How far would you go to play one of the finest new courses in the south of England? How much would you expect to pay?

Less than an hour from London and just a couple of miles from the M4 is the Donnington Grove estate. Here, nestled in the heart of the Berkshire countryside, lies a golfing haven. A true golfing experience to delight all golfers.

In a park probably laid out by the father of Regency dandy, Beau Brummell, Dave Thomas has designed an outstanding and challenging course. And at prices from £20 to £35, with frequent ‘offers’, it is a very affordable luxury.

Thomas, a former Ryder Cup player and twice Open Championship runner-up, has been involved with 120 golf courses around the world. He is renowned for the Brabazon at The Belfry and Bowood Golf & Country Club in Wiltshire.

His brief was to develop a Championship Course in harmony with surrounding countryside that experienced players and occasional golfers could enjoy in equal measure. He has certainly achieved this with a thoughtful, modern course in a peaceful setting.

So why is Donnington Grove such a well-guarded secret? Like so many of the best modern courses in the south, a Japanese company built it in 1993, since when it has operated very much as a private club. Little thought seems to have been given to promote the course or the hotel as a golf break destination.

Recently purchased by local businessmen, and with new General Manager Christopher Strong now in charge, it is set to blossom and take its place among the best golf break destinations.

On the outskirts of Newbury and overlooked by the historic Donnington Castle, off the back tees the course measures a formidable 7,108 yards, whilst off the yellow tees it remains testing at 6,576 yards.

The two nines differ significantly. The opening nine holes are set on higher ground to create an undulating challenge. The back nine is traditional parkland, using trees and water hazards to test golfers of all abilities.

A striking characteristic is that every hole gives several playing options. Great care has been taken with sight lines. Very often a green appears shallow when, in fact, all are generously proportioned. Both fairway bunkers and different levels on putting surfaces are frequently obscured.

What also stands out are the excellent putting surfaces. Built to USGA standards, the greens are fair, extremely quick and well cut and certainly among the best in the area.

The course is playable all year round and Donnington Grove has held two EuroPro Tour events and in 2004 hosted the English Challenge Open, establishing it as a favourite with the pros.

Practice facilities are excellent with a 500-yard grass range. Some all-day packages include a bucket of balls, so there is no excuse for a slow start to your round.

Donnington Grove is a spacious course that will appeal to club golfers who like to play at a good pace. There are two or three walks from green to tee, which means many players opt for a buggy, but I did not find it long or tiring.

Christopher Strong, who has worked in golf for 20 years, says: “Donnington Grove is a club with a friendly atmosphere and members welcome both handicapped players and beginners.

“Visitors, whether regulars using our Gold Card, or from further afield are very important to our success.”

The Donnington Grove Estate runs to 550 acres and is a mixture of parkland, farmland and woodland, with the River Lambourn running through it. The house was built between 1763 and 1772 in a style known as Strawberry Hill Gothic.

This quirky house was converted into a hotel in 1993, to provide 25 rooms and a unique venue for a golf break. Not the modern “have a good night’s sleep” box, at Donnington Grove rooms are very well appointed and spacious, have real character and a great price.

Guests can dine in The Cloudy Restaurant, where there is an à la carte menu. The grounds also boast a stunning Japanese Temple and walled gardens to help you unwind, as well as tennis, clay pigeon shooting, archery and quad biking. Fishing is available on the river and the Lake. Or you can simply take a long walk around the breathtaking grounds.

The Country Club has superb banqueting facilities and is a magnificent place to hold a wedding reception, conference or function.  The welcoming staff will advise on groups from 12 to 80.

Donnington Grove certainly offers the complete package and provides all you would want from golf membership or a golf break. Everything is first rate, there are no rough edges and the original desire to create something of lasting beauty has worked beyond measure.

Donnington Grove Gold Card

An innovative, flexible option for golfers who wish to play regularly without becoming a member. An upfront payment buys one of 4 points packages from £100 up to £400. For £300 you get around 15 rounds of golf.

Golf Breaks

There are several good value packages and, in reality, Christopher Strong and his team will always try to ensure your package suits you.

One night’s stay with breakfast & dinner plus 2 rounds of golf is £139 pp based on two sharing.

A Sunday to Monday break on the same basis is just £95 pp.

A two-night stay with breakfast & dinner plus 3 rounds of golf is £239 pp.

The Card

Donnington Grove Country Club,

Grove Road,

Newbury,

Berkshire,

RG14 2LA

18 holes: 7,108 yards White tees; 5,788 yards Ladies; General Manager: Christopher Strong; PGA Professional: Gareth Williams

How to find Donnington Grove: Leave the M4 at Junction 13 and take the A34 towards Newbury before following signs for Donnington

General enquiries 01635 581000; tee times: 01635 551975

web www.donnington-grove.com

Membership

Full annual membership is £1200.

Societies

Donnington Grove welcomes golf societies or groups of any size and promise a varied and enjoyable day.  If golf does not suit every member of the group, golf organiser Corinne Wilson can also offer a full range of outdoor activities.

Summer packages start from £58 for one round of golf plus dinner up to £78 for a great value day of 36 holes with coffee, lunch and a 3-course evening meal

Visitors

Visitors are always welcome. Green Fees range from £20 (twilight after 4.30pm) to £40 at weekends.

County Card holders can play for £17.50 to £22.50. Telephone in advance to reserve a tee time.

Weddings

With its secluded location, elegant architecture and picturesque surroundings, Donnington Grove Country Club, is the perfect venue for a wedding reception.