First tee
One of the world’s largest construction manufacturers has created a world-class new course in England...
Includes Britain’s newest course, Pete Cowen and our Travel Awards.
More than four years in the making, one of the UK’S most exciting new golf course developments is nearing completion – and this is our first glimpse of the finished layout.
JCB Golf & Country Club has been crafted by European Golf Design with the intention of hosting future Tour events and has already been played – and praised – by Gary Player.
The drive into the gated property, sited at JCB’S world headquarters in Rocester, Staffs, exudes quality and runs parallel to two holes and past what will be the site of 10 luxury golf lodges. A concierge awaits on arrival and ushers you towards the soon-to-be complete clubhouse, which houses an indoor putting green, custom fitting suite and simulator.
Once drunk on tech, you can take to the
fully grassed driving range or simply let rip on the first tee. There, you’ll find the first of many fairways framed with native tall fescues and water features which occupy close to 270 acres.
The beauty of the par-72 course is fully laid bare around the turn and contrasts against a beastly trio of par 5s exceeding 600 yards from the 7,303-yard tips.
The par-3 9th is particularly Instagram worthy, playing back towards the ruins of Woodseat Hall – an 18th century mansion – which will eventually be restored to create a halfway house.
Completing a spectacular quartet of short holes is the 17th, the course’s signature, which plays as long as 255 yards and as little as 116 (pictured right and below).
The green itself sits on an island and is protected by three bunkers, each falling away towards a surrounding lake which also fronts the 18th tee.