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After Crown Golf were named Golf Group of the Year by Clubhouse magazine for the second year in succession, Eurosport-Yahoo! took a trip to Chesfield Downs in the rolling Hertfordshire countryside.

Crown Golf is Europe's largest golf operator with 33 properties and more than 50 courses in its portfolio, including the renowned St Mellion International Resort - home of The English Open for the next five years.

Chesfield Downs Golf and Country Club is one of the cluster of clubs Crown own in the South East, an 18-hole inland-links course set 45 minutes north of central London, built on fast-draining chalk and on land frequently at the mercy of a strong prevailing wind.

The course also features full specification USGA greens, meaning they drain and roll well throughout the year.

At 6,646 yards and par 71, it appears on paper a long and demanding track, although several of the longer holes are made shorter thanks to downhill designs.

The layout features a strong start: the first is a 419-yard slight dogleg par four, with a water hazard running in front of the green; the second is a stroke-index one, a long, tight par four with out-of-bounds down the left-hand side and a water hazard on the right.

And then follows Chesfield Downs' signature hole, a 167-yard par three, over a lake with bunkers left of the green and the flag tucked to the right-front, dangerously close to the water.

After more challenging holes, the seventh comes as an interesting relief, a shorter 278-yard par four that begs for you to pull out the driver and try to find the small green, down a slight hill but well protected by bunkers.

The back nine is shorter but thought of as the more difficult of the two loops, played on slightly higher and more open ground, bringing the deceptively strong wind further into play.

The standout for the Eurosport-Yahoo! team was the 14th hole, a 509-yard par-five, a slight dogleg left with another ditch running in front of the slightly elevated green, meaning only the bravest players will attempt to find the putting surface with their second shot.

Overall: Chesfield Downs is a challenging and interesting layout, in an open, inland-links style. The club also features the Lannocks Links par three course, a fully floodlit , 25-bay driving range and a reputed golf academy.

Favourite hole: The par-three third, played over a lake to a tight, well-protected green. The hole would be tough enough, but the pin position tucked in the front-right portion means only the brave will attack the flag.

Value for money: Pay-and-play greenfees are available seven days a week and cost just £23 Monday to Thursday - excellent value in the South East.

Details: Chesfield Downs Golf Club, Jack's Hill, Graveley, Nr. Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG4 7EQ. Tel: 08707 460020

Website: www.chesfielddownsgolf.co.uk

Alex Sharratt / Eurosport