Oh Deer, Oh Deer, Oh Deer:
A review of a Your Golf Travel break to the Forest of Arden
The deer roaming the fairways being one of many lasting memories from a visit to the Marriott Forest of Arden.
The Sunday Driver meticulously arranged, as always, by Your Golf Travel was a joy. The package included dinner, bed and breakfast, and two rounds of golf.
Day 1 – The Arden Course
Sunday’s golf was on the Arden course. The Arden is not for the faint hearted, a true test of golf, there are challenges to be faced and overcome, but it is worth every skipped heartbeat as balls (hopefully) soar over the water that abounds many of the front nine holes.
The greens were stunning and fast when we played, and a Gary Player touch is useful in some of the bunkers. There are memorable holes for both the low handicapper and the less experienced golfer, and it’s easy to see why the course has hosted the British Masters and the English Open. As a relative new comer to the golfing ranks, I made more than a few bad shots, and probably deserved the pitying look, and a shake of the head from the stag on the fifteenth fairway as my shot fell woefully short. As I explained to him we can’t all be Thomas Bjorn.
For me, the eighteenth, has to be the signature hole. If you have had a good round so far, this hole as the potential to break your heart and spoil your card. So step onto the tee, take a breath and don’t exhale until you see your ball safely over the hazards and arriving on dry land.
Then it’s job done and a cold drink, (or two) in the Zest bar, and a chance to relive the round.
We ate in the Cast Iron Bar & Grill that evening, choosing the buffet option. The food was varied, with an extensive choice for each course, all accompanied by a nice bottle of merlot, and a high level of service from friendly and efficient staff. The room was no less than you would expect from a Marriott, spacious and comfortable, and an absolute bargain given the overall cost of the golf break, providing a relaxing end to a rewarding day.
Day 2 – The Aylesford Course
Day two, after a hearty (or healthy if you were so inclined) breakfast, and a visit to the golf shop; it was time to tee off on the Aylesford course. The Aylesford is in good condition, and although shorter and less famous than the Arden, it still provides some interesting, enjoyable, and challenging holes. Although the Aylesford has a less fearsome reputation than the Arden, there are still plenty of water hazards to be avoided, narrow fairways, and greens to be treated with respect.
If there is a downside it’s the slow play we experienced on both courses, maybe we were just unlucky, but neither that, nor a summer cloudburst failed to dampen our enjoyment of a delightful golfing trip.
All in all another great uk golf breaks at a great price and we are now looking forward to choosing our next trip with YourGolfTravel.
Two great courses at the Forest of Arden. I go here every year with my golf society and can recommend it for anyone wanting a championship break.
Forest of Arden is a great track, although the Arden often gets more attention than the Aylesford both are worth a game if you are in the area.