Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club Est. 1970

Forest of Arden's championship Arden course, as distinct from its shorter companion layout, the Aylesford, is a relative newcomer to the legions of excellent parkland layouts in England. This part-open, part-woodland course was designed and built to test amateurs and top professionals alike. A number of European Tour events testifies to that. The terrain is slightly undulating with water in play on several holes, most dangerously flanking the right side of the tough par-4 9th. The back-nine, quite different from the more water laden front-nine, is played through the remnants of an ancient oak forest, with deer and pheasant ever-present. In this wonderful environment, which evokes thoughts of galloping hunting parties from days of yore, stout old knarled oaks contrast with the youthful undergrowth of green ferns. The Arden's testing signature hole comes at the end, a fabulous long par-3, which has played a deciding role in many a match. (The adjoining Aylesford is a good No.2 course, and suitable for players of all levels).