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Golf at The Grove

Watford

average rating is 5 out of 5

Set within 300 acres of rolling Hertfordshire countryside, Golf at The Grove offers one of England’s most distinctive championship golf experiences. Located around 18 miles from Central London, the course combines mature woodland, open parkland and immaculate presentation with a relaxed approach to visitor golf. Unlike many prestigious venues, The Grove has no traditional golf membership and no handicap is required to play, meaning visiting golfers can simply book a tee time and experience the course for themselves.

Designed by renowned American golf architect Kyle Phillips, the 18-hole Championship Course measures 7,152 yards and plays to a par of 72. The layout moves naturally through the estate, using the existing trees and landscape to create broad, visually impressive holes. Fast greens, strategic bunkering and carefully positioned hazards provide the main challenge, rewarding golfers who consider position and angles rather than relying solely on distance. A choice of tees helps make the course enjoyable for a wide range of abilities.

The Grove’s reputation was established on the international stage when it hosted the WGC-American Express Championship in 2006. Tiger Woods produced rounds of 63, 64, 67 and 67 to finish 23 under par and win by eight shots. His performance is still remembered around the course, particularly at the par-five 9th hole, Ruined Tower, where Woods made three eagles and a birdie during the tournament.

Professional tournament golf returned in 2016 with the British Masters, won by Sweden’s Alex Noren. The Grove has subsequently hosted further professional events, including the Rose Ladies Series, adding to a tournament history that has seen many of the world’s leading golfers compete across the Hertfordshire layout.

Practice facilities are another major feature of the experience. Golfers can warm up using TrackMan Range technology, alongside a practice putting green and dedicated short-game facilities. The resort has also opened The Kingdom at The Grove in partnership with TaylorMade, the first facility of its kind outside the United States. It includes three advanced fitting bays, a putting studio, a 320-yard driving range with grass teeing area and a 4,000-square-metre short-game area.

Food and drinks are available at the Halfway House during the round, while The Stables Bar and Terrace overlooks the putting green and provides a relaxed setting afterwards.

Combining Kyle Phillips design, world-class tournament pedigree and outstanding modern practice facilities, Golf at The Grove is an excellent choice for a Hertfordshire golf break and gives visiting golfers the opportunity to experience a genuine championship venue within easy reach of London.

London Heathrow Airport

21km

World Golf Awards

England’s best golf tour operator 2026 winner

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Contact Details

Time Zone:

GMT+0

Currency:

£ (British Pound)

Temperature:

1°C - 22°C

Cost of a Beer:

£5.00

Cost of a 3-Course Meal:

£65

Hashtag Guide

About The Area

Watford is a practical Hertfordshire base for a UK golf break, especially for golfers who want strong course options, easy airport access and quick links into London. It is not a quiet countryside resort town, but that is part of the appeal: you can stay close to London, Heathrow, Luton and the M25 while still having proper parkland golf nearby.

The headline golf option is The Grove, one of Hertfordshire’s best-known golf resorts. It has an 18-hole championship course, luxury hotel and spa facilities, and the venue notes that it is only around 18 miles from central London. The Grove also hosted the British Masters in 2016, giving it a strong championship-golf selling point for travellers who want something premium.

For a more traditional local round, West Herts Golf Club is another strong option. The club is set around Whippendell Woods, with tree-lined fairways, bunkered greens and firm, fast putting surfaces. It gives visiting golfers a more classic members’ club feel compared with The Grove’s resort-style polish.

Away from golf, Watford has a handy off-course hook in Cassiobury Park, one of the town’s biggest green spaces. Watford Council lists cafés, splash pools, a miniature railway, nature walks and cycling options, while the Canal & River Trust highlights its setting by the Grand Union Canal, which is ideal for easy walks and boat-watching.

For Hashtag Golf Travel customers, Watford works best as a London-edge golf weekend, a premium Grove stay, a society trip, or a practical base for combining golf with London, Hertfordshire and nearby airport access. It is not a classic “escape from everything” destination, but for convenience, course quality and travel links, it is a very strong UK option.

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