The Grove
London's country estate, eighteen holes of polished Kyle Phillips parkland in 300 acres of Hertfordshire, barely half an hour from the city. A par 72 of about 7,152 yards attached to a five star hotel, it staged the 2006 WGC won by Tiger Woods and the 2016 British Masters. No members, no handicap certificate, just championship golf and a great house to stay in, which makes it the easiest big day out near the capital.
Photo: Golf at The Grove via Google.
The verdict
The Grove is the rare championship course you can play on a whim. Kyle Phillips, fresh from Kingsbarns, laid it out in 2003 across the rolling parkland of a restored Georgian estate at Chandler's Cross, about 18 miles northwest of central London, and built it to host the best players in the world while remaining open to any visitor who books a tee time. There is no membership and no handicap requirement, an unusually democratic setup for a course of this pedigree.
It plays the part, too. Wide, immaculately conditioned fairways thread between mature trees, water comes into play across the back nine and the greens are large, quick and full of subtle movement. Tiger Woods won the 2006 WGC American Express Championship here by eight shots, and the European Tour returned for the 2016 British Masters, so the test is real even as the welcome is easy. For a golfer based in or passing through London who wants a marquee round without a long drive, The Grove is close to ideal.
The Grove at a glance
- Opened
- 2003
- Designer
- Kyle Phillips
- Type
- Parkland
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 7,152 yds
- Green fee
- From about £235
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from The Grove and leading course databases. The course was designed by Kyle Phillips and opened in 2003, a par 72 of about 7,152 yards. The 2026 summer visitor green fee, from 1 May to 31 October, is indicative from about 235 pounds off peak Monday to Wednesday and from about 299 pounds peak Thursday to Sunday, with twilight rounds from about 149 pounds and no handicap requirement. Rates change by season and year, so always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The Grove opens generously, easing you in across broad parkland fairways framed by old oaks and chestn