Stay and play: St Mellion Estate

St.Mellion Estate hosted The British Challenge presented by Modest! Golf Management

St Mellion Estate is the place to stay when venturing to this Cornish corner of England. You’ve voted it the Best Golf Course and Resort in the South West in our TG Travel Awards many times over the years – and we regularly feature St.Mellion in our Top 100 rankings because of its heritage and exceptional facilities. 

The 450-acre estate in Saltash caters best for large groups and families and is the kind of place you keep coming back to time and time again. Both courses have hosted multiple European Tour events, though everyone gravitates towards the Nicklaus Signature Course, which hosted the Benson & Hedges International Open between 1990 and 1995.

It was also the first layout in Europe designed by Jack Nicklaus, who rates it among his finest creations.

“I knew it was going to be good but not this good,” he says. “St. Mellion is potentially the finest golf course in Europe. To this day, I don’t think there is another course like it in the UK.”

ON THE COURSE

Nicklaus Signature Course

Likened to Sawgrass by Mark Crossfield, the Nicklaus is surprisingly short by modern standards, and yet it more than lives up to its reputation as one of the most demanding inland courses in the UK. Realistically, you need to be a mid-handicapper to get it round, such are the number of tight tee shots and gaping water hazards that intersect the fairways and greens.

The targets are tiny and most of the holes are cut into fierce slopes, which makes for an unrelenting test from tee to green. We were warned to expect a US Open-style test, but as long as you don’t get too hung up on your score, you’ll be blown away by the conditioning and the first three holes on the back nine, which is their version of Amen Corner.

SIGNATURE HOLE

The 12th is a sensational par 5 that runs through a tree-lined valley, but our vote goes to the par-3 11th (pictured), which has a forced carry over water from 143 yards to a shallow green surrounded by bunkers. It’s a mirror image of the 12th at Augusta and is so good that it ranked 24th on our list of the best par 3s in GB&I.

Kernow Resort Course

Unfairly touted as the ‘second course’, this shorter parkland layout feels like an extension of the Nicklaus but with larger greens and wider fairways. It does take a while to get going so while the first nine is more open and less penal, with two par 5s to start, the back nine is laced with driveable par 4s and extreme changes in elevation.

You don’t need to be a big hitter to score well, but you will need your Sunday best on the short par-4 10th hole to find a narrow strip of green sandwiched between a pond and a steep bank.

OFF THE COURSE

The estate boasts a four-star hotel which is conveniently located between both courses. The rooms are a step up from most chain hotels, while the health club and spa is one of the biggest (and best) we’ve experienced at a golf resort.

Guests also have access to an all-grass driving range, in addition to a dedicated short game area, two practice putting greens, and a five-hole short course.

There’s a choice of three eateries, though most golfers tend to congregate in the Nicklaus Golf Bar, overlooking the 18th green, where you can enjoy a hearty lunch (or a Cornish pasty) before challenging your mates to a game of pool.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Besides traveling an hour further west to play St Enodoc and Trevose, we recommend a three-mile stroll around Whitsand Bay beach, followed by a trip to The Eden Project or The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

If there’s time, head towards Port Isaac for a seafood tasting at Outlaw’s New Road – and then walk it off by exploring the tiny fishing village, as featured in Doc Martin.

The Nicklaus Signature Course will welcome the Challenge Tour back for The British Challenge presented by Modest! Golf Management, from August 3-6, which is free to attend for spectators.

STAY AND PLAY DEAL

A midweek golf break at St. Mellion includes a two-night, B&B stay with a three-course dinner each night, free use of the health club, and three rounds of golf (one on the Nicklaus, two on the Kernow).

Prices start from £295pp this summer, subject to availability. The offer is based on double occupancy. To book, call  01579 351351 or visit www.st-mellion.co.uk

TG READER OFFER

Get one free buggy, worth £40, when booking a golf break for a minimum of four guests. Call 01579 351351 and quote Today’s Golfer.

Want to get the most from Today’s Golfer? Sign up for TG Membership!

About the author

Michael Catling
Today’s Golfer Features Editor

Michael Catling is Today’s Golfer‘s Features Editor and an award-winning journalist who specializes in golf’s Majors and Tours, including DP World, PGA, LPGA, and LIV.

Michael joined Today’s Golfer in 2016 and has traveled the world to attend the game’s biggest events and secure exclusive interviews with dozens of Major champions, including Jack Nicklaus, Jordan Spieth, Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Gary Player, and Justin Thomas.

A former member of Ufford Park and Burghley Park, Michael has been playing golf since he was 11 and currently plays off a handicap of 10.

Away from golf he’s a keen amateur chef and has his own healthy recipes website. He also loves playing squash, going to the gym, and following Chelsea FC.

Michael uses a Ping G driver, Ping G 3-wood, Ping G Crossover 3-iron, Ping G Series irons (4-PW), Ping Glide wedges (52º, 56º, 60º), TaylorMade MySpider Tour Putter, and Srixon AD333 golf ball.

Get in touch with Michael via email and follow him on Twitter.