October 15, 2019. One of the toughest and most intimidating opening holes in golf (especially from the Black tee tips) sets the scene at JCB Golf & Country Club.
Depending on the tees that you choose and how brave you are feeling, the first hole provides a striking introduction with a drive and approach shot both requiring carries over water to a well-guarded undulating green. Once you hole out and look back towards the tee, it is hard to think of a better opener in golf.
The 18th is a tremendous finishing hole - a long uphill dogleg left over water with the tee shot and to a well-protected green. Unfortunately for us they were in the final stages of improving drainage in the fairway so the tee was out of action and we had to play it as a 110 yard par 3.
The design brief was to fashion a layout to test elite golfers – similar to the TPC Deere Run course in Illinois which hosts the annual John Deere Classic event on the PGA Tour – as the Rocester course is intended to hold a similar professional tournament that will bring the JCB brand to a wider audience.
The JCB Golf and Country Club reflects the bold, ambitious vision of Lord Bamford, Chairman of the iconic construction and agricultural equipment manufacturer, JCB.
Its signature 17th hole is situated on a converted island on one of the JCB lakes and is a breathtaking, yet brutal 255 yard par 3. Learn more.
The 7,308 yard course, designed by architect Robin Hiseman of European Golf Design, has been created primarily as a sales and marketing tool for the JCB brand.
It is also expected to be a regular venue for professional tour golf. Public access is not, at the moment, expected to be allowed. The course is built around the ruined Woodseat Hall, literally across the road from JCB's main manufacturing plant at Rocester.
This is a rare opportunity to play on the prestigious JCB Golf and Country Club golf course completed in 2019.
All young people should feel safe, cared for, and listened to. But we know, for children who desperately need help, it’s often difficult to speak out.