The 312 Journey is our way of documenting the courses, clubs and experiences that shape LOFT 312. Not course rankings and not detailed reviews. Just a collection of places we’ve played, people we’ve met and rounds worth remembering.
Chapter 01 takes us to Castle Royle.
Played in May 2026, Castle Royle was the first stop on a run of golf that would take us across some of the best courses in the south of England. Having seen plenty of photos beforehand, expectations were already high, but the course still managed to exceed them.
From the moment you arrive, the venue makes an impression. The clubhouse sits proudly overlooking the first tee, the practice facilities are extensive and there is a real sense that everything has been carefully considered. It feels modern without losing its identity as a golf club, and before a club is even removed from the bag, you get the feeling you’re in for a good day.
Out on the course, presentation was excellent. Fairways were strong, greens rolled consistently and every hole felt maintained to a high standard. Castle Royle isn’t a course that overwhelms you with length or complexity. Instead, it relies on quality conditioning, intelligent design and a layout that keeps you engaged throughout the round.
What stood out most was the setting.
Large areas of water weave through the property, creating some incredible views from tee to green, particularly when paired with the dramatic skies we experienced throughout the day. Conditions seemed to change by the hole. One moment the course was bathed in sunlight, the next it sat beneath dark clouds rolling across the Berkshire countryside. It made every hole feel slightly different from the last and produced some of our favourite photographs from the trip.
The beauty of Castle Royle is that it doesn’t rely on a single signature moment. There isn’t one hole that completely overshadows the others. Instead, the experience is built through consistency. From the opening tee shot to the final putt, the course flows naturally and keeps delivering quality golf.
Like most rounds, there were good shots, bad shots and plenty of conversations in between.
The scorecard itself is almost secondary. Golf has a funny way of making you remember moments rather than numbers, and Castle Royle delivered plenty of those. The scenery, the atmosphere and the overall quality of the venue left a bigger impression than anything written on the card.
Away from the course, the facilities deserve recognition. The practice areas are among the best we’ve visited, while the clubhouse provides the perfect place to reflect on the round afterwards. It’s the sort of venue where you could easily spend an entire day and still leave wanting to come back.
For LOFT 312, Castle Royle represents more than just another golf course. It marks the beginning of the 312 Journey. A series designed to document the courses, destinations and experiences that continue to inspire both our golf and our brand.
Not every chapter will be about championship venues. Not every chapter will be about perfect golf. But every chapter will be about the journey.
Castle Royle was a fitting place to start.
Strong conditioning. Great facilities. Incredible views.
Chapter 01 complete.
Next stop: Bowood.