Rescheduled from 2020 to 2022: An opportunity to visit the Cotswolds and our first visit to Tewkesbury Park
Situated 2 miles outside of the ancient market town of Cirencester, in the heart of the Cotswolds, Cirencester Golf Club boasts glorious views towards the town and the Marlborough Downs beyond, as well as a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Golf was first played in Cirencester in 1893 when an area of old pastures in Sapperton was laid out as a golf course. However, as demand grew, upkeep costs were a challenge and transport to the site was difficult. So, a new venue was sought, which is the course we know and enjoy today.
The James Braid designed course opened in 1910 with an exhibition match between Braid himself and Harry Vardon (of the standard overlapping ‘Vardon’ grip fame). Braid’s local knowledge helped him to secure the bragging rights scoring 5 under the Bogey score – a course record at the time.
The course has stayed largely the same ever since, with the exception of 3 new holes, which were constructed in 1996 following the loss of land due to the bypass. Several bunkers have also been repositioned to take into account the greater distances that can be achieved with modern equipment.
The 18 holes are carefully tended by the dedicated green staff and set up to cater for all grades of golfer. The fairways and semi-rough are generous and the rough is fair. The small greens and 51 bunkers defend the course well – miss the green on the wrong side and you’ll be left with a testing chip shot. The greens generally provide a good mix of undulations and subtle interest (especially when you walk on the first green, which will test any putting stroke!).
The course sits on free-draining limestone which means the course can be kept open all year round (except when snow or lightning interfere) providing first-class surfaces all year round, all the way from the 1st tee to the 18th green.
The land on which the golf course was constructed was formerly a deer park until 1770 when Mary and John Wall built the house which became Tewkesbury Park – that’s how the course came to be called The Deerpark.
Designed by the international golf course architect, Frank Pennink, and with recent consultancy advice from both Peter McEvoy – ex England Amateur Champion – and international agronomist John Clarkin, The Deerpark is a 6,554 yard, Par 72 golf course in a stunning parkland setting with panoramic views, water features, cross-cut fairways, mature trees including veteran oaks, and manicured greens in excellent condition.
The excellent on-site hotel combined with the quality of the course played a large part in Tewkesbury Park’s inclusion in two separate Top 100 Golf Resorts in GB & Ireland rankings – from Golf World and National Club Golfer.
So whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we’ll make sure that you feel right at home. If you’re staying with us, you’re also very welcome to have a go on The Acorn – our short academy course.
As the 14th-century proverb says, ‘Great Oaks from Little Acorns grow’. One of the hallmarks of the land at Tewkesbury Park is the presence of ancient oak trees, and our Acorn course is often used for training and beginners. That’s why we called it The Acorn.
Besides the golf course, the hotel is renowned for excellent standards of accommodation including individually designed luxury rooms in the 18th-century manor house. There are also six top-notch suites with beautiful bay windows, sumptuous furnishings, many with double-ended baths and bathroom TV’s.