JCB Golf And Country Club

JCB Golf And Country Club (Rocester, Staffordshire, England)

Imagine standing on the first tee, the rolling Staffordshire countryside unfolding before you, where every fairway tells a story of ambition and precision. The JCB Golf & Country Club, a modern marvel opened in 2018, is the brainchild of Lord Anthony Bamford, Chairman of JCB, the global leader in construction and agricultural equipment. This isn’t just a golf course—it’s a bold statement, designed to showcase JCB’s commitment to excellence while offering golfers an unforgettable experience.

Crafted by renowned architect Robin Hiseman of European Golf Design, the 7,308-yard, par 72 layout weaves through 240 acres of lush greenery, with its signature 17th hole—a daring par 3 to an island green—capturing the imagination of all who play it. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply soaking in the serene beauty, The JCB Golf & Country Club promises a journey that blends challenge, luxury, and inspiration.

Key Details

• Location: Rocester, Staffordshire, England
• Length: 7,308 yards (championship tees)
• Par: 72
• Designers: Robin Hiseman of European Golf Design
• Established: 2018
• Notable Events: The JCB Championship (2022, 2023), LIV Golf UK event (2024)

History and Significance

Founding and Vision

The JCB Golf & Country Club emerged from Lord Bamford’s strategic vision to elevate JCB’s global brand through the universal language of golf. In the mid-2010s, Bamford, recognizing the sport’s ability to forge business connections, set out to create a course that would not only entertain clients but also compete with the world’s finest. Built on the historic Woodseat Hall Estate, the project was a monumental undertaking, requiring the movement of over 400,000 cubic meters of earth to sculpt a landscape that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. This bold endeavor reflects JCB’s ethos of innovation and excellence, transforming a pastoral corner of Staffordshire into a golfing masterpiece.

Design and Evolution

Robin Hiseman, a celebrated architect from European Golf Design, was entrusted with bringing Bamford’s vision to life. Hiseman’s design philosophy embraced the site’s natural contours, weaving fairways through woodlands and around existing water features. The result is a modern classic that balances aesthetic appeal with strategic depth. Since its opening, the course has been meticulously maintained, with ongoing refinements to ensure it remains in tour-ready condition. The use of white sand in bunkers, a nod to American golf aesthetics, enhances its international appeal, particularly for US clients JCB aims to impress.

Tournament Legacy

The JCB Club has quickly established itself as a premier venue, hosting The JCB Championship on the Legends Tour in 2022, where Alex Čejka claimed victory, and in 2023, where Peter Baker triumphed in a weather-shortened event. These tournaments showcased the course’s ability to challenge seasoned professionals while captivating spectators. In July 2024, the club will host a LIV Golf League event, a significant milestone that underscores its growing stature in the global golfing community. These events have cemented The JCB Club’s reputation as a course capable of hosting world-class competition.

Cultural Impact

Though relatively new, The JCB Golf & Country Club has garnered praise for its innovative design and impeccable conditioning. Golfers and critics describe it as “incredibly difficult but beautiful” with “top-notch hospitality.” Its role as a corporate entertainment hub has made it a unique addition to the golfing world, blending business and leisure seamlessly. As it continues to attract high-profile events and international visitors, the club is carving out a lasting legacy, positioning itself as one of the UK’s top inland courses and a symbol of JCB’s global ambition.

Course Features

Layout and Terrain

The JCB Golf & Country Club is a parkland course that masterfully utilizes Staffordshire’s undulating terrain. Spanning 240 acres, its wide, sweeping fairways invite bold drives, but strategic bunkering and natural hazards demand precision. The course’s elevation changes create dramatic moments, such as the breathtaking descent on the 17th hole. Water features, including lakes and streams, come into play on multiple holes, adding both challenge and visual allure. The layout’s versatility allows it to test elite golfers at full length while offering forward tees for a more approachable experience.

Unique Features and Challenges

The course is renowned for its imaginative design, with 112 bunkers—many filled with striking white sand—scattered strategically to punish errant shots. The signature 17th hole, a 252-yard par 3, requires a carry over water to an island green, where swirling winds and a 30-meter elevation drop test even the most confident players. Doglegs, blind shots, and fast, contoured greens further elevate the challenge, requiring thoughtful course management. Yet, the design balances risk and reward, offering safer routes for less aggressive players, making it accessible yet thrilling for all skill levels.

Scenic Elements and Experience

The JCB Club is a feast for the senses, with mature woodlands framing fairways and tranquil lakes reflecting the Staffordshire sky. Panoramic views of the countryside unfold from elevated tees, creating a serene backdrop that enhances every shot. The course’s pristine conditioning, with lush fairways and true-rolling bentgrass greens, ensures a championship-quality experience year-round. Golfers often describe the course as a harmonious blend of natural beauty and architectural brilliance, where each hole feels like a new chapter in a captivating story.

Signature Holes

Hole 1: Par 4, 424 yards

The opening hole sets the stage with a bold challenge, requiring a tee shot over a shimmering lake from the white tees. At 424 yards, this par 4 demands accuracy to avoid water and position the ball for an approach to a green guarded by deep bunkers. The hole’s scenic beauty, with water reflecting the surrounding greenery, creates an exhilarating start that sets the tone for the round.

Hole 17: Par 3, 252 yards

The 17th is the crown jewel of The JCB Club, a par 3 that plays 252 yards from an elevated tee to an island green surrounded by a vast lake. The 30-meter drop adds drama, while unpredictable winds make club selection a gamble. This hole has become iconic for its beauty and brutality, often compared to the famed 17th at TPC Sawgrass. It’s a moment where skill, courage, and composure collide, leaving an indelible mark on every golfer’s memory.

Hole 18: Par 4, 437 yards

The closing hole is a fitting finale, a 437-yard par 4 with a dogleg right that tempts players to cut the corner. Bunkers and thick rough guard the fairway, while the approach to a multi-tiered green demands precision to avoid a tricky two-putt. The hole’s strategic design and scenic backdrop make it a rewarding challenge, offering a triumphant conclusion for those who navigate it successfully.

Why Visit

The JCB Golf & Country Club is a bucket-list destination for golfers seeking a blend of challenge, prestige, and luxury. Its tour-ready design, proven by hosting The JCB Championship and an upcoming LIV Golf event, offers a rare chance to play where professionals compete. The course’s diverse challenges—from water hazards to contoured greens—test every facet of the game, rewarding skill and strategy.

Beyond the fairways, the club’s exclusivity adds a layer of allure. Walking the same paths as corporate leaders and golfing legends creates a profound connection to the sport’s elite. The serene Staffordshire setting, with its rolling hills and tranquil lakes, evokes a sense of peace and inspiration, making every round a memorable journey. Golfers praise the “world-class service” and “stunning course,” noting its ability to leave a lasting impression.

The club’s amenities elevate the experience further. The Golf Academy, with cutting-edge technology, helps golfers refine their skills, while the clubhouse’s fine dining and luxury lodges offer comfort and indulgence. For those planning a golf-centric getaway, Staffordshire’s nearby attractions, from Alton Towers to the Peak District, make The JCB Club an ideal base for a memorable trip.

Facilities

The JCB Club’s clubhouse is a modern sanctuary, featuring a restaurant and bar with panoramic course views. Diners savor locally sourced, seasonal British cuisine, crafted to showcase the region’s culinary heritage, making it an ideal spot for post-round relaxation or business entertaining. The pro shop is a golfer’s haven, stocked with premium apparel, accessories, and JCB-branded memorabilia.

The Golf Academy is a standout, equipped with video analysis studios and custom fitting technology to enhance skills for players of all levels. A state-of-the-art driving range, putting green, and short-game area provide ample practice opportunities. Ten luxury lodges offer on-site accommodation, blending contemporary design with comfort, while golf buggies ensure effortless navigation across the sprawling course.

Contact Details and Directions

• Address: Hollington Road, Rocester, Staffordshire, ST14 5HY, United Kingdom
• Phone: +44 (0)1889 593564
• Email: Contact via the club’s website for inquiries
• Website: JCB Golf And Country Club
• Directions:
• From London: Approximately 140 miles, a 2.5-hour drive via M1 and M6.
• From Manchester: About 50 miles, a 1-hour drive via A50.
• Public Transport: Uttoxeter train station, 5 miles away, offers taxi or bus connections to Rocester.
• Parking: Ample on-site parking is available.

Map: View on Google Maps

Green Fees and Booking

The JCB Golf & Country Club is a private facility, primarily accessible to corporate members and their guests. Non-members may gain access through invitations from corporate members, as top JCB clients or employees, or by participating in occasional charity events. JCB employees can play on Sunday afternoons at reduced rates. Due to the club’s exclusivity, green fees vary and are not publicly listed; interested golfers should contact the club directly for current rates and availability. A smart dress code is strictly enforced, requiring collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, and golf shoes; denim and trainers are prohibited.

Nearby Attractions

Staffordshire’s rich tapestry of history, adventure, and natural beauty makes it an ideal complement to a visit to The JCB Golf & Country Club. From thrilling theme parks to serene gardens, the region offers something for everyone, ensuring a well-rounded trip for golfers and their companions.

• Alton Towers Resort: One of the UK’s premier theme parks, Alton Towers offers adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters like Nemesis and family-friendly attractions, perfect for a day of excitement just 6 miles from the course.
• JCB Factory Tour: Located on-site, this tour provides a fascinating glimpse into JCB’s manufacturing process, showcasing the innovation behind its iconic machinery.
• Trentham Gardens: A 15-mile drive away, this estate features Italianate gardens, a serene lake, and a shopping village with boutique stores and cafes, ideal for a relaxing outing.
• Peak District National Park: Just 20 miles away, this national park offers rugged trails, limestone valleys, and stunning vistas, perfect for hiking or cycling enthusiasts.
• Uttoxeter Racecourse: Five miles from the club, this racecourse hosts thrilling horse racing events in a charming rural setting, appealing to sports fans.
• Churnet Valley Railway: A 10-mile journey takes visitors to this heritage railway, where steam trains wind through picturesque valleys, offering a nostalgic experience.
• Dovedale: Twelve miles away, this stunning river valley features stepping stones and dramatic limestone peaks, ideal for scenic walks.
• Shugborough Estate: Located 18 miles from the course, this historic estate boasts a Georgian mansion, sprawling gardens, and a working farm, offering a deep dive into Staffordshire’s heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I book a tee time at The JCB Golf & Country Club?

Tee times are primarily for corporate members and their guests. Non-members should contact the club directly to inquire about access via invitations or charity events.

What are the green fees for visitors?

Green fees vary and are not publicly listed due to the club’s private status. Contact the club for current rates and availability.

Is the course suitable for beginners?

The course is challenging but enjoyable for all skill levels, with forward tees making it accessible for beginners.

What is the best time of year to play?

The course is open year-round, with April to October offering the most favorable weather for golfing.

What is the dress code?

A smart dress code requires collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, and golf shoes; denim and trainers are prohibited.

Are there practice facilities available?

Yes, the club offers a driving range, putting green, and a Golf Academy with advanced coaching technology.

Can I rent golf clubs or carts?

Golf clubs and buggies are available for rent; advance booking is recommended.

Is there accommodation on-site?

Ten luxury lodges are available for members and guests, offering a comfortable stay.

How do I get to the course from London?

The course is a 140-mile, 2.5-hour drive from London via M1 and M6.

Are there any nearby golf courses?

Uttoxeter Golf Club and Ashbourne Golf Club are within a short drive.

Has the course hosted any major tournaments?

The club hosted The JCB Championship in 2022 and 2023 and will host a LIV Golf event in 2024.

What makes The JCB Club famous?

Its tour-ready design, particularly the iconic 17th hole with its island green, has earned widespread acclaim.

Is there a restaurant or dining facilities?

The clubhouse restaurant serves locally sourced, seasonal British cuisine with course views.

Can I become a member?

Membership is primarily corporate, with companies receiving rounds for employees or guests. Contact the club for details.

What is the weather like in Staffordshire?

Staffordshire enjoys a temperate climate with mild summers and cool winters; check local forecasts before your visit.