Celtic Manor (Montgomerie)

As the name suggests, DP World Tour and Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie was the man to design the shortest of the three layouts at the Celtic Manor Resort. The Scot made the most of what was already at the resort, using holes from the now-defunct Coldra Woods Course and Wentwood Hills Course to create the 18-hole layout.  The Montgomerie Course at Celtic Manor has played host to the EuroPro Tour in its history, following its opening in 2007.

The Montgomerie Course is the shortest of the three courses at Celtic Manor, measuring shy of 6,200 yards. However, it plays as a Par 69 so it not an easy ride! Golfers are treated to incredible views of the valleys from the elevated tee shots around the layout, along with thrilling downhill approaches - not least the memorable ‘ski slope’ 3rd hole.  The course opens with a tough par 4 of more than 460 yards from the tips. Two greenside bunkers are ready to catch any errant shots, with what will likely be a long iron or hybrid. The 2nd is the opening par 3 on the course, before the par 5 3rd hole. At more than 610 yards from the back tees, it is the longest hole at the Celtic Manor Resort. It does play somewhat downhill all the way, but even then, good luck!  “The woods on the left should force you to the centre of the fairway. A safe second shot will be to lay up before the fairway bunkers. For even the longer hitters, the challenge to hit the green in two is almost impossible” - Terry Jacoby on the 3rd of the Montgomerie Course in ‘1001 Golf Holes You Must Play Before You Die’  If you get through the 3rd unscathed, then the 4th could well see you come unstuck. The 180-yard par 3 plays through a valley to a green that has three bunkers guarding it. From the 4th tee, you can look to your left and see the 15th green of the Twenty Ten Course. A trio of gentler holes follow and offer some chances to get your score looking after the tricky start to a round. Both the 5th and 7th are medium-length par 4s, where finding the fairway can give you a good chance at putting it close. Sandwiched in between is the par 3 6th hole. It is 160 yards, and played to a green that is guarded by sand at its front left and back right. avoiding the three fairway bunkers is the key down the 8th if you are to make it on in regulation - on what is a 420-yard par 4. The 9th is the only other par 5 on the course, and features eight bunkers, all in twos dotted down the hole.   The back nine begins with a tough par 4, where the approach is played over a water hazard to a shallow green. 11 is a sharp dogleg right, with six small, circular bunkers at the corner of the fairway. 12 and 13 both push the 400-yard mark, with the former moving to the right, while the 13th winds its slightly to the left. You then come to back-to-back par 3s at the 14th and 15th. Both are around the 160-170-yard mark, and feature an array of large bunkers. 16 is one of the few holes on the course to not feature any sand. It plays as a dog-leg left, with the green surrounded by trees. At 425 yards, it requires to good hits to get home. Sand comes back into play on 17, and in a big way. The penultimate hole on the Montgomerie Course is a drivable par 4 of less than 300 yards. However, seven bunkers await anything that isn’t perfect... 18 is a tricky dog-leg left, with players tempted to try and cut the corner over a thick section of trees. Get past that, and the green is accessible and can be attacked.

Peter Rudd: The Montgomerie contains some truly good holes but it is very hilly so you need to be fit to enjoy them.

David Walker: Similar to others on the resort, a parkland course with lots of elevation changes and long walks between greens. There are a number of excellent holes.

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Where is the Celtic Manor Resort located?  Celtic Manor is less than four miles from the centre of Newport. Cardiff is only 15 miles to the west, while the English border is around the same distance to the east. The Montgomerie Course is in its own section of the resort, bordering the River Usk at the northern point of the resort.   Newport Train Station is around five miles from Celtic Manor, and has trains from London Paddington, Portsmouth, Cardiff, and Manchester hourly throughout the day. Cardiff Airport is the nearest international airport to Celtic Manor, but Bristol Airport, which is bigger and busier, is only 30 miles from the venue. How many courses are there at Celtic Manor?  
The Welsh resort is home to three stunning 18-hole layouts. Along with the Montgomerie Course, Celtic Manor also has the Roman Road Course and the Twenty Ten Course as well. Are there any other NCG Top 100s: Wales venues nearby?
Along with the three courses at the Celtic Manor Resort, this part of southeast Wales is also home to the Old Course at St Pierre Country Club, just ten miles east of the venue. The Monmouthshire and Rolls of Monmouth are both 20 miles north, with The Vale Resort - home to the Lake Course and the Wales National Course - 25 miles to the west.
What golf facilities does the Celtic Manor Resort offer?Celtic Manor is also home to a Golf Academy. There is a 28-bay driving range, over two tiers, with each bay having the latest TopTracer technology so golfers can use the tech to perfect shots, play games and enjoy practice.    There is also a specific short game area with three chipping greens, all of which have artificial hitting areas around them so they can be used throughout the year. Celtic Manor also has an Indoor Putting Studio which can be used in lessons with qualified professionals. 
What are the green fees at the Celtic Manor Resort?
The price of a green fee at the Celtic Manor Resort changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend. There are also stay & play packages available at the resort.   For more information on current green fees at Celtic Manor, visit their website here (opens in a new tab).   Check out our full piece on the Celtic Manor Resort here.Visit Celtic Manor’s website here (opens in a new tab). Go back to the NCG's Top 100s Homepage.