Staverton Park Hotel and Golf Course

I've played this course about 10 times now and really, really enjoy the layout. No 2 holes are alike and it really mixes it up with short and long par 3s, short, long, straight and dog leg par 4s and long and straight and long and dog leg par 5s. It's got the lot. If you're doing 36 holes here your thighs would certainly let you know come the end of the day as it throws in plenty of gradient but instead of becoming tedious and tiring all the hills add to its charm. My handicap is 3.5 and I play to that on a lot of courses, here it's more likely to be a +5 on a good day and that's off the yellows. It really is a smashing mixture and I could see the White/Blue tees (that I haven't managed to play) being a really good challenge. It's always in good condition and the greens are always in a good state and run true, the bunkers are always nice too.

You can get the odd bargain here for £15 a round off certain sites but that's not the norm but I have never had this course to myself, far from. It always seems to be busy, really busy and being a member I'm sure is quite frustrating if you're hoping for a nice quick round, it's just not gonna happen. It's a popular hotel complex and I have heard members have been rung up to have their tee times moved as guests wanted the tee off time. Whether this is fact or not I'm not sure, I'd certainly hope not.

It has a good sized shop, a driving range, a friendly bar and if you're doing it as part of a hotel stay package you wouldn't be disappointed as it has a swimming pool and busy bar/restaurant. If you've been jiffed with organising your annual lads golf weekend away you'd be onto a winner with this place as it's a gem of a layout and the hotel ticks all the other boxes you need for a good weekend away.

If it wasn't for being part of a busy hotel, I'd be a member tomorrow!