Tewkesbury Park Deerpark Golf Course Review

Tewkesbury Park is a luxury family owned destination featuring 27 holes of golf, an excellent boutique hotel and an impressive set of accompanying leisure facilities. Golfshake dispatched Ambassador Rob Treanor in Autumn 2023 to find out how this venue had continued to grow its reputation into being one of the finest destinations for a UK golf break.

Momentum has been building behind Tewkesbury Park in recent years with significant investment made by the family owned business paying dividends. The attention to detail and level of service throughout the venue is excellent making a stay here a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

The par 72 Deerpark Course is well regarded in the golfing world and achieved Highly Recommended status amongst Golfshake members in 2022. Designed by Frank Pennink, the Deerpark plays 6,554 yards across the undulations of the historic hill it plays across. Also onsite is the 9 hole par 3 Acorn course which offers a more informal way to enjoy the game. The Deerpark played host to The PGA Super 60s national tournament in 2021 and 2022 and is a regular venue for county events and competitions.

(Image Credit: Andy Hiseman)

Pre-Round Thoughts

Entering the Tewkesbury Park Estate, the road ascends a historically important hill on which the battle of Tewkesbury was fought in 1471. Today the excellent onsite hotel together with its stunning amenities occupies the brow which offer 360° panoramic views of the surrounding landscape including down to Tewkesbury Abbey.

The venue’s rich history explains the maturity of the trees which are found throughout the estate. In places, the ancient oaks need to be navigated around by playing golfers, presenting strategic questions during the round. The venue has an air of maturity and quality throughout, not least on the highly acclaimed Deerpark Course.

Front 9 Overview

After a welcoming pair of opening holes, the first glimpse of the majestic Tewkesbury Abbey awaits on the par 5 third. The majestic spires offer a great line for the drive which plays slightly downhill before the land rapidly falls away to the green below. There is a chance to make the green here in two if conditions allow, though the trees which tighten around the fairway will prevent anything errant from progressing too far.

The 5th is a delightful yet devilishly tricky par 3. Played downhill, the pond and bunkers which protect the small green are all too visible from the elevated tee box. Pretty trees frame the back of the slender green making this seemingly simple but 146 yard short hole a treat for the eye.

(Image Credit: Andy Hiseman)

Back 9 Overview

The daunting 10th hole is an astonishing sight from the tee. This par 3 is played from the top of the hill seemingly all the way to the bottom meaning any breeze will have a significant impact on club selection. An enormous, trademark oak tree guards the right hand side of the small green which seems a very long way away! A stern test, this firecracker of a hole kicks off the back nine with a bang.

The long 500 yard par 5 at 15 is nicely balanced by the short 265 yard par 4 18th which plays right up to the hotel. Aspirations on the finishing hole are tempered by a blind tee shot with the added pressure of an approach played in full view of onlookers from the hotel. Tempting as shooting for the green in one may be, out of bounds runs all the way down the left and needs to be crossed before the ball re-enters play to find the green making it a route fraught with danger. A safer play is to work up to the aiming marker in the middle of the fairway to create a straightforward approach. Short but devilishly narrow, the round at the Deerpark Course finishes in style in front of the impressive hotel.

Post-Round Thoughts

The parkland layout of the Deerpark weaves up, down and across the high ground on which the hotel sits proudly on top of. Mature trees present an array of strategic challenges, forcing the golfer to play for the correct positions. A pretty, welcoming and enjoyable course, it is not overly punishing making it a fun track to play whether it is the first or twenty first time.

The range of facilities on offer makes Tewkesbury Park a genuinely fantastic venue for a golf break. Quality golf, stylish boutique accommodation and an exceptional food offering make it exceptional value for money.

(Image Credit: Andy Hiseman)

Verdict

This is a fun course to play at a cracking venue. No wonder Golfshake members have been singing the praises of Tewkesbury Park, the majestic and historic setting plays host to a great course and a great hotel all of which is supported by first class service.

Overall Rating - 8

Course (Conditions) - 8

Course (Hole Variety/Layout) - 7

Course (Green Condition) - 8

Course (Challenge/Difficulty) - 7

Club Facilities & Clubhouse - 7

Practice Facilities - 7

Friendliness/Hospitality - 10

Pace of Play - 10

Value For Money - 9