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Grove, England |
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The Grove
Chandler's Cross
Hertfordshire
WD3 4TG
England |  | Kyle Phillips |  | Kevin Merry |
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The Grove is one of the newest and most enterprising golf course projects in the British Isles. Designed by Kyle Phillips (the man behind Kingsbarns), the course opened for play in September 2003 to rave reviews and it's already considered by some to be the best course inside the M25. This is not your typical golf club. In fact, it isn’t a golf club at all – it’s a pay-and-play golf course open to everyone.
It will be interesting to see how successful this venture turns out to be; it is hard to imagine a course (and the facilities) of this quality without a club and associated members attached. The Grove will certainly have to attract many pay-and-play guests. One thing is certain about the Grove; you will receive an exceptionally friendly welcome. All the staff are very focused on customer service and they will do their level best to cater for your every whim.
We played here in mid January 2004 and we were staggered. Despite all the rain, the overall condition of the course was outstanding. We’ll actually go as far as to say that the Grove’s overall mid-winter state is better than the condition that many top courses achieve in late spring.
Here's what Erine Els had to say about The Grove after the 2006 WGC:
"I loved The Grove. Let me tell you, it is very, very impressive. I would say it's the best-conditioned golf course in Europe, certainly from my experience. Everything was perfect; the course is great, the tees, fairways and greens were incredibly manicured and the practice facilities were amazing. And the food we had at the club all week was magnificent. This was the benchmark for how a tournament should be. It was that good." | When you drive up the private road towards the “resort”, your first impression might be that you’ve arrived at a new upmarket municipal. The land itself appears uninspiring, fairly open, a few undulations but nothing much else. However, when you get out on the course itself, you immediately appreciate the quality and you quickly begin to acknowledge the design. Phillips has done a neat job, using the natural contours of the land in an understated way to create a discerning golf course. No doubt the Levy brothers, owners of the Grove, were delighted to host the 2006 World Golf Championships... this was the first time that the American Express event visited Britain and a certain Tiger dominated the field to claim the 2006 title.
Four large teeing areas on each and every hole cater for all golfing standards. Measuring a hefty 7,150 yards from the back tees to a leisurely 5,500 yards from the front tees. The raised undulating greens are simply fantastic, very fast and very true. There are no excuses for three putting here. However, if you miss the green with your approach shot, you can be faced with some very tricky recovery chip shots. The fairways are thickly grassed and very lush; the ball seems to sit proudly on top, giving the handicap golfer loads of confidence and every chance to make clean contact with the ball.
The Grove is certainly a course for the cognoscenti. | |
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If the above course review article is not accurate, let us know by clicking here |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |   | | | I played here on the back on Black Sunday competition which was very well suppported. I thoroughly enjoyed the tough pin positions and length of the course on a windy day( The SSS went to 77!) I think the course is in fabulous condition, the service is very good in all departments and the course offers a fairly unique challenge in these parts. Where it really stands out is the nature of the Green Complexes. There are deep swales and hollows and runoffs on quite a few of them that make second shots very tough and enjoyable. they made me look silly more than once and I didn't mind that as the next one was fun to play. It is in great condition and has a unique egalitarian pay and play policy. I reccomend it. Its a very interesting and attractive course. JCB LAY |
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| 03 October 2011
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| The Grove does seem to attract a wide range of views including many positive mentions of the customer service. However, I visit a course for the golf, and I don’t think I’m alone in that respect. The course design makes good use of a mildly interesting plot of land. The changes in elevation are used in such a way to not make it too much of a slog when walking. I can only agree with those who think that the Grove fails to offer sufficient challenge from the tee.  The 15th with its old-fashioned mounding covered in rough on the left side is one of the few examples of a strategic choice off the tee, while the 14th is a good example of a shortish par four infused with great subtlety. The green complexes are the best aspect of the course. They are a little contrived in places, as some need to be, given their less promising sites. Others use the natural contours well (the 7th and 16th). Some greens even allow for the choice between aerial or running approach and the first-time player is not overly disadvantaged if approaching from the wrong side of the fairway. At the end of September 2011 and with some top dressing the greens ran true, at good pace with some subtle breaks. The overall level of maintenance and presentation is high and the course does have some memorable holes which for me included the 3rd, 4th, 14th and 15th. However, for the almost £100 green fee surely golfers have the right to expect more. To charge extra for range balls at that price comes across as being cheap. As others have suggested here, it will be interesting to see how The Grove fares in a weak consumer economy. Overall, it didn’t really inspire or antagonize me either way. |
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| 01 October 2011
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| | Played The Grove 2 weeks ago in a 4-ball off the whites. Collectively we've played 150 courses and the current condition of The Grove makes No.1 in terms of presentation. Being a youthful course, it does not benefit from the maturity of the UK's leading historical courses, but thoroughly enjoyable and plays quite long in breezy conditions. The club accepts 2-fore-1 vouchers so at £92 it was good value. |
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| 22 May 2011
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| | Overrated with a capital O. First the good: pure greens in early March (amazing), the service and welcome is fabulous (so it should at the price) and Kyle Phillips has done just about all that could be done with a frankly very ordinary featureless bit of land.
Now the bad: literally NO challenge off any tee for a decent golfer: hit it 100 yards off line, and so long as you miss the right side, and it will be fine. SO artificial round the greens, with mounding and run offs that with greens at 10 on the stimp were almost silly for a 7 handicap good putter. I would hate to putt them in high summer, pure though the roll is. The early par 3 over the stream is fun, and there are a couple of good holes at the start of the back nine, but the rest IMHO is dull. Condition of the rest of the course does not match the greens, and the cost of anything at the venue is beyond robbery. |
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| 29 March 2011
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| | A trip to The Grove proved to be fantastic, both from the golfing and service point of view. For a discerning winter rate, you get a highly challenging test of golf. Service staff were fantastic. From the moment you drive into The Grove, you could appreciate immediately the amount of effort laid into keeping this world renowned resort in its most pristine state. The grounds staff are extremely friendly and helpful. In short, everything from the golf course and peripheral facilities were just top class. The fact that it is a mere 30-35 mins travel from central london makes this a highly accessible and much more favourable golfing destination around the city.
M |
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| 06 March 2011
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| | I am amazed by some of the negative reviews on here, ignore them and play here. I played here in mid November and the course was in super condition, the fairways 'carpet' like and the greens were smooth as silk and so very quick. Yes the course is modern and lacks the history that others can offer, but its conditioning is up there with the best. The layout is also very good and there are some super holes. It is expensive, but i'm glad to of played it and would reccomend it. |
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| 01 December 2010
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| | Very simply - the design of the course A1, lots of variety, the location -Superb.
The condition of the course -first class.
The staff very professional, fantastic facilities -a bit pricey in the halfway hut but apart from that a great experience -these responders are obviously from the tweed jacket and plus four crowd. |
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| 07 September 2010
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| | Overpriced, overhyped. If you want to play a similar course with great staff and facilities for a fraction of the cost go and play Bowood. The Grove was very average IMO |
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| 05 July 2010
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| Response: | | | sleats | 12 July 2010 | | How is the Grove coming in at 49th?? It's not even the best course in Hertfordshire by some chalk. Defo rate Moor Park (High and West), Brocket Hall, Berkhamsted, Ashridge, Hanbury Manor, Hadley Wood...etc above this. | | | Simon | 12 July 2010 | | Whilst I agree that The Grove is overpriced compared to other 'top' courses, and that the prices charged for food and drinks is almost criminal, I fail to see how you think the staff and facilties are poor as having played there 4 times the staff can never do enough for you and the range/putting/chipping facilities are as good as anywhere I've played. As for the course itself, show me a course anywhere in the UK with far superior greens and I'll gladly hold my hands up as I've played all the named courses in Surrey and a few of The Open courses and not one has had better greens than The Grove. | | | sleats | 12 July 2010 | | Simon, Your comments on the staff and facilities etc are with the reviewer not me. I am just stating that for me the Grove at 49th best course is a shocker!! As for courses with better greens - Royal Cinque Ports, Burnham and Berrow, Royal St David's - are courses I have played in last few months that have far superior greens. I would also say Moor Park High course. | | | Simon | 14 July 2010 | | Sleats, I agree with you that The Grove is punching above its weight at 49th, and I have yet to play the other courses you mentioned so I respect your opinion and will certainly make an effort to play them at some point, I was merely comparing to courses I have played as indeed you were. Golf is certainly all about opinions which is why we all love it! | | | Frazer | 15 July 2010 | | Having played The Grove in the last 10 days it was immaculately presented, with good greens and very attentive staff without being intruding. If you want to try some of the best greens to be found try Hindhead - stunning. | | | Sandeep | 04 August 2010 | | I played the Grove twice in the last 2 weeks, and thought it was in fantastic shape, and i have played there many times over the last 5 years. As for better courses, well everyone has their preferences, but many aspiring courses cost 100+. I love St.George's Hill, Surrey, but is it as good as the Grove? not quite, but its 135...Moor Park is a very decent place, but it's far fetched to claim its better than the Grove. The Shire in Hertfordshire seems good value at 50, and is a proper, tough course. | | | sleats | 04 August 2010 | | Sandeep - if you rate the Grove as better than St George's Hill then I am shocked. One has tradition,history, beautiful asthetics, class and top quality golf. The grove has good conditioning but is pretty flat piece of land with a view of Watford! | | | Sandeep | 05 August 2010 | | Sleats...i have only played St.George's Hill once, and thought it was brilliant. You may well be right, it is prettier than The Grove, which is not to say the Grove isnt aesthetically very nice. I guess the point i was trying to make is that there are many expensive courses, some worth it more than others. What i do appreciate about the Grove is the lack of airs and graces, you pay and get excellent service, and no one bothers you if your shorts are one inch too long, makes you wear a blazer in the clubhouse, and it has modern facilities, which appeals to me. So a marginal preference for the Grove, partly due to proximity, but partly the all round experience. St.George's Hill does have a special place in my heart though, rest assured. | | | tilly | 23 August 2010 | | Moor Park is no where near as good a course as the Grove that is just rubbish , the greens at moor park are a joke in comparrison. The grove is in a totally different league to hanbury manor and brocket hall. | | | dan | 23 August 2010 | | I normally much prefer traditional courses to new ones, but credit where credit is due The Grove is a nice course with, when I played there, superb greens. I also really like the holes in the loop over the road, and great facilities even if not cheap ! Much as I like Moor Park, Berko and Ashridge I would rate The Grove on a par with them if not above. West Herts (Cassiobury) however, now that's a course ! |
| | | Played the Grove yesterday on a windy grey day. The whole exxperience there is very good from service of staff to facilities to out on the course. It is unbelievably expensive and does not represent good value for money. When played with a 2 for 1 voucher though its much better. I played off the blacks on a windy day and we were hitting 3 woods into par 4 greens. Then a pitch also!! Alot of the greens which were sandy yesterday which was a shame. Not normally the case I am told.Its a good course with some great holes and is well worth playing...but it lacks character to a degree. Enjoyable it was, but i only remember about 6 or 7 holes. Enough said... |
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| 06 April 2010
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| | I am amazed at some of the recent reviews of The Grove on here stating how unimpressed they were and how poor the course was, they must have played a different course to the one I played today!
The Grove is a fantastic course, the greens were lightening quick and in terrific condition, especially considering it is late Oct and there was a heavy downpour in the morning before we played. The fairways were immaculate and every hole has a unique challenge and I was really impressed by the layout.
The facilities were second to none and the staff were always very helpful and friendly, I can't fault any of it.
Yes, it is a tad pricey but what top courses aren't, and there are only a handful of courses in the UK that the great Tiger Woods has played and it felt great to be following in his footsteps so to speak.
I won't hesitate to head back over there again and wholly recommend anyone to play there. |
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| 31 October 2009
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| | I would like to say clearly this is a course thats overrated and poor value ,staff have an overtly have a nice day stigmatism goodbye american golf |
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| 04 March 2009
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| Response: | | | Nick | 05 March 2009 | | I have always felt that there was a touch of "The Emperor's New Clothes" about The Grove. Apart from the service (which costs a lot), I could never see what was so special about the place. One cannot help but feel that the current economic crisis will expose the course for what it is, a fairly ordinary but very expensive golf course, on a dull bit of land with great views of Abbots Langley and Watford. There are far better golfing experiences very nearby. |
| | | I really don’t understand what all the fuss is about regarding the Grove and think this place is massively over hyped and overrated. I first played here 3 years ago, shortly after it first opened and yes I was initially impressed and thought the fairways were immaculate and the greens were amongst the best I had ever played on. However, having recently returned, I was appalled at the condition of the course and my recent trip gave me the opportunity to refresh my memory of the course itself and I was left feeling utterly uninspired by it.
Firstly, the condition of the course was nothing short of atrocious. A considerable amount of the fairways were covered in “GUR” and the greens were slow and covered in pitchmarks and sand. This was a disgrace considering the £135 green fee, and the condition of the course perhaps symptomatic of the fact that it is not a members golf club. The people that use the course are predominantly made up of corporate hackers and so clearly don’t care too much about repairing any of the damage they cause.
Secondly, I think there are very few memorable holes, other than the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 17th and 18th. It may be long, but there is so much room for error here and so little punishment for bad shots, again symptomatic of the corporate market it is catering for and, like many American designed courses, especially where tournament golf is concerned, low scores and forgiveness are the priority, rather than providing a real and testing challenge.
On the positive side of things, yes, you can’t fault the practice facilities or the hospitality and service levels of the staff. But, overall, and I know this is a controversial view when compared to many of the other opinions of this website, I think this place lacks charm, character and atmosphere and is nothing more than a good place to go if you are attending a business conference with some golf attached as part of the day. It certainly isn’t worth going out of your way to play.
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| 15 April 2008
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| Response: | | | P M | 20 August 2008 | | I must concur with this. I went there recently to play with my father who had requested this as a present (albeit an expensive one). The state of the course was uttely appalling, the play was too slow, waiting on every shot and sometime 3 on a hole - the marshalls were no help. I felt that I could have gone somewhere else paid less and had a better day. | | | Simon | 19 November 2009 | | You were unfortunate to play the course at the time you did, I played there 31st Oct 2009 and the course condition was unbelievable. Best greens I have ever played on, fairways were better than most greens I've played on and the pace of play was fine (4.5hrs with a 4 ball). I would recommend heading back there if you get the chance, I sincerely couldn't fault anything about the place. | | | Peter | 23 November 2009 | | I don't think that 41/2 hours for a 4 ball is acceptable! | | | sandeep | 05 August 2010 | | i concur, just played there twice in the last 2 weeks, and its in sensational condition. |
| | | on my first visit i was impressed. on my return i was blown away with condition of the course and the all round improvement. it must have the best fairways and greens in england. |
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| 24 January 2008
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| | A wonderful course with a great English feel. I played the course back in late March and must say that it was truly a success. The course is kept in immaculate condition, with perfect greens, beautiful fairways, and neat bunkering. As far as new courses go, it is the top, and definitely possesses the charm of an older, longer-established club. The course was quite beautiful, and its March state was just as good as many courses are now in June. If you are in the London area, this is certainly a must-play, as you have a splendidly designed course in a beautiful setting, up-kept perfectly, and the staff couldn’t be friendlier. Many little things that the resort does to welcome the golfer are great, as they provide you with yardage book, bag-tag, following the pattern of American resort courses. In addition, if you don’t have your clubs with you don’t worry: their rentals are X-20’s! This was overall a terrific experience and should definitely be on everybody’s must-play list. |
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| 13 June 2007
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| | My third playing visit to the Grove left me feeling suitably impressed that the course continues to improve as it matures. The 2006 AmEx event was a brilliant success and the script seemed to be pre-written; it was the week after the Ryder Cup and also another win for Tiger (who was 7 under par for the final hole alone that week). This has now projected the Grove to be known as a great course and venue around the world. The greens really are as good the tour pros said last year and it must be impossible to better them anywhere in Europe – they are fast and true and all good putts will be rewarded. The 5th and 10th are great par 4’s (not long but quality). Lasting memories are of great greens that are sited with brilliant undulation with plenty of run-offs and a course that stands-up during the English winter. Just a couple of downs for me (and not related to the course) – the dress code on-course seems to be non-existent, which feels strange and also beware the Grove is not a cheap place to eat and drink… |
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| 06 March 2007
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| | Played 30th December and paid £100. Must say initial impressions of club house were very good. Met by extremely friendly and helpful staff - the full valet experience (ok, so maybe one expects that for a oner, but they were very courteous).
Course given a lot of overnight rain was in very good condition, tees solid, greens although slightly spider'd in places, were excellent and ran true.
3rd sticks in the mind and the par 3s are an excellent mix with none of this silly 200+ yards length (from the Grove tees anyway!) . Some good 400 + par 4s too which played long, but that's what you expect, and want, on a course that hosted WGC.
Good for mid to high handicapper as well as plenty of room, although the rough was wet and muddy in places which make it tough to advance further.
Drinks were vastly overpriced (over £4 for a coke!) but facilities otherwise excellent - showers/lockers etc.
All in all a great day and I think at £100 it's ok - I wouldn't want to pay anymore. |
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| 30 December 2006
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| | Played a couple of weeks after the WGC. Fortunately I was not paying, as £580 for three green fees and two buggies was plenty. The condition of the course was exceptional. The fairways were the best I have experienced in the UK and the greens were lightening fast. The rough was unbearable and meant a good search every time a ball went in to it. The clubhouse was very luxurious and very very expensive. you must go at least once |
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| 24 November 2006
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| | Overrated, overpriced, overplayed...an average golf course..painfully slow to play at the weekend...It is featureless...& tries to make up for this with the long rough. facilities are more leisure centre than luxury...a club & course with no personality. dont waste your money...go and play the West or East course at Wentworth |
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| 22 November 2006
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| Response: | | | Hugh | 24 November 2006 | | Played The Grove just after the World Golf Championships for the 4th time just to see if they could improve on the incredible conditioning... and it was amazing. We've always managed to get round in four and a bit hours and that it with a stop off at the halfway house. The Grove is a totally different prospect to Wentworth. If you want excellent tee to green conditioning a decent service the Grove is hard to beat. |
| | | A fine course, well prepared and in excellent condition. I have the played the course a couple of times now and each time becomes more enjoyable as you work out the do's and defintely don'ts of the course. I particularly like hole 4 where if you opt for safety leaves a daunting chip and 15 where you play up a series of steps in the fairway and the pin position was clearly an April fools trick from the greenkeepers...As it matures and the trees get bigger, the views will improve and it will become softer and a more relaxing place to be. |
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| 08 April 2006
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| | Having played here in January I cannot praise this place high enough, the £100 green fee is quite pricey, but if you can afford it there should be no other place in Southern England that can match it. The service is immaculate and you are made to feel like royalty by the excellent staff, and the course was in amazing condition, I cant think of a course I have played in the summer that could match the course condition here in the winter, and that includes places like Wentworth and Sunningdale. We played the course from the back tees and although quite open it certainly is long enough, over 7000 yards. The design, like Kingsbarns is subtle but the greens and bunkering is first rate. I feel it is testament to the Grove that it is hosting the WGC and believe it is the rising star of UK golf courses. From parking up to going home this place is pure golf heaven. |
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| 02 April 2006
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| | This place screams out luxury and excess from the moment the valet takes your car and hurries your clubs back for you, right through to the point where they charge you about £4 for a small beer in the bar! The course is in magnificent condition though, with the tees, fairways and greens cut tight and dead straight at the edges. We played it in torrential rain in mid October and the fairways looked like they’d hardly been played on. The greens are as fast and true as I’ve ever seen, incredible considering the weather.
There is overkill on the number of staff fussing around but they cannot do enough to help. Considering the course is only 2 years old it is excellent with plenty of good looking holes with undulating fairways and pot bunkers waiting to snare wayward drives. I played for free and would not pay, nor could I afford to pay the astronomical green fee. However, if it becomes a bit cheaper, or I win the lottery, I’ll definitely be back for a treat. A fantastic course and venue so close to London.
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| 21 October 2005
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| | Stunning new course. I think the back 9 is better than Celtic Manor. Really enjoyed the round (perhaps cos it was free). The front 9 is quite barren and not so good as the back 9 which is excellent fun. Scoring isn't too difficult and it's a really fair test. The bunkers let the course down if anything. They are badly prepared and patchy. One last thing to say is that the American service mentality is excellent. Staff to help you in every way, total class. |
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| 04 September 2005
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| | Played here a couple of weeks ago and I was impressed. It's a lot of money for sure but they do look after you. The turf on the greens, tees and fairways is faultless - the Grove has to be one of the best winter courses around. Goodness knows how much they spent on sand and drainage. We played it from the medal tees (we were all reasonable high single figure handicappers) and we found it relatively straight forward. I wonder whether the pros will eat it up? Liked the natty half-way house which looks exactly like a house...amazing...shame about the price and quality of the food. Nevertheless a good course. I do get the feeling that the course was laid down to accompany the hotel and leisure facilities, rather than finding a decent site for a golf course and then building a hotel/country club. Having said this, Kyle Phillips has worked a minor miracle with with ordinary land. |
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| 19 November 2004
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| | Ah The Grove ... There is no doubt this is good, the attention to detail around the course is high and the greens were as good as any (and I played in January) - but there is something missing and I am finding it hard to put my finger on it. Maybe it is the £400 4-ball green fee (high season), maybe it is the 5-star plus hotel, restaurant and accomodation that tries to make you love the place as a resort rather than just the course.
My memories include - very high quality new course with customer service really high. Buggies that have to stay on the path (never liked that idea) but overall and this is probably it .... this place is aimed at the weathly rather than the normal punter. If you get an invite take it but paying for it (for us normal folk) is a different proposition. I hope in time The Grove will aim for the golfers with a normal budget rather than those who are loaded who sometimes play golf. |
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| 25 September 2004
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| Response: | | | neil | 10 March 2008 | | do you think that there may be some connection between buggies that stay on paths and year round excellent fairways? |
| | | The Grove is a good course, laid out on an ordinary piece of land. The conditioning was faultless and the service second to none. The greens are certainly first class. There are some memorable holes, especially those with water present...the par three 4th, called Boathouse is a stunner. Can't get my head around the pay and play concept...there's no club atmosphere in the bar, but perhaps that's a good thing. |
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| 24 September 2004
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