Nicklaus at St. Mellion Estate

The Nicklaus Course at St. Mellion Estate, opened in 1988, represents Jack Nicklaus's first design in England and remains one of the few courses in Cornwall built to championship specifications. The layout occupies rolling farmland in the Tamar Valley, with significant elevation changes throughout the property that create a distinctly American-style parkland character uncommon in the Southwest of England. Nicklaus routed the course to take advantage of natural ridgelines and valleys, producing dramatic downhill and uphill holes that contrast with the traditional links courses found elsewhere in the region.

The design features large, contoured greens and strategic bunkering that reflects Nicklaus's playing philosophy, requiring accurate approach shots and thoughtful course management. Water comes into play on several holes, most notably at the par-three 14th, which plays across a lake to an island green. The course stretches to over 7,000 yards from the championship tees, providing a stern test for accomplished players while offering forward tee options that make the routing accessible to members and visitors of varying abilities.

St. Mellion has hosted professional tournaments including multiple European Tour events in the 1990s and early 2000s, the most prominent being the Benson and Hedges International Open. The club operates as a hotel and country club, offering accommodation and dining facilities alongside its two golf courses—the Nicklaus Course and the older Kernow Course. The estate setting in rural Cornwall provides a parkland golfing experience distinct from the coastal links that typically define golf in the region.