Cotswolds course ramps up renovations ahead of feeder tour event

A golf course at the heart of one of England’s prettiest villages has progressed a series of course renovation projects this winter as it gears up to welcome back Europe’s leading golf development tour.

The official feeder tour to the European Challenge Tour, the Clutch Pro Tour will visit The Manor House Golf Club, in Castle Combe on the southern edge of The Cotswolds, for the second year in a row for three days of scintillating action later this year.

The club’s acclaimed par-72 parkland course – set within 365 acres of picturesque rolling countryside, just 90 minutes from Heathrow Airport – will host the Tier One event from June 9-13, with amateurs having the opportunity to play alongside a Clutch Tour player in tournament conditions on June 9, before the professionals take centre stage to compete over 54 holes.

This winter, several renovation projects have been progressing across the golf course as The Manor House – and owners Exclusive Collection – continues to invest significantly in its golf facilities.

Substantial work is underway to improve the 18th hole, including the creation of an extended green toward the lake at the back of hole. By levelling off and extending this green area, the club will be able to put the pin position in a more menacing spot closer to the water. The positioning and appearance of the greenside bunkers are also in the process of being changed to create a more dramatic visual and create a very challenging finishing hole.

Elsewhere, irrigation heads have been replaced around seven greens to improve efficiency of water distribution, and clearance work has taken place by the 17th tee to further dramatize the 120-foot drop from tee box to the two greens.

A major sustainable bunker renovation project is also continuing across the course as BunkerMat technology is introduced on the majority of the 80 bunkers to improve sand retention on the steep slopes.

Golf club manager, Andy Ryan, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming back the Mizuno Next Gen Series, presented by Clutch Pro Tour this year and are looking forward to welcoming everyone for what promises to be a great few days of golf.

“With several projects underway this winter, the course will be in an excellent condition and will provide a real test for the game’s next stars, as well as our membership throughout the year.”

The club is still taking bookings for golf breaks through the winter. Packages start from £135 per person and include bed and breakfast in a standard room, a £35 per person allocation to use towards dinner, use of the driving range and 18 or 36 holes of golf.

A range of attractive fourball packages are also available from now until the end of March. Starting from £55 per person, visitors will be able to enjoy use of the USGA driving range with complimentary range balls, and will receive inclusive hand warmers ideal for the colder months.

For more information on The Manor House, please visit: The Manor House