When you’re dealing with some of the most famous people in the world, things need to be done to a certain standard.

But with any paying guest enjoying a stay and round of golf at The Grove, the A-list experience will match those same heights of service and overall experience afforded to any sporting legend, world leader or Hollywood star.

Now 20 years on from its opening, The Grove has forged its reputation in the industry and has become one of the undisputed major players in the London corporate golf landscape.

Just 18 miles from central London, half an hour away from Heathrow and a quick jaunt on Harry Potter’s broomstick to the nearby Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, the Hertfordshire resort has already played host to some high-profile events in its relatively short existence and continues to thrive with 30,000 rounds played on the course per year.

Tiger Woods lit up the WGC-American Express Championship in 2006, while the 2016 British Masters – hosted by forthcoming Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald and won by Alex Noren – added further evidence on the quality of the golf course, which is kept in outstanding condition all year round by a team of 20 greenkeepers and boasts superb USGA-specification greens.

Those high standards are of course paramount, but The Grove strikes that elusive balance of relaxed luxury, under the stewardship of director of golf, Brad Gould.

The 43-year-old Canadian is now well into his third year in the role but first joined in 2007 in the golf reservations team and has made remarkable career progression through the ranks during that time. But if you’re expecting a hard-nosed, single-minded, ruthless tyrant who has fought his way to the top, think again.

“I started within a grassroots entry level position, but our owners and previous directors of golf were very much focussed on promoting talent from within and future industry leaders; so I certainly benefited heavily from that.

“I have been fortunate to learn from inspiring leaders during my time and haven’t held a position for more than two years without some sort of progression or development,” said Gould.

“The Grove’s focus on delivering relaxed luxury has a great brand synergy with my own personal brand. Sometimes you just fit into the vision within your own character and personality which makes it much easier to come into work every day. We have a team who inspire me each and every day.

“Yes, we want our people to have the highest level of experience, but the benefit of having your leadership team having started in entry level positions have an unmeasurable benefit of delivering the vision of the product and team engagement.

“So, it’s all about getting the right people in the team who will provide that welcoming, friendly experience. Simple things such as body language and walking out to greet guests to take their bags, rather than them coming to you is the kind of thing which makes a difference and we’ve worked hard on that over the years.

“Of course, you still have to hold high standards and we would never be afraid to tell someone if that standard is not being met. But it’s not something that I need to do very often at all. I think our team are all aiming to maintain those high standards.”

Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Gould gained a double degree in Kinesiology (Sports Science) and Education but then opted to live and work in the UK after meeting his now wife Sarah, while travelling in Australia.

Now on the board of the Club Manager’s Association of Europe (England Region), the ten-handicapper explained: “I played a lot more baseball, basketball and ice hockey growing up and was the head coach of the high school basketball team when I was 21.

“Looking after 16/17-year-olds gave me a good grounding in a team leadership capacity from a young age.

“I spent a year in Europe when I was 19 before going to University and met my future wife traveling in Australia following studies. England probably wasn’t number one on my list at the time, however after a few months of getting to know the people, landscape, architecture and history – I love it.”

Gould admits the high-profile Tiger-fuelled event catapulted The Grove to a new standing, with plans afoot to bring another elite tournament to the venue in the coming years.

He said: “That event was part of the reason I was drawn to The Grove. I saw a bit of it on TV, and was able to ride the wave afterwards with the excitement and fanfare built around the tournament.

“The impact was immeasurable and helped The Grove really take off at a time when Tiger was at his prime. The feedback on both the layout and course condition was incredible from the players.

“It was great to be heavily involved in hosting the British Masters in 2016. It was ten years after the World Golf Championship event and it might be nice to do something again in 2026.

“There is certainly an appetite to host another big event but it’s about getting the stars to align, having the right field and the right commercial opportunity on the back of it.

“We hosted the Rose Ladies Series this year and are committed to focusing on women’s events in the future. So hosting another Tour event is certainly up there from an individual and business perspective.”

Getting the stars to align could also be a term used in everyday life at The Grove, which has had its fair share of the famous stroll the fairways and enjoy the exceptional leisure facilities and fabulous restaurants.

Gould said: “You don’t tend to get too starstruck as we’ve been doing it a long time now. Thankfully, we haven’t had to deal with too many difficult celebrities. They are here to enjoy themselves on the course and appreciate the quality of course and service available.

“We have enjoyed having film celebrities from Mark Wahlberg, Bill Murray, Samuel L Jackson to sporting legends such as Gareth Bale, Wayne Rooney or Ben Stokes grace the fairways, so we’ve had a few of the A-listers here.

“Barack Obama and David Cameron played a match whilst both were in office which was quite unique and a big but satisfying challenge to the Operational team whilst having a full tee sheet.

“But we don’t change anything from an experience standpoint – it doesn’t change if you are Harry Kane playing at first light or family playing a twilight round.

“The Grove has been a pioneer of golfing inclusivity since it opened and the owners were passionate about having a product which is accessible to all. I understand that comes at a certain price point, but we are always trying to make that accessible.

“From day one, we’ve never had a strict dress code – the only rule was that you couldn’t have metal spikes on your golf shoes. The idea was to have fun and keep up with the group in front of you.

“I would say golf has moved that way over the past five years or so, but The Grove was definitely at the forefront of that from a Championship golf course perspective.

“Our purpose is to deliver unforgettable experiences with genuine hospitality and our ambition is to be Britain’s most-loved luxury destination.”

At 20 years and counting for The Grove, those standards are only going to rise.