Whereas England boasts half a dozen or so golf break locations that describe themselves as ‘resorts’, few can examine relating to the standard and amount of amenities to Carden Park in Cheshire, whose 1,000-acre property not solely boasts two 18-hole championship programs, however a myriad of leisure actions and experiences that assure a soothing and memorable break for all of the household
There are golf resorts the place the lodge merely occurs to miss a course, after which there are locations the place golf is woven into each a part of the expertise. Carden Park, set inside 1,000 acres of Cheshire countryside, simply 12 miles west of Chester, firmly falls into the latter class.
From the second you drive alongside the mile-long entrance highway, flanked by immaculate fairways and mature woodland, it’s apparent that is someplace constructed with golfers in thoughts.
Whereas Carden Park might lack the centuries-old grandeur of some nation home motels – it first opened in 1997 – what it affords as an alternative is a contemporary, activity-filled resort centred round two championship golf programs, glorious follow amenities, very good lodging and one of many most interesting spas you’ll discover at any golf vacation spot.
Whether or not you’re planning a golf society journey, a weekend away with mates or a {couples}’ escape the place solely one in all you is obsessive about golf, it ticks a formidable variety of bins.
DOUBLE CHAMPIONSHIP DELIGHTS
The spotlight for any golfer visiting Carden Park is undoubtedly the chance to play two championship layouts on the identical web site. Though they sit aspect by aspect, the Nicklaus and the Cheshire programs provide two very totally different assessments, making certain a keep of two or three days is required to profit from the complete ‘Carden Expertise’.
I started on the Nicklaus Course, which, you gained’t be stunned to be taught, is the handiwork of Jack Nicklaus, though his son Steve was additionally concerned within the challenge. And the affect of its legendary designer – whose solely different English works are to be discovered at St Mellion in Cornwall and the London Golf Membership’s Heritage Course – is clear from the opening tee shot to the ultimate putt.
With 5 teeing choices, you may select a tee to fit your sport. For males, the championship black tees are means again yonder at 7,045 yards, whereas the ahead yellow tees are 5,906 yards. I performed off the whites, which at 6,302 yards completely suited my 230-240-yard common driving distance, though the blues, at 6,628 yards, are under no circumstances out of attain for the mid-handicapper, particularly if the fairways are operating quick. The crimson tees are at 5,211 yards and play to the identical par of 72.
Spotlight holes for me embrace the quick par-four second, which at 309 yards off the white tees, instantly tempts longer hitters into taking over the inexperienced, though bunkers positioned completely across the placing floor make the choice something however simple.
The par fours at six and 7 introduce water in dramatic trend, demanding precision relatively than energy, whereas the superb par-three twelfth combines a picturesque setting with real jeopardy due to water on the correct and 4 well-positioned bunkers.
My favorite gap was most likely the closing par 5. Taking part in uphill in the direction of the clubhouse, and across the nook of a lake, it affords an excellent risk-and-reward end that encourages one remaining gamble whereas punishing something lower than a dedicated strike. It additionally offers a becoming conclusion to a course that’s immensely pleasant with out ever turning into exhausting. Nothing feels overly penal, however each shot asks questions of your talent and your sport administration. Fairways are beneficiant, but strategically positioned bunkers and quite a few water hazards make sure you nonetheless must assume your means round to place a rating collectively. In different phrases, a basic Jack Nicklaus design.
Whereas the Nicklaus Course has hosted a few EuroPro Tour and European Senior Tour occasions previously, this September will see it host the fourth version of the Girls’s PGA Cup, a Ryder Cup-style group stroke play occasion that pits serving members of the PGA of America and The PGA of GB&I towards one another. With the USA having gained the primary three matches because it was based in 2019, our five-strong group, led by taking part in captain Heather McRae, would little doubt admire some native assist in the event you’re free from September 3-5.
CHESHIRE CHALLENGE
The next morning introduced a totally totally different problem on the Cheshire Course. Whereas the Nicklaus is open and expansive, the Cheshire, which first opened in 1993, winds by mature woodland, with towering pines framing lots of the holes. Fortuitously, the bushes hardly ever really feel claustrophobic off the tee, as an alternative creating enticing corridors that draw your eye in the direction of the green.
The weird opening par three instantly grabs your consideration. Beginning a spherical with lengthy iron relatively than a driver actually sharpens the senses, notably earlier than you’ve totally settled into your spherical and the swing is feeling just a little rusty. It’s adopted by a wonderful par 5 after which a demanding par 4 with out of bounds operating the whole size of the correct aspect, making certain there’s little alternative to ease into the spherical.
The again 9 is the place the Cheshire actually warms as much as its activity. The strategy to the tenth, performed in the direction of a backdrop of towering Scots pines, is among the most stunning holes on the property. The water guarding the twelfth injects real stress, whereas the deceptively quick 14th calls for far better precision than its modest yardage suggests.
The closing stretch is especially memorable. The intimidating sixteenth threads by a slim avenue of bushes earlier than the enticing par-three seventeenth affords one remaining check with a protracted iron. The elevated tee shot on the quick par-four 18th is an excellent ending gap, requiring cautious placement relatively than merely reaching for the motive force. It’s a course that grows on you with each gap and enhances the Nicklaus structure completely.
I ought to add that the conditioning on each layouts was glorious all through. The greens rolled superbly, the tees and fairways had been in nice nick, regardless of the current lack of rain, and the bunkers had been all immaculately offered.
The golf programs are complemented by a wonderful vary of supporting golf amenities, together with a PGA-accredited golf academy that includes an 11-bay floodlit driving vary with Toptracer ball-tracking expertise, a devoted short-game follow space, a customized becoming studio, and a standalone clubhouse with a bar, lounge space and altering rooms.
ROOMS WITH A VIEW
Away from {the golfing} motion, Carden Park’s spectacular lodge boasts 197 rooms and 18 suites, lots of which have benefited from a renovation that was accomplished earlier this 12 months. The principle constructing affords a spread of spacious twin and double rooms, that are kitted out with plush double and king-size beds, Nespresso espresso machines, trendy bogs and all-important air-con. Be certain to ask for a room with an ‘property view’ that provides enticing views throughout the golf programs in the direction of the distant Welsh hills.
For these on the lookout for much more house, the lodge additionally affords a spread of Courtyard Suites that embrace a separate lounge with a fire and an outside seating space, plus floor-to-ceiling home windows with views over the property.
DINING OPTIONS
Hungry golfers don’t have any scarcity of eating choices at Carden Park, with a various vary of F&B venues to select from relying in your tastes and price range.
Redmond’s affords a family-friendly brasserie menu within the night and doubles up for buffet breakfasts within the morning, whereas Morgan’s is relaxed, central lodge bar serving an informal menu of sandwiches, salads, and lightweight snacks alongside an intensive drinks listing that includes cocktails, whiskeys, and over 20 gins. Goldie’s Lounge, situated inside the primary lodge, specialises in serving conventional afternoon teas and bespoke night cocktails, whereas The Vines is the resort’s two-AA-Rosette restaurant, and focuses on wonderful eating in additional formal environment.
Highlights at The Vines included the herb-fed hen galantine, an excellent butter-poached halibut and an expertly cooked Welsh hogget cutlet, whereas desserts such because the theatrical Baked Alaska and the property strawberry trifle supplied an indulgent end. A really attentive sommelier, who was glad for us to style quite a lot of wines earlier than we settled on a selected type to match our meals, added a degree of service that I’ve hardly ever come throughout at a ‘golf’ lodge, and solely added to what was a really pleasant meal.
After evening’s sleep, breakfast the next morning was equally spectacular, with a beneficiant buffet complemented by freshly cooked choices starting from kippers to pancakes. The Full English was undoubtedly as much as scratch, with eggs and omelettes can cooked to order if required.
SO NEAR, SO SPA
If the golf is predominant draw of Carden Park, then the spa isn’t far behind judging by the road of {couples} and teams of girls queuing as much as check in for therapies throughout our tour of the amenities. Costing £10 million to construct, it rivals many standalone luxurious spa locations. The out of doors thermal backyard is the standout characteristic, full with vitality pool, outsized sizzling tubs, heated rest pods, saunas, hearth pits and Champagne Bar overlooking the Cheshire countryside.
Inside, the hydrotherapy amenities, thermal experiences and rest rooms proceed the sense of indulgence, whereas the intensive remedy menu makes it simple to justify extending your keep. It’s simple to grasp why many visitors go to Carden Park purely for the spa, though for golfers travelling with non-golfing companions, it offers the right alternative for a guilt-free {couples}’ break.
FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY
These travelling with youngsters will even discover loads to occupy their time, from archery and Segway excursions to aerial ropes, quad biking and falconry demonstrations. There are additionally tennis courts, a leisure membership, sculpture backyard and quite a few strolling trails scattered all through the property, which additionally boasts its personal winery.
So, in the event you’re on the lookout for a vacation spot the place first-class golf stays the primary attraction, however the place each different a part of the keep matches that normal, Carden Park a effectively value a go to.
For the most recent vary of stay-and-play golf breaks, go to www.cardenpark.co.uk/providing/golf/
