Premier Course

at Portal Golf & Spa Resort

Location: Tarporley, Cheshire | Style: Parkland | Length: 6,582 yards | Par: 71 | Designer: Andrew Murray | Founded: 1990

Set amongst the rolling Cheshire countryside near the picturesque market town of Tarporley, the Premier Course at Portal Golf & Spa Resort offers an engaging and scenic parkland golf experience that perfectly complements the resort’s championship reputation. Often overshadowed by its acclaimed Championship Course sibling, the Premier Course has quietly established itself as one of the North West’s most enjoyable resort layouts thanks to its variety, natural elevation changes, and memorable finishing stretch.

Designed by former European Tour professional Andrew Murray and opened in 1990, the par-71 layout stretches to just over 6,500 yards from the back tees.

One of the defining characteristics of the Premier Course is its rhythm and variety. Combined with the luxury accommodation, spa facilities, and additional golf courses available at Portal Golf & Spa Resort, the Premier Course forms part of one of Cheshire’s leading stay-and-play golf destinations.

Course highlights

• Natural elevation changes – Dramatic rises and falls across the Cheshire sandstone ridge create constantly changing shot values
• Varied hole design – A strong mix of doglegs, risk-and-reward par 5s, and scenic par 3s keeps the round engaging throughout
• Excellent closing stretch – Widely regarded as one of the strongest finishing sequences in Cheshire
• Strategic parkland golf – Accuracy and course management are rewarded over raw power
• Part of a 45-hole golf resort – One of the North West’s premier golf break destinations with three courses on-site
• Picturesque Cheshire setting – Panoramic countryside views and mature woodland surroundings enhance the experience

Signature Holes

The signature hole on the Premier Course is the par-3 7th, a striking short hole carved beneath a dramatic sandstone quarry face. The exposed rock backdrop gives the hole a unique visual character rarely found on inland courses in England, while the elevated green and swirling winds add to the challenge. Beautifully framed and highly memorable, it is one of the standout holes across the entire Portal resort.

Another contender is the downhill par-3 15th, played through a corridor of trees towards a well-guarded green - a hole frequently praised for both its aesthetics and shot value.

Clubhouse & amenities

Portal Golf & Spa Resort provides a full resort-style golf experience with facilities including:

• Extensive practice facilities and indoor golf centre
• Driving range, putting greens, and PGA professional coaching
• Four-star Macdonald Portal Hotel accommodation
• Luxury spa, swimming pool, sauna, and wellness treatments
• Restaurant, lounge bar, and terrace dining overlooking the countryside
• Additional on-site golf layouts including the Championship and Arderne courses

The relaxed yet upscale atmosphere makes Portal particularly popular for golf societies, corporate golf events, and UK golf breaks.

Post Round

After your round, the resort’s spa and leisure facilities provide the perfect setting to unwind. Golfers can enjoy a swim, thermal suite experience, or massage treatment before settling into the hotel lounge or restaurant for evening dining overlooking the Cheshire countryside.

The nearby village of Tarporley also offers traditional pubs, boutique shops, and restaurants for those wanting to explore beyond the resort.

Nearby activities

Visitors staying at Portal Golf & Spa Resort are well positioned to explore some of Cheshire’s top attractions, including:

• Historic Chester and its Roman walls
• Chester Zoo
• Delamere Forest walking and cycling trails
• Cheshire vineyards and countryside villages
• Oulton Park racing circuit
• The Sandstone Trail hiking route

Its central location makes Portal an ideal base for combining golf with countryside escapes and city sightseeing.