Review Rating - Gold

Playing golf just after Christmas could be considered a little risky but must admit we lucked out, the course was in a great condition and we even managed a few scenic walks around the Resort’s grounds.

From the moment you turn into the impressive landscaped drive you know you are going to be in for a treat, we actually stayed overnight in the Crowne Plaza 4* hotel and played the golf course the next day. I must say that sitting in the Brassey Restaurant looking out over lovely manicured gardens with the course in the background was one of
the best breakfast experiences I have had.

It is a strong par-4 to start with, playing away from the clubhouse between trees on the right and a Jesuit’s Graveyard on the left to a raised green with a bunker short left of the putting surface. After the par three second you play back towards the clubhouse avoiding the bunkers down the left of the fairway and the deep bunker in front of the green. Number 4 has an impressive dry stone dyke stretching the whole length of the hole down the right, so aim down the left from the tee, the bunkers about 80 yards in front of the green will make you think twice about trying to reach the green in two.

You pass through the stone gates on the right of the green to see that the tee shot on number 5 requires a carry of over 200 yards to find a fairway with a landing area guarded by two bunkers, the course planner suggests the ideal shot will split the fairway between the pond and the first of the bunkers but boy is this tricky to pull off. Number 6 requires a drive over water to the fairway where those who want to play safe will take a line of the first bunker and the longer hitter will aim for the second one. It is then over the Archer Bridge to number 7, this par 4 requires an accurate tee shot to avoid the gully in the fairway and setting up an approach to the green that does not require you to carry the three deep bunkers on the right.

Hole 8 tees off over water and sweeps uphill, turning right towards a raised green guarded by a couple of bunkers, it is less than 400 yards but can play like a par 5. The front nine concludes with a par 3 that has water along the right and a bunker front left so it is better to be left and long if you are going to miss the green. Number 10 and 11 take you past Heythrop's beautiful walled gardens and over an old skating lake to hole 12, which is dominated by a massive Oak tree halfway down the fairway, requiring yet another accurate tee shot.

It is a bit of a walk to the next tee passed the stone walls and streams along the path, number 13 requires a tee shot over a stream, lined with Cotswold stone, to a green cut into the side of the hill where a pin positioned on the left is not going to offer many birdies. Number 14 will suit anyone who draws the ball, sweeping from right to left with a sloping fairway helping the ball round the trees, get it right and you could be on the green in two for an Eagle putt. Another short walk between holes, this time uphill, brings you to a par 3 that provides panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.

Number 16 is a short par 4 heading back towards the hotel complex before the demanding penultimate hole plays uphill away from it again. The final hole could well be the straightest I have ever played, nearly 600 yards from the back tees with the view being elongated by the main house sitting some 100 yards behind the green, it is bunker-less but is guarded by a number of deep grass hollows in front of a shallow green.

The golf course at Heythrop may be new but I enjoyed it immensely, the holes are varied and elegant with tree-lined fairways, Cotswold stone walls, lakes and even the above mentioned Jesuit cemetery. The greens were especially good, probably the best I have played on in the area, and the course certainly looks more mature than it is, managing to combine memorable holes within a beautiful environment.

Favourite Hole

Hole 6:  305 yard par 4.
The archer Bridge hole just pips it for me, there is definitely a risk and reward feeling about it. The very brave may even try a draw around the trees, don't over do it though as the water awaits, while playing too safe will leave an angled approached to the green with the water behind.