Cowdray Estate has recently completed the final phase of a £1million investment, unveiling its newly reimagined par-3 course and an enticing selection of stay-and-play packages.
Nestled in the picturesque South Downs of West Sussex, Midhurst, Cowdray Park offers itself as an ideal getaway for both avid golfers and those looking for a bit of R&R in the English countryside.
A new era for golf at Cowdray
The latest development to Cowdray’s already impressive golfing facilities is the recently finished par-3 setup, a beautifully crafted short course design with five new USGA-specification greens. Paired with greenside bunkers that mirror the style of the main course, the course offers a high-quality practice space that acts as a natural extension of the championship course.
In addition to the par-3 course, a brand-new short-game area has been created, complete with a practice green and bunker for those looking to hone their pitching and sand saves.
The reimagined setup offers an ideal location for beginners and seasoned players alike to work on their game, with Cowdray introducing an Academy Membership to encourage local participation. At only £300 a year, the membership provides unlimited access to the par-3 course, use of the practice facilities, and discounted driving range access and lessons.
Tim Allen, Director of Golf at Cowdray, emphasised the importance of Cowdray Park’s new and inclusive direction: “The new academy set-up has been in the planning for some time, so it’s a thrill to see it come to fruition and our members and guests enjoying the experience. Through this facility, Cowdray will continue its good work engaging with the local community and schools, becoming more inclusive and taking golf to a wider audience.”
Stay-and-Play
For those looking for a relaxing getaway — whether to escape the city or to enjoy a few days away from home — Cowdray Park has combined its enhanced golf experience with a range of stay-and-play packages that offer a quintessential English countryside retreat.
Regardless if you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or in a group, there’s an option for every preference. Accommodation ranges from lodge-style rooms at the golf club to quaint and luxurious cottages complete with amenities such as hot tubs, wood burners, and private gardens.
Prices start from £215 for two people sharing a twin or double room in the golf lodges, which includes a one-night stay and a round of golf, while larger groups can book a Luxury Cottage starting from £265 per person for a two-night, two-round package based on four people sharing.
The cosy Benbow Cottages provide the perfect option for smaller groups, offering a two-night, two-round stay starting at £173 per person. And, for just £15 more per person on all bookings, guests can also enjoy unlimited access to the new par-3 Course.
With every guest receiving a warm welcome — including hampers from the award-winning Cowdray Farm Shop & Café — and championship golf at their fingertips, the value for money is hard to dispute.
A revamped championship course
Cowdray Estate’s new par-3 course complements a wider range of impressive renovations made to its 18-hole championship course, which has undergone significant changes under the guidance of Swan Golf Designs.
The course’s bunkering has been reconstructed and reshaped with native grass borders to blend them seamlessly into the natural downland landscape, while a new ninth tee has been added alongside visually striking and environmentally friendly recycled rubber EcoPath pathways that wind throughout the course.
The famed double green for holes seven and 14 has also been restored, creating a stunning and memorable focal point, labelled aptly as the “heart of the course”.
In addition to the carefully handled landscape management — including the introduction of more native grasslands and the removal of non-native species to allow for Cowdray’s historic oaks and traditional downland scenery to thrive — a new halfway seating area provides a scenic spot to admire the idyllic surroundings on show.
Commenting on the development, Swan Golf Designs said: “It is rare to have the chance to work with a client that matches our ambition for a project, working on a layout that owes much to the original work of Tom Simpson and all set in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. We have sought to modernise the course while restoring some of the strategy and flair that is synonymous with Simpson’s work.”
Offering more than golf
While the golf is certainly a highlight, Cowdray Park is much more than a “golf getaway”. The 16,000-acre Midhurst estate offers premium country pursuits, from clay-pigeon shooting and fishing to horse riding, cycling and polo, drawing similarities to the esteemed Real Club de Golf Sotogrande and the surrounding complex — just without the guaranteed Spanish climate.
With the completion of this major investment, and located only an hour from London and its major airports, Cowdray Estate is poised to become one of the top, inclusive golf experiences in the South of England. As Allen proudly states “Our members and guests – young and old – can look forward to an elevated playing experience here. We are excited for the future and Cowdray’s new-found status as a must-play venue.”
