The golf
Premier: par 71, 6,517 yards
Championship: par 73, 7,018 yards
Arderne: par 31, 1,916 yards
I had played the Championship course here 11 years ago so on this visit tackled the short Arderne nine-holer as a warm-up, then the Premier course a short drive up the road early next morning. The Arderne is compact and pretty with mostly tiny greens that are handsomely protected by testing slopes.
The short Arderne course is a real test of accuracy in places
(Image credit: Jeremy Ellwood)
The Premier layout eases you in before really coming alive on the 4th, which drops steeply before turning 90˚ left up to a tricky shelf green. You stay at this lower level for two more strong holes before climbing back towards an exposed rockface beyond the green on the excellent par-3 7th.
The Premier course drops down on the 4th, 5th and 6th (pictured here) holes
(Image credit: Macdonald Hotels)
Coming home, the 15th is a belting drop-hole par 3, especially from 200 yards off the right-hand tee hitting through a funnel of trees, while 17 is a lovely short hole over water.
Another view of the par-3 17th on the Premier course from behind the green
(Image credit: Macdonald Hotels)
As for the Championship layout that I had played previously, this can stretch to over 7,000 yards if so desired, with many strong holes like the back-to-back, down-and-then-up par 5s on three and four.
There are splendid all-round views from the higher holes such as the 7th and 11th, while the par-3 14th, which plays to a green across a walled pond guarded by trees, is perhaps the prettiest hole you’ll play here.
The par-3 14th is the signature hole on the Championship course at Portal
(Image credit: Macdonald Hotels)
The hotel
Driving down through the Championship course, you get an inkling for the away-from-it-all feel this hotel, near Tarporley, possesses in abundance.
A Classic King bedroom at Portal Golf and Spa Resort
(Image credit: Macdonald Hotels)
The rooms, ranging from Standard to Deluxe Suite, are well-equipped and a good size and there are very pleasant grounds to explore. The spa, gym and pool are of a high standard, while the Lounge and Bar is a great spot for pre-dinner drinks with views out over the countryside.
Pretty gardens near the health club
(Image credit: Macdonald Hotels)
Salt Brasserie…
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