This Course Has 'One Of The Most Dramatic Stretches Of Closing Holes' In England

I’m not usually a fan of golf courses that open with a par 3, but Carden Park’s Cheshire course has a little gem of an opening hole.

The tee shot is played through a funnel of tall trees to a green surrounded by bunkers. It could easily be a card-wrecker right at the start of your round but a well-struck mid-iron to the heart of the green will get your game off on the right track.

From here the course opens up a lot more with some sweeping tee shots down rolling fairways, interesting doglegs tucked around trees and big sloping greens.

There are several well-placed water hazards to also contend with that need quite a bit of consideration off the tee in terms of clubbing to lay up short or away from, and they certainly act as a risk/reward opportunity.

The sixth hole is a cleverly-designed par 5 where if you get a good drive away down the right you can take on the green in two with a wood, but if you miss-cue and pull your second shot left you’ll be blocked out by a big oak tree.

The sensible strategy is to lay up short and have a full iron into the green in three, one putt and you’ll make your birdie anyway.

What I love about Carden Park’s Cheshire course is that it really makes you think.

The long tight par 4 9th, for example, is played straight up the hill. There’s barely a flat stance to be found on this fairway and the green is peppered with bunkers.

The par 4 12th was another one of my favourites. There’s a big bunker to miss on the left off the tee but if you slice your drive out to the right you’ll be totally blocked out under a big oak tree.

There’s an ominous water hazard straight ahead so no easy escape from either spot.

An accurate tee shot is required. The second shot needs to be precise too as there’s another lake to the left of the green.

In my opinion, the course has one of the most dramatic stretches of closing holes in the country.

It’s hilly, tightly tree-line and reminiscent of the Alps with the wonderful elevated views of the distant Welsh hills.

My view is biased because I got to witness a hole-in-one at the pretty par 3 15th. This short little hole certainly makes a fun nearest the pin challenge.

On the 16th, keeping the ball in play by taking a shorter tee shot will leave you a flat lie rather than a very uneven approach to the green.

But they’ve saved the best tee shot until the last.

I love the elevated drive at the 18th hole set high up on a cliff overlooking the full estate. It really gives you a chance to open your shoulders and hit out.

Carden Park will welcome the Women’s PGA Cup from September 3-5 2026, becoming the first venue outside of the United States to stage the prestigious international tournament, and I can certainly see why.

Along with the Championship Cheshire course there’s an equally impressive second Jack Nicklaus-designed course, making this a great location for corporate days and weekend breaks.

The venue also boasts extensive practice facilities, a Toptracer driving range, a short game practice area, fully stocked professional shop and a welcoming clubhouse.

Non-golfing partners and kids will love the other activities on offer here too.

There’s a sumptuous multi-million pound spa that’s simply relaxation heaven, fantastic alternatives to golf like a tree-top climbing challenge, segways, axe throwing, frisbee golf and more.

The food is absolutely marvellous and the big modern bedrooms boast luxury beds where you’ll easily fall asleep satisfied that you’ve had a splendid stay.

*Prices correct at time of publication in August 2026