The Donnington Grove estate dates back to the late 18th century, with the house and grounds acquired by Shi-tenoji International in 1991. The Japanese owners then brought in Dave Thomas to design an 18-hole layout which opened for play on 12 June 1993. The property changed hands again in 2005 but the golf course still remains a core attraction for the business.
Holes 2 to 8 are located on higher ground to the north of the A34 trunk road, with the remaining holes laid out in classic parkland style around the River Lambourn chalk stream which runs through the back nine – though the peaceful waters of this watercourse never actually play a strategic part in proceedings on the course.
The layout can be extended to 7,108 yards from the back markers, playing to a par of 72. Feature holes include the first of the par threes at the 198-yard 5th, the short par four 9th, the tough par four 11th (with a bunkerless green but still rated stroke index 1), and the 368-yard 14th, where a pond to the front right of the green puts pressure on the approach shot.
