Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa

The par-73 course measures 7,107 yards from the championship tees and was created by course architect Mike Smith with USGA-specification tees and greens. TG visited after an intense period of rain, but the course held up superbly. There was no water in any bunkers – because there are no bunkers! (the Capability Brown landscape is well protected from change). But don’t think that makes it a pushover. Large, undulating greens – which can get really quick in summer – whipping winds, mature trees and several water features create a tricky test. There’s a very different feels about the two nines – one is inland linksy, the other parkland – so it tests every part of your game. The first half relies on long rough and water features for its protection; the back half plots its way around large, overhanging oak and beech trees.

If you want a weekend break where golf can be combined with some epic history, spa pampering and fine dining, Luton Hoo offers the lot. The luxury Bedfordshire venue witnessed some remarkable post-war scenes when Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressed a 110,000-strong crowd to thank them for their support during World War II. Churchill tanks, made by Vauxhall Motors in nearby Luton, were tested here with gravel drives concreted over for the purpose. The mansion house is set in over 1,000 acres landscaped by Capability Brown and was taken over by the army to become Eastern Command HQ. It is now, however, a five-star hotel.

TG visited after heavy rain, but the course held up superbly with no water in any bunkers… because there are no bunkers! The Brown landscape is well protected from change. Large, undulating greens – which can get really quick in summer – a frequent breeze, mature trees and several water features combine to make it plenty tricky enough. There’s a very different feel to the two nines – the first half relies on long rough and water features for its protection; the back half plots its way around large, overhanging oak and beech trees.

After golf, you can relax in the beautifully-appointed spa within the courtyard, or re-energise in the state-of-the-art gym or sauna and steam room. In the evening, after a stroll around the walled garden, choose between either relaxed dining in Adam’s Brasserie or fine dining in the Wernher restaurant. TG stayed in the main Mansion house, with its sumptuous suites. Other accommodation at Luton Hoo, just minutes from the M1, can be found at The Parkland wing, The Club House (12 rooms with oak beams and vaulted ceilings) and Flower Garden wing.

Click here to find out where Luton Hoo ranks in Golf World's Top 100 Resorts UK & Ireland

A luxury resort with a splendid modern bunkerless (it sits on historic protected land) course featuring contrasting nines – the open, exposed inland links-like front nine is followed by a traditional parkland stretch.

The course  is 7,107 yards long and is a par 73 off the championship tees. A serious test for all levels of golf with a choice of 4 different tees to play from. 

It's sculpted amongst 250 acres of Capability Brown's stunning landscape, and is sympathetic to the historical significance of the land.  All tees and greens have been built to USGA specifications.

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course has: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course has: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course has: Handicap

• 4 out of 5 Look out for this one 13 March 2010

  By Bermudatriangle

  What a great course!!! We came on a crisp morning in March all most to cold for Golf but then again it is never the wrong weather for golf. This course has it all the wau factor on arrival with a Mansion to great you. Pro shop staff how understands your needs and with just the right hospiltality. We had coffee and bacon rolls on arrival waiting for the fog to lift. This course offers a mix of Parkland and links course which makes it great. Not just diver of every tee. (Be aware of #18 driver of the tee will get you in trouble and leaves you no shoot for the green)  They planted an impressive amount of young trees and this course will get better year by year. Great to play from the origianl tees and greens and this are the best greens I have seen for a long time in the winter.  I played here last summer and the greens where lightning fast . A true test to all golfers.  Well done to the green keepers. I shall return often as this is still a bestkeeped secret and not over run. They got ther price right and offer great food after a long round in thier bar. Well Done!

• 1.5 out of 5 Misguided aspirations 07 March 2010

  By bradburs

  A crisp sunny saturday mid morning tee off. An impressive entrance and a magestic manor house in mature estate gardens.  I believe Luton Hoo has aspirations to be akin to The Grove.  Good luck, they'll need it. The setting has the potential but, perhaps the pot hole at the main gate was an indicator of the flaws within. We were directed to the main house for coffee but gave up after receiving poor service and a coffee pricing in at £4.25.  A brochure in the hotel showed a photo of a nicely groomed golf course. Staff in the shop were pleasant enough, the course was very quiet too.   We soon understood why. This course in its current condition is the worst golf course I have played in 20 years.  A waste of money at £35 per round (and prices increasing next month).  The greens were all brown, the entire course was un-prepared.  150yd markers were incorrectly placed (anywhere between 150 and 200yds out, as confirmed by our GPS). Parts of the course resembled a building site. Finally the  shoe cleaner was out of order.  The course itself is split with 9 holes on the older estate grounds, predominantly featureless parkland with little or no definition between fairway, rough and green. The other 9 holes are in immature land with plentiful plantings of staked saplings overlooking the unsightly M1 with some man made lakes at the far end (the first of which is lined with unsightly plastic and surrounded by a fence).   We will certainly not be returning for a return visit.

• 4 out of 5 A Potential Gem... 21 January 2009

  By Andrew Moore

  Played this course on a very wet September day, arrived early morning, and enjoyed a very warm welcome from the pro shop. We practically had the course to ourselves, and also the fantastic off course facilities. The course only opened in May 2008, and is still bedding ina little bit, but the layout is interesting, the par threes are long and challenging, and the course will in time provide a very fair test. Its a tale of two halves, with hole 1 and 9 plus much of the back nine played amidst beutiful deerpark surroundings. The other half is brand new, commanding views towards the M1 (no noise though). Considering the newness of the course and the amount of rain that had fallen it was in good shape, and with a little bit of time will surely be a good alternative to those that cannot afford to play at The Grove. Well worth a try, and take time to enjoy a meal in the hotel - good value and good quality.