Review: Portal Golf Club is a jewel in Cheshire’s crown

Now, we won’t pretend it’s a secret – in fact, it’s one of the best courses in the North West – but the chance to play its top course and sample the post-round delights was too much to turn down.

Based at the Macdonald hotel complex, close to the village of Tarporley, there are two 18-hole courses – Championship and Premier – plus the Arderne nine-hole course, set in the rolling hills of Cheshire.

And now with the refurbishment of its St Andrews Sports Bar complete and ready to welcome golfers of all walks of life, it was perfect to get out and test my not-so-polished skills against the course.

A lone golfer on the Championship course at Portal Golf Club. (Image: Newsquest.) We – my golf-mad brother and I – arrived in plenty of time for our 9am tee time and we were met with a warm and helpful welcome from the staff in the club shop.

A round on the championship course can cost between £30 to £52, depending on how late or early you tee off.

We also treated ourselves to a buggy – £40 for the Championship or Premier courses – knowing it would be a long day with my not-exactly-straight hitting.

The course is stunning – even the grey clouds and strong winds couldn’t dampen the excitement to play so naturally I duffed my first drive.

But once we settled into the day, I actually performed the best I have at a top-class course though I will keep my score to myself (more than 100…)

The course is forgiving for those of us who spray it and rewarding for when a drive connects.

But there is more than peril to keep you on your toes with clusters of bunkers, plenty of water and heavy rough.

My favourite hole – 14 – is a stunningly put together water hole with a waterfall that my brutish wedge shot plopped straight into.

The 17th hole at Portal Golf Club. (Image: Macdonald Hotels.) My brother returned the favour a few holes later with his own water misfortune after I had just perfectly chipped into within 10 feet.

At various stages of the course, the views were stunning, enough to take your mind off your game, both as relief and relaxation.

There is a spa facility as well at the course for anyone wishing to make a day of it for some post round relaxation.

After a quick shower, we were ready for food.

The St Andrews Sports bar at Portal Golf Club. (Image: Newsquest.) Currently, the St Andrews Sports Bar will be open from Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but we were given an exclusive look around and it’s hugely impressive.

With a putting green for challenges, the area is full of the comfiest chairs you can imagine, with a special area for members.

The putting green at the St Andrews Sports bar at Portal Golf Club. (Image: Newsquest.) The bar will be used for golf days registrations and also a buffet service, with big-screen TVs for those who plan to spend a few hours.

But also, across the complex is the lounge where you will mix with spa and hotel guests, overlooking beautiful gardens and the spa pool.

Here we ate and it was perfect for post-golf refuelling.

The Stornoway Black Pudding Bon Bon at Portal Golf Club. (Image: Newsquest.) I opted for a baked sourdough starter (£6.50) with spiced butter (amazing) and olive oil with balsamic which was really nice.

My brother opted for the Stornoway Black Pudding Bon Bon (£7.50) which he wolfed down in time at all.

We both chose the Aberdeen Angus burger with red onion chutney, brioche, beef tomato and fries (£18).

The Aberdeen Angus Beefburger with bacon and cheese at Portal Golf Club. (Image: Newsquest.) It was a perfect sized meal, extremely tasty and again, perfect for the post-round refuelling.

My brother chose to put some bacon and cheese on his too, while I opted for sticky toffee pudding with ice cream for pudding.

Any serious golfers in the North West would want to test their skills against the Championship course.

But it’s the whole package that should excite them when they make the booking – it’s really is a gem in the golfing world.

For more, head to www.portalgolfclub.co.uk/