, spa and dining options really does set the standard for what a modern golf resort should offer. The levels of service received is superior to anything you may have experienced anywhere else. 

The golf course itself has played host to a number of professional events, most recently the British Masters in 2016 - but may be most famous for holding the 2006 WGC American Express Championship - which was won by none other than Tiger Woods - in fact, make sure you take some time to look at the plaque on the 9th tee. 

Measuring up to 7,152 yards from the black tee - to 5,507 yards from the front tee - The Grove's par 72 layout offers a stiff test on a fairly undulating layout that can also be exposed to the elements. It's a joy to play, and get 'The Grove Experience' and one which Golfshake users would agree with, as the course sits firmly on the Highly Recommended list.  

Pre-Round Thoughts

The experience at The Grove starts as you pull up in the car park, as I was taking my bag out of the boot of my car, a member of the concierge team came over and offered to carry it over for me. It was only a short walk, but it was a nice touch. 

After a quick chat we were shown around the nice pro shop with loads of crested goodies available to remember the day. A short walk down the corridor to the changing rooms, looking at all the golfing photos and memorabilia along the way, where we also had been allocated our own locker for the day - another small easy thing to do that just adds that little bit extra to the experience. 

Inside the locker was a lovely crested valuables bag with some tees and a pitch mark repairer and this was also sat alongside a rather nice bag tag - that had been engraved with our names on - at this point you are feeling pretty good. 

The driving range and practice facilities are perfect, the matted bays are already equipped with a pyramid of balls - as an avid golfer, what is it that's so satisfying about a pyramid of golf balls?

After hitting a few - you will also notice the rather impressive tour truck at the end of the range which offers a tour standard fitting experience - you should also visit the rather large putting green which sit beside the 1st tee. 

The starter will also offer up some last minute advice, along with a course planner, some tees and pencils, before setting you on your way. 

Front 9 Overview

I like the opening hole. Nothing crazy length wise, but a slight dogleg from right to left with four well placed bunkers on the left-hand side of the fairway, means you think twice about taking on the corner and shortening the hole - smart play here would be a 3-wood/long iron to the heart of the fairway, leaving a slightly longer approach shot to get you off to a good start. 

A real tester comes at the 3rd hole. 428 yards from the medal tee (410 yards from the gold), the fairway pinches in at 220 yards and it's also protected by some deep looking fairway bunkers on the left. A small stream runs down the right too, meaning accuracy is vital off the tee. 

If you are able to find the short grass, then a challenging approach shot over the pond that sits between you and the putting surface awaits. Decision time, lay-up short of the water leaving a 50/60 yard pitch, or be the hero and take it on - there are 20 yards to play with over the water before the green. Fortune may favour the brave - a great hole. 

The first par 5 action arrives at the 6th hole, a fairly straight forward tee shot with a couple of bunkers to avoid down the right side - with some OOB just the other side of that too. 

The second shot is where the action happens - hitting into a square shaped green, with a selection of six bunkers to contend with and the pond sitting off the left, any shot pulled may find some serious trouble, but anything right will end up in some thick snarly rough - leaving a tough third shot, regardless of distance. 

After playing up the raised par 3 7th - take an extra club as the green slopes from back to front and anything half a yard out may end up being closer to you than the green - you will arrive at the 8th hole, which I felt definitely plays harder than stroke index 13 would suggest. 

The 8th tee is fairly raised and falls down to the fairway. The holes moves a tiny bit from left to right, but the very long green (just over 30 yards) is partially out of sight from the tee, so trying to cut the corner isn't the smartest play. 

If you are able to find the fairway, the second shot plays back up to a raised green, with three very deep bunkers waiting to catch anything short, it's a tough second shot to judge. Club up and good luck!

The 9th (it serves as the 18th in tournament play) is the hole Tiger Woods made famous for making three eagles and a birdie over four rounds in 2006 - there is a plaque on the back of the tee to commemorate his feat, make sure you check it out. 

Back 9 Overview

As with the opening 9, the back also starts with a relatively short par 4, this time in the shape of a right angled dogleg from right to left. 

The fairway runs out at 250 yards, so anything short of that from the tee will be good, however, the two tall sweet chestnut trees that sit either side of the fairway give the illusion of a much tighter shot between them, before having to avoid the five greenside bunkers that all sit short of the surface, running along the front. The second shot is also downhill slightly, so club carefully. 

The cracking par 3 13th hole can play anything from 244 yards to 139 yards depending on the tee of the day. It feels like an inviting tee shot, playing down to a green surrounded by five greenside bunkers - but there is a friendly gap at the front of the green for anyone who may need to run a tee shot up to the putting surface. Trust the yardage here though. Par is a great score. 

A couple of shorter par 4s follow at 14 and 15 - both offering up good birdie chances before the final par 3. 

The 17th is the final par 5. A fairly short offering too - under 500 yards from every tee box. In all honesty, two good straight shots up the hill will leave you a good chance yourself, the fairway bunkers may be more in play from the second shot than the first, depending on the distance you have. Anything short left on the second shot will end up on 'Bunker Hill' which as you can imagine, will not be pleasant. 

The finishing hole is another testing par 4 over 400 yards, playing uphill once again, but with the clubhouse in sight, and two well struck shots will leave you a good chance of a closing par and a sweet end to what will have been a fantastic round. 

Post-Round Thoughts

You can't not like the experience at The Grove. From the service, golf course, food, staff, everything here is done to the highest of standards. Even the club and shoe clean service at the end - which was a welcome addition. 

The course is great - maybe a good walk for some so buggy might be a the best option. 

Whilst the course can play tough - we had a very wet and windy day, but jumped forward a tee to maximise the enjoyment - it should be enjoyed by golfers of all abilities. When the rough is thick, it's a big defence of the course, as well as the well placed bunkers which are hard to avoid. And the large undulating greens will be hard to master, but they run perfectly and are in amazing condition - worth pointing out that whilst it rained, heavily, for the duration of our visit there was no standing water on the greens, they drain incredible well, meaning The Grove is playable all year round too. 

Verdict

I keep using the term 'experience' because what The Grove has to offer is far more than a round of golf.

From start to finish you get properly looked after. They know how to do customer service at The Grove and it's a place I couldn't wait to go back to, the moment I pulled away. 

More Than Just Golf

Hotel - The Grove also has an incredible hotel on-site, which boasts an outstanding selection of rooms, from bedrooms to suites all furnished impeccably, offering luxury in abundance. There are so many options to choose from, the best way to find your desired option would be to visit the website - where you will also find some special offers too. 

Spa - Another lure to The Grove is the Spa. Whether it's singular spa treatments, or a whole spa day, The Sequoia Spa plays host to a fantastic statement pool and jacuzzi - which is the size of a pool itself. 18 treatment rooms are available for any massage or facial of your choice. A perfect spot to relax and recharge. 

Dining - Wow, where do you begin. As with the rooms, there is so much to choose from at The Grove. Again, I will recommend the website as a point of call for all dining options, but here's a quick rundown: 

Starting with The Stables - this is the most popular spot for the visiting golfers, a great menu on offer here for either pre or post round, whether it's a breakfast, lunch or dinner.

A buffet option is available in The Glasshouse or if the taste of New Delhi is more to your liking then Madhu’s at The Grove may be a better option. 

Sushi, Afternoon Tea or The Sequoia Kitchen are all other options available, meaning there really is something for everyone on offer at The Grove, regardless of the reason for your visit.

Overall Rating - 9

Course (Conditions) - 9

Course (Hole Variety/Layout) - 8

Course (Green Condition) - 10

Course (Challenge/Difficulty) - 8

Club Facilities & Clubhouse - 10

Practice Facilities - 10

Friendliness/Hospitality - 10

Pace of Play - 9

Value For Money - 9