The heart of the estate is the golf course which was constructed as recently as 1991, when it was purchased by a Japanese company. This accounts for the lack of awareness associated with the course, which was formerly called Parasampia, and operated very much like a private club, with many Japanese visitors. The trophy cabinet still has reminders, with names such as Parasampia and Shotoku in evidence.

The architect chosen to transform this wonderful piece of Berkshire countryside was Dave Thomas, and he has created a golfing delight. Not surprising when you examine his pedigree, over 120 courses around the world, both in partnership with Peter Allis and in his own right. His brief was to build a championship course that would blend in with the surrounding country side, a course that would test the best players from the back tees, but that could be thoroughly enjoyed by the less accomplished golfers. It finally opened in June 1993. The result is a modern resort style course, with USGA specification greens, American style bunkering, all fitted into the English countryside, where it looks totally in keeping with it's surroundings. From the medal tees it is a daunting 7108 yards, but from the yellows a more manageable 6576 yards, though still a tough examination.

There has been a renaissance at the club since it was acquired by new owners two year ago. There have changed the total philosophy of the complex, and with General Manager Christopher Strong in charge of events, progress has been rapid.

The fundamental change has been the desire to attract and welcome golfing visitors to enjoy this wonderful golf course, and this was launched immediately the new appointment was made. It was estimated that there would be about six hundred bookings in the first year, this was well exceeded, with over nine hundred coming to Donnington Grove, and this year has seen further increased bookings, a true testimonial to the quality of the course, the hospitality and the fascination of the house.

There is an air of progress permeating the complex, already changes are afoot, with an extension to the hotel already in progress, which will add to the rooms available. Once again the emphasis has been on retaining the overall image and atmosphere, despite the enlargement. The facilities are already planned for enhancement, added to the already first class cuisine and bar service and the ingredients are all in place.

For that very special corporate day or society visit, Donnington Grove is perfect, the team are geared to making the day special, and the environment and the course ideal for such a visit. Visitors can be accommodated on any day of the week, a rare treat for those wishing to enjoy a weekend event.

The perfect combination, a wonderful location, and a world class golf architect, the result is eighteen holes that is aesthetically faultless, and a great challenge. A classic layout of two loops of nine, returning to the clubhouse at the turn, and two nines that are very different in character.

The front nine is very undulating, but the views are outstanding, especially from the 8th tee, where nearly all the holes apart from the first and ninth can be seen. Rolling grassland with severe changes in elevation, toughened when the wind blows, particularly from the North.

A call to see professional Gareth Williams, a brief exertion on the range, and it is time to put the clubs into action. The challenge is set out from the first tee, a narrow landing area, then a bunkered elevated green, which will require a good approach to earn a par. Then it's over the road and an uphill par 5, with a fairway lined with strategically placed bunkers. Two par 4?s over 400 yards follow before the first short hole, one that requires more club than the yardage would normally demand.

After the long uphill sixth which runs around the newly constructed lake, is the 7th, a good par 3 which drops steeply to the right, and with a tiered green, appropriately named Members Bounce. The 8th is one of my favourite holes, a long four which plays less than the 463 yards, as it is steeply downhill all the way, and two good shots should give a par. Return over the road, to the short ninth, a birdie chance which helps to restore confidence before the back nine.

The back nine is classic parkland, with beautiful mature trees, oaks, beeches and chestnuts, which stand sentry, and subtly intrude into the fairway to make the position of the drives of paramount importance. Add to that lakes that defend the 11th , 14th , 15th and 18th holes. The examination starts at the 10th, the longest hole on the course, over 600 yards, a real classic with a large oak making things that little more difficult.

It does not get easier at the next, trouble down the left, out of bounds right and a lake defending the green. Difficult par, comfortable bogie for the more faint hearted. The next three holes run alongside the perimeter of the course, a chance to recover some of the shots that have probably been stolen away. The next, christened Fly the Trap, another apt title, get over it and a three tier green awaits, definite three putt country. The 17th is also a par 3, has been described as the most difficult on the back nine, especially into the prevailing wind, but a well struck wood may do the trick. So to the final hole, a fairway that has three bunkers in a line down the right, and a larger one on the left. Thread the needle and a mid iron should find the green, though anything left will find the water.

A fascinating course, on which Dave Thomas has asked all the questions, it is not possible to deny the test, and every club in the bag will be used, and more than once. Head Greenkeeper has a Ross Wilson and his team have a charge to be proud of, well presented and with wonderful greens that are delight to putt on.The next time we will try the forward tees and restore the battered egos.

It is no surprise that Tour events have been hosted here, two Euro Pro Tour events and in 2004 The Challenge Tour English Open Championship, establishing the venue as a firm favourite with the professionals.

After the endeavours on the links, retire to the hotel for sustenance of the highest order, served in a delightful atmosphere.

For those who have other sporting tastes, the round provided a mouth watering trailer, with sight of the River Lambourn, a perfect troutstream, not too wide or deep, with a bright gravel bottom and crystal clear water. In addition, the series of lakes combine to provide a wonderful range of game fishing. The chalk stream, offers superb wading, with grayling and trout to tempt the angler. The natural brown trout is supplemented with careful stocking of locally reared fish.

With fishing instruction on hand for those wishing to try the fascination of the fly, Donnington Grove Golf & Country Club has entered a new era, with more golfers being made aware of the course and facilities, many will be making the trek to sample what has been a previously undiscovered gem.

The location is ideal, a few miles north of Newbury, just off the A34 and not far from the M4, both easy conduits for the journey. For a visit to play or a golf break, an enquiry to Christopher Strong and his team will soon facilitate the arrangements, and the success of the trip is guaranteed