Getting Grooved at the Grove U.K.
I recently had the good fortune to find myself in England on business (real business not pseudo golf blogging business) and lucked upon a nights stay at The Grove. I admittedly knew nothing about The Grove when the chance to visit first came up. I simply knew it was as good a chance as I was likely to have in the near future to play a round of golf on a course where Tiger mauled the competition on the way to victory.
It would be easy to go on and on about the facilities, the unbelievably friendly staff, the sheer natural beauty of the course and grounds. But let’s remember – I got a good great deal. And it was an unexpected treat. Both things that admittedly made The Grove more of an enjoyment then it may be for your average American tourist. Not that many average Americans were seen there by yours truly.
Overview
The Grove sits upon 300 acres of woods and parks. It’s massive and on a Friday afternoon departing central London at 4pm local time it took just over an hour to arrive there by car. Not bad really. You could hardly feel more removed from the urban congestion of London out in this tranquil country setting.
From the beginning The Grove is impressive. It’s massive main building is tastefully set within a mix of trees, artful landscaping and actual pieces of art. Every single staff member that I interacted with was courteous to the extreme and inside the hotel nothing was out of place inside or out of my room.
The Staff
They were so nice I felt guilty for being American. I’m not sure why, but I felt as though my accent surely must offend them because they are so proper and polite.
The Grounds
Majestic. Sprawling. Artistic. Massive. This was the view from my less than premier balcony room.
Not bad eh?
The Food
In a word – ok. Unfortunately as I’ve experienced at many ‘luxury’ golf stay and play places this is often where they fail. It was by no means horrible, but it certainly lacked in any real distinction and basically sufficed. You’re not coming here to look forward to dinner.
The Golf
When you settle in your room and turn on the (oh yes did I mention?) 40″ LCD TV the first thing that pops up are highlights from Tiger’s win. Oh there’s Tiger eagling #18 (now #9 for the regular course setup), there he goes eagling it again…and again!
Below is the marker on #9 (aka #18) marking Tiger’s notable achievement.
I must admit it was quite fun to watch the pros hit shots on the same course I was about to play, and even more fun afterwards to observe having gone over the terrain myself.
However, playing here will cost you if you’re not local. I had a discounted rate of 80 GBP which roughly translates into $132 USD. I’ve spent as much on golf in the U.S. at places like Bandon Dunes and arguably the experience was similar, though visually far less stunning at The Grove.
The only other dig I had against the course, or pro shop management were the rental clubs I was given. An 11.5 degree driver with a regular flex shaft and a 3 wood with a stiff shaft? Blade type irons and wedges with the grooves worn way way down. What the heck?
At these prices it was actually shameful to carry around these clubs and it left the only unpleasant taste in my mouth from the on course experience overall.
The Net?
If you are going to the U.K. to play golf and plan to be in/around London – definitely check out The Grove. Of course it’s not worth an 8-10 hour plane ride for the experience like a St. Andrews or Carnoustie may be. But it could prove to be a very welcome and memorable diversion from your travels should you fit it in.
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