THE GROVE – LONDON’S COUNTRY ESTATE, TO STAGE 2006 WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Troon Golf,® the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing is thrilled to announce that The Grove, one of Europe’s finest golf venues, and a Troon Golf-managed facility, has been chosen to host the prestigious 2006 American Express Championship, part of the World Golf Championships series. For the first time ever, the world’s 64 leading golfers including Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Colin Montgomerie, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke will be together in the UK.
From the day it opened in September 2003, The Grove – known at ‘London’s Country Estate’ – has been in the spotlight. The former home of the Earls of Clarendon has been transformed into a contemporary country estate, with not only the 18-hole golf course, but also a 5-star luxury hotel and spa, surrounded by 300 acres of private grounds.
The magnificent golf course, the work of Kyle Phillips, quickly received unanimous praise. The legendary Gary Player played the course this summer and commented: “The Grove is without doubt one of the finest public facilities I have ever seen anywhere in the world.”
Chris Andrews, Commercial Director of The Grove, said: “It is an incredible honor to have the opportunity to welcome the best players in the world to The Grove. On behalf of everyone at The Grove, I should like to thank American Express, The PGA Tour and the European Tour for selecting The Grove. We will rise to the challenge, to ensure that the 2006 American Express Championships will be memorable on and off the course, so that all those involved will enjoy what has become known throughout the world of golf as ‘The Grove Experience’.”
The course follows the slopes, ridges and mounds that occur naturally within The Grove’s local landscape. Despite this traditional appearance, the course, at a par 72, 7152 yards, makes few concessions to modernity.
*Latest A4 creeping bent grass for firm, fast putting services
*Continuous hidden cart path around all 18 holes
*Full length driving range, practice area and putting green
“What a true testament to the high caliber of golf at The Grove,” stated Troon Golf Chairman & CEO Dana Garmany, “To be chosen as a host for this event after being open for only one year is a great honor. Congratulations to the entire staff at The Grove.”
The Grove is the recipient of the much-coveted AA Hotel of the Year Award For England 2004-05 and was also awarded a place in Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s HOT LIST of the best new hotels in the world, both in the UK and the United States.
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Troon Golf manages operations at more than 140 courses located in 26 states and 13 countries. Additionally, 28 Troon Golf facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Troon Golf properties include The Westin Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire, Scotland; Talking Stick Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Maderas Golf Club, San Diego, Calif.; Lake of Isles, North Stonington, Conn.; Vista Ridge Golf Club, Erie, Colo.; Kooindah Golf & Country Club, New South Wales, Australia; and Bearwood Lakes Golf Club, Berkshire, England.