Portal Estate invests £200k in course improvements

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is aiming to return Portal Estate to its position as one of the UK’s leading venues.

Having already hosted the Junior Team Golf Home Nations Championships in October, the top golf holiday firm is investing £200,000 in course maintenance.

It is hoped the project will return the legendary Cheshire venue to Championship status, with the aim of hosting professional tournaments in 2023.

All three courses at Portal will see significant investment across water feature redevelopment, green and fairway drainage and aeration projects.

Work will also be carried out to restore specific tees and bunkers in the worst-affected areas, and improvements will be made to footpaths.

Off the course enhancements will be made to the practice facilities, with an elevated triple-bay area installed at the Championship course.

Portal is aiming to double the size of the greenkeeping team from last winter to ensure it can deliver the project and ensure playability throughout 2023.

“This is a pivotal time in Portal’s repositioning, giving the team the material to execute and facilitate on the vision and fulfil the potential of being the leading golf resort in the north-west of England,” said Ross Astley, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts regional director of golf.

“Having proved time and again they can be a championship resort, this investment will allow that to become a standard members and guest experience.”

“This is a wonderful time for the resort as a whole as we continue to elevate our product and build on our reputation as the ultimate Cheshire retreat,” added Jan Coskun, hotel general manager.