Play golf where Tiger Woods won on British soil and stay where England and Real Madrid have prepared for games at Wembley… what’s it like to go to The Grove?

It’s been 18 years since a major golf Championship – and Tiger Woods – graced The Grove, a golf course and resort just off the M25 on the outskirts of Watford. Walking the grounds and playing the course, you’d never know it.

The Grove has become the destination for elite football sides prior to stepping out at Wembley. The England men’s national team have been staying there for years and Real Madrid set-up base there ahead of their Champions League Final victory earlier this year.

An immaculately kept football pitch at the back of the grounds is just a part of the package. A luxury spa, a summertime outside cinema, a variety of restaurants, nature trails, stunning rooms and, of course, a must-play golf course are part of the top tier ensemble.

While golf’s very best hasn’t been back to The Grove in a while, plenty in the sporting world have for one reason or another and given all the grounds has to offer, it’s easy to see why.

Mail Sport stayed the night and played a round of golf at their picturesque grounds to see why so many top names and clubs keep flocking to these grounds in Hertfordshire.

First of all, you’d never know they’re not currently hosting world championship golf – although they are aiming to once more.

Some light drizzle (in July? Noooo) meant we were treated to a greasy surface for our morning tee and thus, some sensational views of the perfectly kept greens. Lush cuts were visible at every turn from all angles off the main buildings at the top of the hill. The care and attention is right in line with the top of the line care The Grove clearly shoot for from start to finish. Great start.

A short stroll from the pro shop and first tee – where you can also get your buggy and avoid said stroll – there is a practice range as well as chipping and putting greens. The range comes complete with more practice balls than you’d ever need as well as a host of tees and gives you the chance to start the round right.

The first tee is just in front of where the putting green sits and hits downhill with trees and long rough on the left hand side with bunkers trying to will you towards them in the middle. Not the easiest start! But very much a taster of what’s to come.