Manor of Groves Golf Club is located in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. The club is situated in a region known for its appealing landscapes and historical sites, making it an attractive destination for both local and visiting golfers.
Manor of Groves Golf Club prides itself on having supportive members and approachable staff. This community aspect plays a crucial role in the overall experience of members and visitors alike. It is noted that the club accommodates players with all types of handicaps, ensuring a welcoming environment for golfers of varying skill levels.
The club offers discounted green fee rates on selected dates and times throughout the year. Additionally, there are strong membership offers available in the first quarter of the year, accompanied by a Winter Special. This structured pricing strategy could be beneficial for both newcomers and long-term members, making it easier for them to access the club’s amenities. These periodic discounts and offers may also serve to attract new members, contributing to the overall growth of the club’s community.
Manor of Groves: Strategic Thinking and Technical Skill
The Manor of Groves course is designed to test every aspect of a golfer’s game. Whether deciding which club to use off the tee or determining the type of golf shot needed to approach the undulating greens, the layout challenges both strategic thinking and technical skills. The course offers a variety of holes, including short holes, dog-legs, wide fairways, narrow tee shots, and small greens. This diverse setup ensures that golfers face a range of scenarios, each requiring different techniques and strategies, thus enhancing the overall golfing experience.
A notable feature of the Manor of Groves Golf Club is the view it provides. Players can enjoy a scenic view of the green over the water with the hotel in the background. This aspect adds a visual appeal to the golfing experience, making sessions at the club both challenging and enjoyable from a landscape perspective. The combination of the course’s design and the surrounding aesthetic elements makes playing at Manor of Groves an engaging activity for all golfers involved.
Overall, the Manor of Groves Golf Club in Hertfordshire offers a comprehensive golfing experience. With its supportive community, strategic pricing, and challenging course design, it caters to a wide range of golfers. The scenic views and varied hole structures contribute to its appeal, making it a noteworthy option in the region’s golfing landscape.
Interview: The Manor of Groves Golf Club
In one sentence: What are you particularly proud of at your golf club?
We have fantastic supportive members and approachable welcoming staff.
Our golf course is particularly suitable for…
All golf handicaps.
What makes your signature hole special?
A fantastic view of the green over the water and hotel in the background makes it very pleasing on the eye.
The quick insider tip for your golf course is:
Keep your ball in play.
What special offers (green fee bargains, discounted memberships, etc.) or training classes does your golf club offer?
The Club offers discounted green fee rates on selected dates/times throughout the year. There is usually a very strong membership offer in the first quarter of the year along with a Winter Special.
Anything you would like to add?
The course will test every aspect of your game, whether its deciding which club to use off the tee to which type of golf shot to use approaching the undulating greens. The course offers a great mix of holes, short, dog-legs, wide fairways and narrow tee shots and small greens.
Mitchelstown Golf Club, located in Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland, is often referred to as one of the best-kept secrets in Irish golf. The club offers a serious challenge for scratch golfers, while remaining accessible to less experienced players using forward markers. Yardage knowledge is emphasized for a successful round at this course.
Open Competitions on One of Ireland Top Golf Courses
The fourth hole at Mitchelstown Golf Club is particularly noteworthy. It is rated among the top 100 best holes in Irish golf, highlighting the course’s complexity and distinctive design. Golfers can expect to be tested by its strategic demands.
Mitchelstown Golf Club actively caters to a broad range of players through its open competitions held every week. These events are designed to welcome both visitors and family friends, promoting a communal and inclusive atmosphere. New golfers are supported through special classes organized yearly, making it a welcoming environment for beginners.
The scenic beauty of the club’s location adds to the golfing experience. The course features views of the Galtee Mountains and includes holes that run along and across the Funcheon River. The natural surroundings provide a picturesque setting for players as they navigate the course.
In summary, Mitchelstown Golf Club combines a challenging layout with inclusive community events and beginner support. Its notable fourth hole, weekly competitions, and stunning natural scenery make it a unique destination for golfers in Ireland.Probably the best kept secret in Irish GolfSerious challenge for the scratch golfer but still suitable for the day tripper off the forward markersOur 4th hole is rated in the top 100 best holes in Irish golfKnow your yardageOpen competitions every week to facilitate the visitor and family friends. Special classes every year to facilitate beginners.Breath taking views of the Galtee mountains in the background and stunning holes along and across the Funsion river.
Headfort Golf Club is located in Kells, Ireland. It features two primary 18-hole courses: The Championship Course and The Old Course. This location has been recognized within the golfing community for its quality and offerings, hosting The Challenge Tour in both 2019 and 2023.
Headfort GC: A Club for Pros and Amateurs Alike
The Challenge Tour, known for showcasing developing talent, chose Headfort Golf Club for events in 2019 and 2023. This indicates the club’s readiness to accommodate significant golfing events and its esteemed reputation within the sport. Such events often draw attention to the facilities and overall experience provided to both players and spectators.
Headfort Golf Club offers year-round golfing options, allowing enthusiasts to play in different seasons. Weather conditions in Ireland can be variable, but the club ensures its courses are maintained and available across various times of the year. This all-season availability makes the club a reliable option for long-term and frequent players.
An added feature of Headfort Golf Club is the online green fee system that frequently includes restaurant credit for dinner after golf. This integration of dining with the golfing experience provides additional value and convenience for players. It also encourages longer visits where members and guests can enjoy both sporting and leisure activities without leaving the club premises.
The two courses, The Championship Course and The Old Course, serve different golfing preferences. The Championship Course typically caters to more competitive and high-stakes play, while The Old Course may offer a more traditional golfing experience. By providing diverse course options, the Headfort Golf Club addresses the varied preferences of its membership and visiting players, enhancing its attractiveness as a golfing destination.
In summary, Headfort Golf Club in Kells, Ireland, offers extensive facilities with its twin 18-hole courses and year-round playing capability. The club’s history of hosting The Challenge Tour underscores its position within the competitive golf landscape. Additional amenities such as the inclusion of restaurant credits with online green fees enhance the overall experience for its users, making it an appealing choice for golfers of different skill levels and preferences.
The Aroeira Challenge Golf Course. (Image: Aroeira Challenge )
The Aroeira Challenge is a golf course located in Charneca da Caparica, Portugal. Situated within a vast pine forest, this course is recognized for its diverse terrain and the variety it offers compared to its older sibling, the Aroeira Pines Classic.
Aroeira Challange – The Greens are not to mess with
The course design accommodates players of all levels and ages, featuring a range of tee options and five lakes that impact play on ten different holes. A distinctive element of the Aroeira Challenge is its large, undulating greens, which feature several levels. Among its holes, the 17th stands out as one of the most challenging. Measuring 430 meters with a par of four, this hole demands two quality shots to reach the green in regulation. The green itself is protected by a steep slope on the left and two bunkers on the right, emphasizing the need for precision. This makes the 17th hole the signature hole on the course, which was designed by Donald Steel.
Looking ahead, the Aroeira Challenge is slated for significant upgrades in 2025. Planned renovations include extensive work on the bunkers, tees, greens, course landscaping, and the irrigation system. These improvements aim to enhance the playing experience, ensuring that the course remains attractive and challenging for future players.
The combination of challenging holes, diverse terrain, and upcoming upgrades solidifies the Aroeira Challenge’s reputation as a noteworthy destination for golfers. The proactive approach to course maintenance and the commitment to improving player experience underscore its status in the golfing community.
The Aroeira Pines Classic Golf Course in Portugal. (Image: Azalea)
The Aroeira Pines Classic is located in Charneca da Caparica, Portugal, approximately 30 minutes from Lisbon. Situated in a vast pine forest, this golf course is renowned for its picturesque setting. The landscape and layout have often drawn comparisons to the prestigious Wentworth Club in England, earning it the nickname ‘the Wentworth of Lisbon’ among golf specialists.
Updates in Aroeira Pines – New Bunkers, Tees and More are Waiting
The course caters to golfers of all abilities and ages through a variety of tee options. It is known for being relatively flat, which provides an easy and pleasant walking experience for players. One of its standout features is the 14th hole, a par-three spanning 120 meters. This particular hole was not part of the original course but was added during a 1982 renovation. It requires players to execute a precise tee shot over a lake onto a small putting surface, adding a challenging yet rewarding element to the game.
Aroeira Pines Classic is also undergoing significant upgrades from June to October 2024. These renovations include comprehensive improvements to the bunkers, tees, greens, and course landscaping. Additionally, the irrigation system will be enhanced. These changes aim to elevate the playing experience further, ensuring that the course remains one of Lisbon’s premier golfing destinations.
The damaged greens at Prestwick St. Nicholas Golf Club. (Image: Reddit/@significant_scotland)
Prestwick St Nicholas is what is commonly known as the “Hidden Gem”. The second course at the birthplace of the Open Championship was also laid out by Old Tom Morris – for the tradesmen and labourers of the Scottish west coast town, who could not find a place at the posh Prestwick Golf Course. Old Tom was also only the keeper of the links at the PGC, but a member of “St Nics”, which is only a ten-minute drive from this year’s Open stage at Royal Troon and whose greens have recently been the victim of vandalism.
The security measures for the Open and the precautions against attacks by environmental activists, for example, have been stepped up again following this incident at the neighbouring site.
The Victoria Golf Club is situated in Valbonne, France. Nestled in the heart of a forest, the club offers a serene environment away from any disturbances, making it an ideal location for golf enthusiasts of varying skill levels.
Great Greenfee Deals at Victoria Golf Club in France
The golf course caters to both beginners and experienced players. Beginners can appreciate the diverse aspects of the game provided by the course layout, while more seasoned golfers can find it equally engaging. The course’s design ensures that every player can find their game challenged, no matter their proficiency level.
The Victoria Golf Club provides different playing options through various packages. The Albatros package costs 48 euros and includes one token, nine holes, and a meal. The Eagle package, priced at 49 euros, comprises nine holes and a golf cart. For those opting for the Birdie package at 30 euros, the offer includes one token and nine or more holes.
In summary, the Victoria Golf Club in Valbonne offers a picturesque setting perfect for both novice and advanced golfers. The club’s diverse packages provide flexibility and accessibility for all players, enhancing their overall golfing experience.
The Mendip Spring Golf COurse in Somerset. (Image: Mendip Spring)
Mendip Spring Golf Club is located in North Somerset, near the city of Bristol in the United Kingdom. This golf club offers a comprehensive facility with 27 holes, a driving range, and a hotel, catering to a variety of golfers.
Championship Course and Lakeside Course – Golf for Every Skill Level
The facility includes two distinct courses: The Brinsea Championship Course and The Lakeside Course. The Brinsea Championship Course is known for hosting professional tournaments. It provides a challenging experience for golfers of all abilities. One of its notable features is the Kenell 11th hole, which requires golfers to keep the ball in play from the tee for a good score. The Kenell 11th hole is renowned for its visual appeal and presents a substantial challenge to golfers.
The Lakeside Course, in contrast, offers a different test for players. It is designed to be accessible to golfers of all skill levels. This course provides an excellent opportunity for players to enjoy the game, regardless of their experience. Mendip Spring Golf Club aims to offer something for every golfer, ensuring that both courses meet various needs and preferences.
Imposing views to the Rock of Gibraltar and the clubhouse (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Ambitious for the future
The US Millenium Hospitality Group has big goals. With La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort, it wants to become one of the leading and most luxurious golf resorts in Spain. It has entrusted this task to the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Group, which is one of the most renowned luxury hotel brands worldwide.
The first steps have already been taken. The golf course, previously known as ‘Alcaidesa’, was rebuilt at a multi-million dollar cost and shines in a complete new splendour. The new, stylish clubhouse with its cool restaurant and the extraordinary beach club are already in place. The same goes for the huge driving range with new grass tees and the large putting, pitching and chipping area. Added to this is the already existing 18-hole Heathland Golf Course, so that the resort has two completely different golf courses.
By Easter 2024, a five-star hotel complex comprising 153 exclusive rooms and 51 villas is to be built on an area of 400 hectares. Several more villas, all with private pools, will be available for purchase. Various restaurants and bars will be part of the complex as well as swimming pools, a spa and fitness centre and event facilities. A halfway house is under construction on the newly designed links course.
Millenium’s plan to become the flagship in Southern Europe with the resort seems to be working, because they have already been accepted as a member of the European Tour Destinations and are happy about this seal of quality.
All in white
As soon as you enter the white clubhouse of La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort, shining in the sun, you sense something special. The arc of tension is slowly built up, starting on the steps to the entrance. It continues as you cross the huge entrance hall and ends in front of an infinity pool with a view of the Mediterranean.
Unique: infinity pool at the clubhouse Terrasse (Photo: La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort)
The modern pro shop offers everything you need on a round. The rental clubs are of the best quality. The first tees of the two courses are in opposite directions. We first play the Heathland Course, which leads into the hinterland.
The Heathland Course
The 18-hole Heathland Course was designed by former Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas. The par-72 layout has a length of 6,373 m from the back tees and features different landscapes. While holes 1 to 5 and 17 and 18 are located on a plateau and resemble a heath landscape, the other courses wind their way down into the valley with magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea, where several water hazards await.
This is also the case at the 13th, a par-5, where the tee shot has to be hit well in order not to land in the water hazard crossing the course head-on.
Challenging Par-5 on the Heathland Course (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Due to the sometimes considerable distances between the individual holes and the considerable differences in altitude, a buggy is highly recommended. Some of these are brand new and of course equipped with GPS.
Unique Links Golf Course
The next day we played the only links course in southern Spain. The origin of the course dates back to 1992 and was designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark. Its current redesign is due to the US-American Kurtis Bowman, who redesigned all greens and added several bunkers. The course was only opened this summer but is already in great condition.
The par-72 course has a sensational layout and is suitable for all handicappers. The course is teed off from four tees. Players with a handicap of less than nine are recommended to use the white tees. The course then has a length of 5,841 m. At the moment, there is no table of playing conditions. I play off the yellows and am looking forward to the 5.5 km journey ahead of me. I know of no other course in Spain that offers such sensational views. The Rock of Gibraltar, which is clearly visible on a clear day, keeps attracting attention on various courses and distracts from the game. We are lucky with the weather and after a short initial rainfall, we enjoy the sunshine on the rest of the round.
Tee off to enjoy (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The varied courses, the constant ups and downs and the great views over the course make the round of golf an unforgettable experience. Everything is extremely well-maintained and also perfectly matched visually.
The water hazards are impressively designed and interrupt the different shades of green of tees, fairways and greens with their brilliant blue. The course is not only great to play, but also meets the highest aesthetic standards. Some holes run directly along the sea.
Everything at its best (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Development is already encroaching on some of the holes. This will increase further with the Fairmont Hotel La Hacienda, which is being built in terraces level with the back end of the beach with the best views across the course to the sea.
Directly along the beach (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The palate will also be pampered
What could be better than finishing off a successful round of golf with a great meal and special drinks? The fact that this is possible at the resort is thanks to the Azotea Group. Behind it are the journalist Cristina Lasvignes and her husband José Manuel García. Among other things, they have founded various restaurants and bars in Spain under the Sal Verde brand that meet the highest standards.
Attractive location above the golf course (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
These include the Clubhouse Restaurant as well as the Arena Bar in the Beach Club, which is located directly below the golf course. Both combine a great ambience, the highest quality and outstanding creativity.
Arena bar at the beach club (Photo: Azalea)
Exceptional dishes and creative cocktails are created by the Michelin-starred Executive Chef Manuel Berganza and the renowned mixologist Luca Anastasio. The latter plays a special role in Sal Verde’s concept, because high-quality cocktails play an essential role in Sal Verde’s gastronomy concept.
Spectacular from the air as well (Photo: James Hogg)
Those who have a choice are spoilt for choice. Either you choose the Spicy Moscow Mule, the Senorita Margarita, the Amalfi Ten Tonic, the Galan or Paloma, or you try them all. With one exception, they were all new to me and impressed me as much as the menus of the latest Spanish star chef. The tuna tartare, popular in Andalusia, served here with truffles and spring onion dressing, melted in my mouth just as much as the mussels au gratin with spicy tomato sauce, to name just two of the various delicacies tasted.
As the Fairmont accommodation is still under construction, we are staying at the Aldiana Club near the golf courses while we get to know the new resort.
Adiós Aldiana Andalusia
The sun still rises every morning over the Aldiana Club Costa del Sol in Alcaidesa. But this will come to an end on 21 November 2022, because the resort will soon change hands. After the planned renovation, it will be called Sun Club Costa del Sol from next year and will continue as a four-star hotel under a new flag.
Sunrise at Aldiana Alcaidesa (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The current all-inclusive concept will then be replaced by an offer that includes a choice of breakfast, half board or full board. It remains to be seen whether the great barbecue in the beach restaurant, which is still part of the club, will be offered.
I enjoyed the freshly prepared Andalusian specialities and especially the extremely spicy chorizo sausages. These remain in my positive memory as well as the varied and high-quality offer in the entire club. The well-maintained facilities and the friendliness and attentiveness of all the staff contributed in equal measure to my feeling of well-being during my stay. Not to forget the bright and clean room with the extremely comfortable bed.
Spicy and extremely delicious (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
I am convinced that the Millenium/Fairmont concept will work out and that their guests will be delighted with the high-quality offer. I already am and look forward to another round on one of the most impressive golf courses in southern Europe. Hasta luego.
One of Europe’s top golfing destinations, Verdura Resort in Sicily, has returned to 45 holes with the reopening of the spectacular new-look East Course following a major redesign.
Globally acclaimed golf architect Kyle Phillips returned to the site of his original creation to upgrade the 18-hole championship layout and has spent the last three years reworking his magic at Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel. The much-anticipated revamped course was unveiled to the golfing world earlier this month.
The premium layout to all visitors
The extensive renovation has seen a number of new features added and modifications made to the routing of the East Course and the neighbouring West Course. The reordering of hole numbers has allowed for the restoration of former favourite holes and brings exciting new additions, while the planting of fescue grasses throughout the course gives the layout added definition.
Phillips said: “We have certainly made the most of the terrain available to us. The drama of the coastline has been improved and we’re proud of what has been achieved. It is new and fresh, the result is great and I think it will be really well received. It has definitely reached the level we were striving for.
“One of the big differences is with the routing. With the previous layout, you would cross the other course and they would weave through each other a little at times. Now they are more clearly defined.
“The course now starts near the practice range on an existing hole, has 14 new holes in between and then finishes on three existing holes back to the clubhouse. This will make the East Course a par-73 course and the West a par-70.
“They will both be good challenges. Naturally, with any new course, it takes time to take shape and we’re expecting it to continually improve throughout the winter months so that golfers will enjoy even better playing conditions in 2022.”
How the new East Course brings joy to the community.
The reopening of the new East Course adds to the extensive selection of exceptional facilities available at Verdura Resort. Home of the European Tour’s Rocco Forte Sicilian Open, Verdura is nestled in 230 hectares of stunning Mediterranean landscape on Sicily’s southern coast. The courses and facilities combined have established Verdura as one of the world’s elite golf and lifestyle destinations.
A member of the exclusive European Tour Destinations network, the resort is famous for offering guests an unforgettable five-star golf experience in one of the most beautiful settings in world. Verdura Resort was recently named as a recipient of Golf Digest magazine’s coveted ‘2021 Editors’ Choice Award for the Best Resorts in Continental Europe’ for the sixth successive year.
