St. Mellion: Cornwall’s Premier Golfing Destination
First Impressions and Arrival
When I crossed the Tamar Bridge into Cornwall at the start of June, I had high expectations for my visit to St Mellion Golf Course. What I discovered was something truly extraordinary, a golfing experience that has left an indelible mark on my memory and one that I believe establishes St Mellion as arguably the finest golf course in the southwest of England. I was incredibly fortunate with the weather that day, enjoying superb conditions that allowed the course to showcase itself in all its glory.
More Than Just a Golf Course
St Mellion is far more than just a golf course; it’s a comprehensive resort destination that caters to every possible need. This stunning 36 hole venue seamlessly combines world class golf with luxurious accommodation and an impressive array of facilities including a spa, gymnasium, various sports facilities, and excellent restaurants. It’s the sort of place where you could easily spend several days without ever feeling the need to venture beyond its boundaries.
The Nicklaus Course - A Championship Experience
My focus, however, was firmly on the Nicklaus Course, and what an experience it proved to be. Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus himself, this was his first signature course in the UK, it carries all the hallmarks of his architectural style: bold shaping, strategic bunkering, and risk reward opportunities that demand clear decision making.
Since opening, the course has earned a reputation not just for its beauty and challenge, but also for its championship pedigree, having hosted numerous prestigious events including the Benson & Hedges International Open, the English Amateur Championship, and the Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship.
A Demanding But Rewarding Challenge
From the moment I stepped onto the first tee, I knew I was in for something special. This is a course that demands respect, it’s incredibly tight in places and rewards only the most thoughtful decision making coupled with precise shot execution. Every tee box presents a tactical puzzle that requires careful consideration before committing to a strategy.
The course’s design philosophy becomes immediately apparent: this is golf as it should be played, where intelligence matters as much as raw power. You simply cannot muscle your way around St Mellion. Finding fairways and hitting greens requires a combination of strategic thinking and technical proficiency that elevates the entire golfing experience.
Choose Your Tees Wisely
I must offer a word of caution to visiting golfers: this is an extremely challenging course, and I cannot stress enough the importance of choosing your tees wisely. Matching your handicap to the appropriate tee boxes isn’t just advisable, it’s essential for enjoying your round. The course can be punishingly difficult from the wrong tees, but when you find the right balance, it transforms into a fair but demanding test that will leave you thoroughly satisfied.
Unforgettable Holes
St Mellion’s par threes deserve special mention, offering some of the most striking and demanding tee shots you’re likely to face anywhere. The 11th stands out in particular, a beautifully framed hole that tests both nerve and accuracy. With water threatening and bunkers guarding the green, it’s as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. It’s a classic risk reward scenario that encapsulates everything great about the Nicklaus design.
Reflecting on my round, a few standout holes deserve individual praise. My favourite par 4 has to be the 5th, a thrilling dogleg that plays over water and demands both precision and commitment. It’s a hole that perfectly showcases the course’s strategic intent, where every decision off the tee has consequences.
As for the par 5s, the 12th is a real highlight, sweeping through a picturesque forested corridor that feels completely secluded from the rest of the world. It’s a hole that combines natural beauty with demanding shot making, and it sums up why St Mellion is such a joy to play.
Challenge Meets Accessibility
What strikes me most about St Mellion is how it manages to be simultaneously challenging for serious golfers whilst remaining accessible to those who simply love the game. The key lies in understanding what the course demands and approaching it with the respect it deserves. When you do, you’re rewarded with one of the most satisfying golfing experiences imaginable.
A Perfect Base for a Golf Getaway
The resort’s location makes it an ideal base for a proper golfing holiday. Being a 36 hole venue means you can easily justify the journey from upcountry, knowing you’ll have ample golf to keep you occupied. Moreover, there are several other quality courses in the vicinity, making St Mellion the perfect hub for exploring Cornwall’s golfing offerings.
Final Thoughts
My overall experience was overwhelmingly positive. St Mellion has earned its place among the very best golf courses I’ve ever had the privilege to play. It’s a course that stays with you long after you’ve holed out on the 18th, the sort of place that makes you start planning your return visit before you’ve even left the car park.
For anyone serious about their golf, St Mellion is an absolute must play destination. But it’s equally suitable for recreational golfers who appreciate quality and aren’t afraid of a proper challenge. Just remember to check your ego at the first tee, choose your tees sensibly, and prepare yourself for something truly special.
Cornwall has produced a genuine golfing masterpiece in St Mellion, and it thoroughly deserves its reputation as one of England’s premier golf destinations.
Joe Killoran, Editor, 8 Hcp