St Mellion Golf & Country Club is home to the first European course designed by Jack Nicklaus, opening in 1988. Nestled in the Tamar Valley on former farmland, this championship course is recognised as one of Nicklaus’s finest creations, offering a challenging test of golf for players of all levels.
The Nicklaus course is known for its immaculate condition, with sculptured fairways, multi-tiered greens, and strategically placed hazards. Elevated tees provide spectacular views of the well-defined fairways and tricky greens. With plenty of bunkers and water hazards, accuracy is essential to navigate this tough layout.
Notable holes include the par-three 11th, requiring a precise shot over a river, and the par-five 12th, which runs through a picturesque tree-lined valley. The course’s demanding design has hosted the Benson & Hedges International Open, where legends like Ballesteros and Olazábal have triumphed.
In 2022, St Mellion underwent significant renovations, including new tees, bunker refurbishments, enhanced drainage, and an updated irrigation system. These improvements ensure that the course remains a premier golfing destination in Europe.
St Mellion’s Nicklaus course is a must-play for serious golfers looking for a challenging round amidst beautiful Cornish countryside.
