St. Mellion International Resort

Set in 450 acres of prime rolling Cornish countryside, it’s the pride and joy – and flagship course - of Crown Golf. That’s not surprising considering its undoubted pedigree – it was the first European course designed by the great Jack Nicklaus and has hosted six Benson & Hedges International Opens.

The mighty Nicklaus course is the main attraction at Crown Golf’s flagship venue. It’s long and demanding – arguably the toughest inland course in the UK – and easy-on-the-eye. It celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2013 and it’s been thrilling golfers from all over the world ever since opening in 1988. A masterpiece and must play with one memorable hole following another. There’s quality on-site accommodation and outstanding facilities on offer too. 

There are so many star holes it’s difficult to know where to start and at the beginning of the back nine it even boasts its own version of Augusta’s Amen Corner. The stunning par-3 11th did however come about by accident. “We hadn’t anticipated this hole at all,” admitted Nicklaus. “We had gone from the 10th to the 12th and the 12th was going to be the 11th... and then I took another look and saw an opportunity for a great short hole.”  

This spectacular hole didn’t serve Nicklaus too well when he played it though, famously shanking it off the tee while locked in a St Mellion Trophy battle alongside Tom Watson against Nick Faldo and Sandy Lyle soon after the course opened in the late 1980s. Other memorable holes include the short par-4 5th, which offers a bit of respite on the ultra-demanding front nine and the sensational par-5 12th, which winds its way between towering timber with a babbling brook protecting the front of the green.