China Fleet Golf & Country Club: A Versatile Stay and Play Venue on the Cornish Border
First Impressions and Setting
Located just across the Tamar Bridge from Plymouth, on the edge of Saltash in southeast Cornwall, China Fleet Golf & Country Club enjoys a prime location that makes it an ideal choice for both local golfers and those travelling from further afield. Whether you’re looking for a competitive round, a weekend golf break, or simply a relaxing stay with access to leisure facilities, China Fleet has plenty to offer.
The club combines a mature parkland golf course with a modern hotel, spa, gym, and family friendly amenities, all within easy reach of the coast, moorland, and historic attractions of Cornwall and Devon. It’s a resort that wears many hats, but golf remains at the heart of its appeal.
The Course: Mature Parkland with a Strategic Edge
China Fleet’s 18 hole course was designed in the early 1990s by Dr Martin Hawtree, a name associated with several top British courses including Royal Birkdale and Trump International in Scotland. It measures just under 6,700 yards from the back tees and plays to a par of 72, with a layout that winds through gently undulating terrain framed by mature trees, ponds, and thick rough in places.
This is not a course that relies on length to provide challenge. Instead, it rewards strategic thinking and sound course management. Fairways are generous in parts but can tighten at key landing areas, while the greens are typically large and well contoured, requiring precision with approach play and a steady hand on the putter.
Water hazards and bunkering are used sparingly but effectively throughout, and elevation changes add an extra layer of complexity on a number of holes.
Standout Holes and Challenge
- Hole 4, a par 4 and is one of the more exacting early holes, often setting the tone. Miss the fairway and you may struggle.
- Hole 13 is a par 5 and one of the longer holes, offering risk reward opportunities if you can drive well and place follow up shots accurately.
- Signature hole 14, a par 4 that gives a memorable twist in the routing, with feature bunkering, water to hit over from the tee shot and a well guarded green with subtle run off areas this hole is both picturesque and challenging where ball striking and shot shaping is key to access tough pin positions.
Course Conditions, Strategy, and Play
The course at China Fleet is typically well maintained throughout the year, with greens that are smooth and consistent, offering subtle breaks that can make even short putts challenging. Fairways tend to run well in dry conditions and provide ample landing areas, but strategic positioning remains crucial if you want to score well. While the rough is generally manageable, straying too far offline can quickly lead to dropped shots, particularly around the more tightly framed holes.
Bunkering is used thoughtfully across the course, both as a visual feature and as a strategic element, often dictating shot shape and club selection. With multiple tee boxes, the course can be tailored to suit players of all levels. Those off the forward tees will find a more accessible and enjoyable test, while the back tees provide a stiffer challenge for lower handicappers. Overall, the course rewards intelligent play over sheer power, favouring golfers who are prepared to think their way around rather than simply attack every hole.
Facilities, Hospitality, and Atmosphere
Beyond the course itself, China Fleet excels in providing a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for visiting golfers. The on site accommodation is modern, spacious and particularly well suited to groups, families or couples looking for a relaxed golfing break. The clubhouse is warm and welcoming, offering a comfortable place to unwind after your round, with a restaurant and bar serving a wide range of food and drink including hearty post round meals and locally sourced options.
The wider resort amenities include a fully equipped spa and leisure centre, featuring a swimming pool, gym, and a range of health and beauty treatments, making it an excellent choice for mixed groups or for those travelling with non golfers. The practice facilities are also strong, with a two tier, floodlit driving range, putting green and short game area, which allow golfers to warm up properly or fine tune specific parts of their game. Combined with a friendly and professional staff team, China Fleet creates an inviting atmosphere that blends the feel of a private club with the accessibility of a modern resort.
Final Thoughts
China Fleet Golf & Country Club offers a well rounded golf and leisure experience that balances thoughtful course design with high quality facilities and a welcoming atmosphere. The golf course itself is mature and well maintained, providing an enjoyable challenge for players of all abilities. With a layout that rewards careful planning and consistency rather than brute force, it encourages golfers to engage with the course intellectually as much as physically.
What sets China Fleet apart is the complete package. The on site accommodation, excellent leisure facilities, and attentive hospitality make it an ideal destination for a short golf break, society visit or a weekend escape with friends or family. Its location, just minutes from the Tamar Bridge, adds convenience to its appeal, making it accessible without feeling overly commercial.
Whether you’re visiting for a casual round or planning a longer stay, China Fleet delivers a golf experience that is relaxed, enjoyable and quietly impressive, the kind of place that doesn’t shout for attention but earns your respect by doing the fundamentals very well. For those exploring golf in the South West, it’s a venue that’s well worth adding to the list.
Joe Killoran, Editor, 8 Hcp