Macdonald Hill Valley Spa, Hotel & Golf - Sapphire Course

Nice little course. Narrow fairways make it quite a challenge. Great scenery. and good value for money.

Where do I start? That was the first question I asked my playing partner as we looked for the first hole, given that the tee boxes are quite difficult to find due to poor signage around the course. From then on it was a game full of new experiences.
The first sign we actually came across was the “All bunkers G.U.R”. Now, I know we don’t have the best summer season here in the UK, but in mid August would it be unreasonable of us to expect most bunkers to be be playable? It soon became apparent why....the ground staff have simply given up on this course. No sand, weeds in every bunker, rabbit holes, litter, even the odd old sock.
Luckily for us we didn’t actually have to play out, sorry, pick out of the bunker as we managed to make most greens. However, the greens became the next minefield....quite literally. They were unplayable. Every single one of them. They’ve cracked, been hacked to pieces, and not even cut. It was horrendous.
They might as well close this course down and focus on the bigger brother over the road. It’s pointless playing it, no fun whatsoever.

Unfortunately for fellow golfers but luckily for Macdonald Hotels, my photos of this course won’t upload as the files are too big. Just do yourself a favour and stay well away. It’s a waste of time and money.

Sadly neglected course in favour of its big brother over the road. Clearly a money issue I think. However £12 was about the right price. Would have been gutted to have paid more! Course unsurprisingly quiet so pace of play good, with several interesting par 3’s.

We’d booked to play the sapphire course but were told we could play the more-expensive emerald as it was quiet. The staff were very friendly and the course was really beautiful - a fabulous location, really nice fairways and greens and a very relaxed atmosphere. We were held up a little by players in front which was ok as there was no-one close behind us. That’s very different to some courses I’ve played in shropshire recently which have been packed. The only negative was that there were a lot of cans and bottles dropped in ditches etc. Why anyone would drop rubbish I do not know. But overall It was a great experience.

This was my first time playing on the Sapphire Course.

The staff were excellent, very friendly and helpful and they did explain that during the pandemic they had reduced ground staff, as such the course wasn’t in its best condition. Having taken that on board I was still very surprised at the course condition, the greens were very poor indeed, the bunkers were all overgrown and the signage wasn’t the best ever either.

I’m sure when they have the ground staff back the course will be one to look forward to in the future but for now I’d really give the Sapphire course a miss. Even the members we came across said it was the worst condition they had seen it in and apologised.

We had paid in advance and weren’t aware of the issues, I’d maybe try the Emerald course instead if you are thinking of going to Whitchurch, the staff said they were concentrating on that one.

Arrived to play a round at 12.30,29th July to find the car park rammed, had to drive around and wait for a space, this was due to adults bringing children of all ages for a junior golf event which there was no notice of this event taking place,when I did get on the Emerald course it was in poor condition(glad it was only 12 qujd) long time before I go back

some of the holes are very tricky. couple of hills to contend with but all in all, very good

What can I say !!! I’ve played this course over the years loads of times and I can say without fear of contradiction this is by far and away the worst condition I’ve ever seen it in .
The Greens are awful it looks like they have been burned away in fact the flag on the 1st isn’t actually on the green it’s on a freshly mowed patch in front of the green The rough in places is like something from the US open the place is very unkempt and unloved I wouldn’t play here again if they paid me until they have done some work on it and got it back to its former glory it used to be a worthy 2nd course !! at the moment it should be shut

The Sapphire is a decent round to play. Has lots of undulations and features to get around. Its a thinkers course on many holes. The fairways and tee boxes are in good condition, the greens do let it down at times. Hopefully a bit more work and it will be tip top.

It’s like the Sapphire course has been forgotten about. Overgrown fairways, cracked greens (a couple with burrows in!), flags are in a sorry state.

Yes it’s cheap to play the sapphire course, but it really is in terrible condition. Spend a little more and play the Emerald which is a great course

The round was cheap at £12 but even at that price, it's not value for money. Whilst the course has some interesting holes, it's scruffy and poorly kept. The greens are terrible and many have large cracks and craters. I nearly twisted my ankle walking to the 4th due a hole that was disguised with heavy rough. Just play the Emerald - even if it's a lot more expensive.

Walked off after 2 holes. Booked online without any notice of course status, drive 1 hour to then be told on arrival after already paid online ''the course has been neglected as the green keepers have worked on the other course''. Why not notified of this upon booking and before paying? course was so bad we walked off after 2 holes. I would expect this to be noted upon booking not to be told on arrival after a wasted 1 hour drive.