The Grove, a luxury golf course and resort in Hertfordshire, is aiming to host world championship golf once again after an 18-year absence. The venue located on the outskirts of Watford near the M25 last hosted a major championship when Tiger Woods played there.
The main entrance to the property leads through to a reception area, bar, and restaurant. Maintained grounds link the historic manor house to modern leisure facilities across 300 acres.
The resort maintains strong pride in having hosted Woods during his prime. While top-tier golf tournaments have not returned recently, the venue has developed into a major destination for world-class sports teams.
The main building houses guest accommodations, including rooms featuring private balconies. Guests receive personal greetings upon arrival alongside access to ample parking facilities.
The grounds showcase lush green fairways and manicured playing surfaces. Course managers maintain the facility to high standards from the hilltop buildings across the layout.
Golf Course Features and Facilities
Golfers at the facility can take a short stroll from the pro shop to the first tee or use motorized buggies. A dedicated practice range provides players with practice balls and tees alongside separate chipping and putting greens.
Playing conditions during summer months remain active despite occasional light drizzle. Greasy surfaces on morning tees present scenic views across the manicured lawns.
Players approaching the ninth hole can place food and drink orders directly from their buggies. Orders are prepared and waiting when golfers reach the end of the front nine.
The food service system allows players returning to the starting area to retrieve their refreshments without delay. Pro shop retail services also supply extra golf balls for the back nine.
The course measures 7,152 yards from the back tees and 5,507 yards from the front tees. Several par three holes across the front nine display the surrounding estate and fast greens.
Scenery across the 300-acre estate remains visible from multiple vantage points throughout the round. Dense rough lining the fairways heavily penalizes off-center shots.
Iconic Holes and Layout Challenges
The long par five ninth hole features special ground plaques marking where Tiger Woods hit his drives. Woods made three consecutive eagles on the hole, with his drive markers positioned 10 to 15 yards apart on an identical line.
A dedicated sign informs golfers as they step up to play the famous ninth hole. The putting greens throughout the course run very fast, creating difficult downhill putts.
On the fourth hole, a par three green is protected by a water moat roughly one or two yards long. The seventh hole plays uphill towards the manor house with an elevated green from approximately 130 yards.
A back nine par three requires golfers to hit downward roughly 160 yards over a 100-yard bed of rough. Fast greens frequently result in three-putt combinations for players of all abilities.
Multiple holes require shots across long rough before reaching the fairway surface. Players face tough penalties for sliced or shanked shots off the tee.
Resort Amenities and Dining Options
The resort accommodates elite sports organizations prior to major matches at Wembley Stadium. The England men's national football team has stayed at the resort for years, while Real Madrid trained on the grounds before winning the Champions League final earlier this year.
Gabriel's football pitch at the back of the property features carpet-like turf for visiting teams. Additional outdoor amenities include a summer pop-up cinema with beanbag seating, a food truck, a bar, and a pop-up restaurant called Skewd.
Guest accommodations include King deluxe rooms featuring garden views, deep soaking tubs, and sofas. Rooms come equipped with televisions supporting Netflix, Disney, and Paramount, alongside mini-fridges stocked with complimentary prosecco.
The venue offers dining at The Stables, located next to the golf facilities and putting greens. The restaurant serves fast meals within five minutes, including The Stables burger with bacon and cheese, as well as ale-battered fish and chips.
The Glasshouse restaurant provides buffet dining with chefs preparing meals to order at live stations. Options include steaks, Chinese dishes, curry, roast dinners, seafood, pasta, and pizza, priced at about £82 per person for dinner and £65 for lunch.
Additional resort features include nature trails, a luxury spa with a swimming pool and steam room, and event spaces for weddings and private parties.
