EA GR EA S T O CT B F O R En U I T G RS IS lA E H n S d
WOODHALL SPA, LINCOLNSHIRE Very possibly the finest inland course in England Why it’s so great: In a quiet corner of rural Lincolnshire you’ll find one of England’s finest inland courses. Make no mistake, Woodhall’s 6,501-yard, par-71 Hotchkin layout is right up there with better-known venues such as Wentworth and Sunningdale. The sandy-soiled, heather-clad and heavily tree-lined Hotchkin is carefully looked after by an army of greenstaff. It is not surprising, then, that you’re certain to find it in immaculate condition with its greens in particular running fast and true all-year round.
True enough, it mirrors qualities associated with its famous heathland cousins in the Home Counties. But what makes the Hotchkin stand out from the rest are its bunkers. There are 115 of them and most are enormous – you’re often lucky if you can see the flag while addressing the ball. The key to a good round is to successfully steer clear of them. If you find them you just have to take your medicine and splash out. The par-3 12th is a great example of this with the green guarded by a cavernous trap on the left.
Woodhall Spa is also the home of the English Golf Union who bought it, reportedly for around £8m, in 1995. With another fine 18-hole course (The Bracken) also on site – as well as some of the best practice facilities around – that now seems a great investment.
Location: 19 miles south east of Lincoln (B1191). Winter rates: All week (Nov 1 to end April): £45. Winter warmer – Dinner, B&B and rounds on Hotchkin & Bracken, £125 per person. Tel: 01526 352511.
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