Rolls of Monmouth Golf - To call this the Rolls Royce of golf courses is not too fanciful because this is where the first Rolls Royce engine was built. That other sleek driving machine, Greg Norman, also paused here on his way to the top of world golf. He was the touring professional of The Rolls Royce in the 1980's and thought that the four short holes on this lush parkland course were 'fantastic'. Tony Jacklin investigated this claim and came away wondering why the Rolls was being kept a secret. To a large extent, it still is. Under the distant gaze of the Black Mountains, this long and undulating coarse boasts magnificent specimen trees. With a large wooded hill at its center and surrounded by 600 acres of woodland, it allows you to take your punishing test in peace and tranquility with only the odd deer to disturb you.

The course itself is one of two halves, being laid out on opposite sides of the estate. The front 9 presents such challenges as the 5th where a deep ravine is located just before the green, the 6th is over 500 yards and requires a lake and a stream to be negotiated. On the back 9, the 11th is a wonderful downhill sweeping hole, the 15th has a sharp dogleg and the 18th with its water challenge makes for an intriguing finish. The clubhouse is the former workshop and garage of the 18th century mansion that was the home of Charles Stuart Rolls the early aviator and motoring pioneer. He formed a partnership with Henry Royce and the first engine bearing their famous names emerged from those garage doors that now form one wall of the lounge area.

No. of holes: 18
Length: 6,733 yards
Par: 72
Course Type: Parkland