The Grove

Hone your putting skills on a strip of lino if you're coming to play The Grove. Built to USGA specifications, designer Kyle Phillips has used creeping bent grass to manufacture the greens and believe us, they're slippery.

The 7,152-yard par 72 layout has a distinctly US-feel to it. The third is perhaps the most memorable, if only because of the misery it can wreak. Although it looks tough on the card with plenty of long par4s and 5s in reality the fairways are wide so you shouldn?t loose too many balls when you get the big dog out. So to keep a decent score going you?ll need a deft touch with the flatstick.

When you arrive at The Grove you?ll be in no doubt as to its top quality set up. But luxury comes at a cost both to get on the course and in the bar afterwards. You?ll need to set a good few quid aside for a day at The Grove ? but it is good,

Best Hole: The 3rd is a long par-4 that requires a long iron second shot over water ? scary!

Green Fees: From £50 per round

Location: Chandler's Cross, Hertfordshire

Tel: 01923 807807

Web: www.thegrove.co.uk

Thinking about a trip to The Chilterns? Click here for the Total Golf guide to the area