World renowned golf course architect Rees Jones has successfully blended 18 strategically contoured holes into the surrounding countryside. A relative rarity in Britain, the course has been designed in a modern American parkland style, and specifically as a potential venue for international golf tournaments.

Since opening in 1993, The Oxfordshire has hosted the Anderson Consulting World Matchplay, the English Ladies Open, and from 1996 to 1999 it has been the venue for Benson & Hedges International Open. The latter boasts an enviable list of winners such as Colin Montgomerie, Bernhard Langer and Darren Clarke.

All the holes present their own individual challenges. The course’s signature hole is the 17th, voted one of the top 500 holes in the world by Golf Magazine in January 2000. This downhill par five is the thinking golfer’s dream, and the thoughtless golfer’s nightmare.

After the drive, the second shot can be played one of two ways. A solid tee shot will invite a second shot over the water to a small landing area protected by pot bunkers. The safer route plays around the lake but requires a longer shot partially over water. The big hitter may try for the green in two shots, but beware, a full water carry is required to the green which is also protected by sand.

Another notable hole is the 8th, also voted one of the top 500 holes in the world by Golf Magazine in January 2000. Although a short par four, the 8th requires both finesse and accuracy. The water on the right and the bunkers at the turn tempt the conservative player to hit an iron from the tee. The short second shot is to a peninsula green with water long, short and right. Not a hole to be played without a plan.