The Players Club

Opened in 2002 and designed by Adrian Stiff, the Codrington has spent the years since building a reputation as one of the most demanding tests in the South West. The numbers tell part of the story: 7,106 yards from the back tees, a par of 72 and an SSS of 75, with the medal tees measuring a still-challenging 6,611 yards. Golf World ranked it 113th in Great Britain and Ireland in 2006, and the course has since earned further credibility as the Stage 1 venue for the DP World Tour Qualifying School.

The design sits somewhere between modern parkland and links in character. Woodland frames the layout throughout, and the transition between open and enclosed holes gives the round a satisfying rhythm. Bunkers and water come into play on almost every hole, so there is rarely a moment where you can switch off. The greens are built to USGA specification, with contours and undulations that demand you read the surface carefully rather than simply rolling it at the flag. Matthew Ford set the course record of 63 at the 2009 Euro Pro Motocaddy Masters, with the course playing 7,045 yards that day, which gives you a clear sense of the standard required to go low here.

Water is the defining hazard. It catches the loose drive, punishes the over-ambitious approach and sits just far enough from the green on several holes to make you think twice about the aggressive line. Pick your spots, commit to the shot and the Codrington rewards you. Try to force it and the card fills up faster than you expect.

Opened in May 2010, the Stranahan is a very different proposition from the Codrington and that contrast is exactly what makes it such a useful part of a stay-and-play itinerary. At around 5,500 yards with an SSS of 67, it sits at the friendlier end of the dial, but dismissing it as a pushover would be a mistake. The greens are built to the same USGA standard as the Codrington and are full of both subtle and severe breaks, so the short game and putting are tested just as seriously here.

Bunkering is minimal and water only really comes into play on the opening hole, but the Stranahan compensates with creative contouring and undulations that demand precise shot placement and thoughtful course management. The layout is also a rarity in that it both opens and closes with a par 3. With three par 5s and seven short holes on the card, a well-organised group can complete a round in around three hours. Modest players can realistically break 80 and single-figure golfers will find themselves chasing 60 if the putter gets warm.

The Stranahan is a smart second-round course on a stay-and-play trip because it changes the challenge completely. Where the Codrington asks for power and control off the tee, the Stranahan is more about distance management, wedge play and reading the greens properly. It is shorter on the card, but that only invites mistakes if you get too aggressive.

The Watergarden is a par-3 course that earns its place in the itinerary rather than just filling one. Holes range from 50 to 120 yards, all played from artificial tees, and completing 18 without finding water is a small but satisfying achievement. A round takes between 90 minutes and two hours, making it an ideal warm-up, a way to fill an evening or a short-game workout in its own right.

The greens are built to the same specification as the other two courses, so there is no compromise on the putting surface. The back nine is where experienced players will find the real test, particularly the 15th and 16th, which both require a precise carry across water to half-sized greens. Get the yardage right and it is great fun. Miss it slightly and the Watergarden quickly reminds you to stay focused.

For many groups, this course will be more than a novelty. It is perfect for nearest-the-pin competitions, settling bets after the main round or loosening up before taking on the Codrington. The shorter yardages make it accessible to all abilities, but the water hazards and smaller targets mean better players still need to stay sharp.

Beyond the three courses, the practice and entertainment offering at The Players Club is well-rounded. The driving range includes both mat bays and a grass area, with a short game practice zone for those who want to put in serious work before or after their round.

The two indoor simulators are fitted with GC3 launch monitor technology and deserve a mention of their own. Playing Augusta's back nine on a winter evening is a particular draw, and the simulators also run winter leagues when the nights close in. For groups staying over, it is the kind of facility that adds another layer to the trip, especially when the weather has other ideas.

The club also offers fishing on the property for those who want to step away from the fairways entirely, and the venue hire facilities mean it can accommodate weddings, corporate events and parties, which speaks to the quality of the wider infrastructure on site.