The Grove, Britain's most-talked about new golf resort, has been ranked officially as one of Europe's finest venues only three months after opening and been placed in the elite category of world-class golfing destinations that includes Gleneagles and Turnberry. The Peugeot Golf Guide 2004-2005, the most influential manual on where to play in Europe and widely regarded as "the traveling golfer's bible", has judged the Hertfordshire complex to be one of the most complete resorts among more than 1,000 it surveys each year.

What makes the Peugeot Guide so popular and authoritative is that its judgments are based on the personal experiences of knowledgeable golfers who turn up unannounced, pay green fees, experience what is on offer and then make their no-holds-barred reports.On that basis The Grove received one of the highest ratings when all aspects of its facilities were considered. The judges examine three aspects of a venue and award points accordingly for course value, clubhouse amenities and hotel facilities.

The Kyle Phillips designed golf course received 18 points out of 20 a remarkably high rating for a new course. The hotel with 9 out of 10 was unsurpassed and with the clubhouse at 8 out of 10, the total of 35/40 placed The Grove at the very top of European golf venues.

The experts' verdict: "This is one of the most ambitious resorts ever. A five-star facility half an hour from London with a luxurious hotel catering to both major special functions and golfers, plus an 18-hole course manicured by 20 green keepers.

"This is a severe test of talent with a certain emphasis on the chip shot that is so often overlooked on modern courses. A connoisseur's course whose excellence is unveiled as you play it, testing for the finest exponents of the game but never humbling for the common mortal, all wrapped in absolute elegance."