Celtic Manor | Golf Monthly

If you have the money, definitely play the 2010. If it was down to me, I would match that with Roman Road. But, some locals prefer the Monty, and some prefer The Roman Road!! My thoughts for what it is worth.....

Roman Road: They have made some changes over the years, initially to remove the long par 5 by the main hotel, this resulted in a daft long walk to the next tee. Last year they fixed this by making the 16th a par 3 over the pond and using the old 17th green (previously a par 3) to make a new short but tricky par 4 with a drive over the lake. I think this works really well. Has some really decent holes on it and it is more walkable. You also tee off right by the top clubhouse and therefore don't have to run over the Monty first tee which is some distance away.

Monty: This course was made from the leftover holes (with some changes) from the former Wentwood Hills Course (now defunked) after the lower holes were pinched to make up the 2010 AND some holes (with some changes) from the old Academy Course. This course has some of the best, but also some of the weakest holes on the property!! (due to the two different origins) Also it has some of the toughest and longest walks between holes as it is made of bits of two different courses. (see note about buggies!)

Buggies are not allowed off the cart path at any time here (due to severity of gradients and it gets wet in Wales!) If you get on the side away from the path, it is often a long way. For this reason, most members walk with power trolleys. The Roman Road flows better and has far fewer hikes between holes than the Monty, some of which are tough! .... for this reason I prefer it. (But others may differ) Check out the maps to see what I mean!! But as I said, some great holes on the Monty, but some quite poor ones too.

But as I said, you might get someone else who prefers the Monty! (does that price include the overnight stop?" If so, not bad at all) There are some decent other courses to play en route too!