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| The magnificent clubhouse at
Stoke Park |
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| The 7th hole |
Stoke Park Golf Club
Situated on the outskirts of Windsor and Eton and only 8 miles from Heathrow, Stoke Park Club, with its 27 hole challenging championship golf course - Stoke Poges - and a history that goes back to the Norman Conquest is indeed unique. The 350 acre estate with stunning views provides the perfect venue for good golf and a host of other sporting, leisure and 5 star hotel facilities. It has managed to provide a unique combination of traditions old and new in a location that is both beautiful and conveniently placed.
The estate was used as a private residence until 1908 when 'Pa' Lane Jackson, founder of the Corinthian Sporting Club, purchased the estate, turning it into Britain's finest country club, bringing together the best features of the 1,000 year old estate with new features such as 27 golf holes, 12 tennis courts, cricket and polo. H. S. Colt, who designed Pinevalley, Wentworth, Sunningdale, Muirfield and Royal Portrush was engaged to design the golf course. One of its claims is that it has Colt's finest hole (the 7th), a short par three upon which the notorious twelfth at Augusta was modeled.
In the early 1990's the estate was purchased by ambitious UK-based international Company and today Stoke Poges boasts some of the truest inland greens in England. It also features beautifully sculpted bunkers and fairways that have benefited from a first class irrigation system. Modernization, however, has not been allowed to interfere with the original designs of Harry Colt.
Another reminder at Stoke Park of Augusta are the azaleas and rhododendrons. When they are in bloom, they are particularly stunning at the 156-yard 11th hole where the tee shot must carry a lake.
From the championship tees, the par-71 Stoke Poges layout measures over 6,700 yards and is a challenge for even the most accomplished golfer. The 3rd and 11th holes, like the 7th , are also outstanding short holes but the real strength of the course lies in its superb mix of par fours. Among the best of these on the front are the 4th, with its deceptively raised green and the ingeniously bunkered 6th hole. Most notable holes on the homeward journey include the sweeping 10th, the uphill 12th and the 17th, where the fairway rolls down to a green sited on the far side of the creek.
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| Bond, Goldfinger and their
caddies on the 18th green |
The Clubhouse:
Dining at Stoke Park includes the splendid, relaxing Orangery, a first-class restaurant and a chic, art deco inspired Brasserie - one that has been awarded two AA red rosettes since opening in August 1998. Executive Head Chef Clifford McCrea, and his 20 strong team of Chefs, have turned Stoke's Brasserie into not only an award winning restaurant but also one of with an ever increasing reputation for exquisite food and quality service. In addition two new Brasserie menus have now been introduced - an a la carte menu and a simpler Club Menu.
007:
Film-goers may recognise Stoke Park as a filming venue for both the the third and eighteenth James Bond films, Goldfinger (1964) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997).
Information:
Address
North Drive
Park Road
Stoke Poges
Buckinghamshire
England
SL2 4PG
Green
Fees
Weekdays £110.00 per round £180.00 per day; weekends
and Bank Holidays £180.00 per round. subject to review.
Visitor
Policy
Welcome weekdays with Handicap Certificate or letter of introduction;
weekends subject to availability. 21 bedrooms now available conference
facilities.
Course Manager David Woodward (01753 717171)
Professional Stuart Collier (01753 717171)