Staverton Park - Northamptonshire - England

At 6200 yards off the yellows, Staverton Park isn't particularly long, however with the large changes in elevation and several tee boxes off the top of large slopes, can be a tough walk, especially on a hot day. We played the course in the height of the Summer, fairways and green in particularly good condition, however the tee boxes were a little bare in places and needed some attention. The rough is sure to punish any shot that is off centre from the tee.

The routing of both nines takes you from the clubhouse at the highest point of the course, and down into the valley below. Some well placed water hazards and a plethora of bunkers make the holes tight and interesting. Hole 3 is worthy of note with a sharp dogleg left and water hazards requiring accuracy and knowledge of your yardages. Holes 10 through 12 are the most scenic parts of the course, with the 11th being the signature hole for us. A long sweeping par 5 downhill, with a stream intersecting the fairway and a small green guarded by bunkers and tree's beside and to the rear.

Design - 7

Setting - 7

Playability - 8

Presentation - 7

Memorability - 7

Total - 36

A solid course with nice facilities and an upmarket setting on the large hotel complex. A challenging and strategic track, with a good variety of holes to keep you engaged. Certainly have a look on the Golf Now app if you are looking to play here, you can pick up green fee's for around £23 per head midday which is very reasonable for the condition of the course.

Having stayed at the hotel a number of times for work courses, I finally decided to bring my clubs.

This isn’t a fantastic course but it’s pretty decent, pretty in places and there are some very good holes in the mix. It’s hilly and I can imagine can be a slow round at peak times but in terms of the actual course, it is quite fun.

My gripe with the first hole (which could be quite a decent start) is that it plays alongside the busy driving range and the fairway is peppered with wayward range balls. The next few holes play over some hilly parkland with hole 3 being a particular favourite - a severe dogleg left that needs precision on your drive and your approach.

There are then some tricky holes coming back up the hill with none being particularly noteworthy until you reach the back 9. Hole 10 (certainly once you’ve hit your drive and playing towards the green) is a decent hole. 11 is my favourite on the course. A par 5 that doglegs to the left with trees and out of bounds on the right and a steep hill to contend with if you go left. There is a stream 100 yards short of the green which means you have to be strategic here if you’re not a huge hitter.

12 is a lovely par 3 over the lake before you head back towards the hotel with 3 tight holes coming back up the hill. 17 is a nice hole with a lot of bunkers to contend with and 18 is a tough finish with your approach needing to carry a pond (it’s a shame the view is ruined by the hotel behind the green).

Not a course I’ll be rushing back to play but it is good value nonetheless and I recommend it if you’re in the area.

Not a very interesting course, holes can play severely down hill. I would rather play Daventry GC in this area of Northamptonshire. The course also suffers from lots of slow 4 ball societies on a Saturday. Can't really remember many of the holes.