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Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin), England |
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The Hotchkin course at Woodhall Spa invariably fights with Loch Lomond and Sunningdale Old for the coveted position of “best inland golf course” in the British Isles. Originally, Harry Vardon laid out the course and it opened for play in 1905. Harry Colt, just before the Great War, made further modifications to the layout. But in the 1920s, the owner, Colonel S.V. Hotchkin, put the course through one last major redesign phase before the Hotchkin finally matured into its present layout. The English Golf Union purchased Woodhall Spa in 1995 for a reputed £8m and turned it into their headquarters.
An oasis in the heart of Lincolnshire. Set amongst glorious pine, birch and broom, this heathland course is an absolute delight to play. The sandy subsoil allows all-year-round golf, the springy turf making walking a real pleasure. Keep your ball in play and do your best to avoid the heather, gorse and bunkers. See if you can copy the feat of J.A. Wilson (8 h/cap) and his opponent L.D. Henshaw (12 h/cap). In 1982, Wilson holed in one at the 12th (a beautiful, long par three) but only managed a half because Henshaw also holed in one. Apparently they were hurrying their shots too because they had just been invited to play through. The four-ball standing behind the green were gobsmacked!
 The Hotchkin is bunker heaven (or hell), notorious for its deep, cavernous sand traps. It is also helpful if you can hit the ball long and straight. Otherwise you will be presented with some very tough second shots. Woodhall Spa isn’t a tournament course, but it is supremely challenging and plays host to a number of distinguished national and international amateur competitions. Many important matches have been decided on its famous 18th hole. This short 491-yard par five finishing hole typifies what is so special about Woodhall Spa. If we can strike the ball with solidity off the tee and avoid the hazards, then we give ourselves a chance of scoring well. We can see the flag clearly in the distance but the drive is tight. We must land left of the sentry oak, but not too far left, otherwise we will be bunkered. We must be dead straight in order to find the crisp, sandy fairway and if we achieve all these things, and if we are a stout hitter, we may be tempted to go for the green with our second shot. It is tempting - the route to the green is open and its meagre protection is a solitary bunker guarding its left flank. What can we say? “Go for it” perhaps?
It is definitely worth making the trip to play this gem and the green fee is tremendous value for money too (especially if you are a member of an English golf club). And remember - the Hotchkin is undoubtedly one of the premier inland courses in the whole of the British Isles. Can you afford not to play it? | |
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In the section below, headed “Your Reviews”, are golf course reviews posted by visitors to the Top 100 website. There are no specific rules for reviewing a golf course except you MUST have played the golf course first. Merits of each course are left entirely to your discretion. Important factors, such as course location, condition (or presentation), course difficulty and historical importance are all left for you to judge and we have developed a simple rating system where you can allocate one score to each course. | |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |   | | Although I didn't count the bunkers I agree with the review below. This is an indistinct course distinguished by some deep bunkers. It blends pleasantly with the flat landscape but is surely overrated in the top 100. How it can be above North Berwick, Hillside and Formby to name but a few is astonishing. If you think I'm links biased it's not as good as Woburn, Gleneagles (any of them) The (controversial) Belfry. Play it, but don't rush to get there.  | | Wednesday, June 09, 2010
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| Response: | | | Dan | Wednesday, June 09, 2010 | | Well this is obviously the course for differences of opinion ! I loved the course and whilst one might argue the merits vs courses that one likes I would say that the quality of the course is undeniable. I can't wait to play it again and its isolation adds to the charm like Silloth. | | | dan | Thursday, June 10, 2010 | | Apologies, i ran out of battery. I was just going to say that I would accept only King's at Gleneagles above the Hotchkin, but as for the Belfry...! Formby, Hillside and North Berwick West figure highly in my 'list' too, but Woodhall Spa felt just 'different', whether it is the unpretentious yet charming town (formby village without the airs and graces), the folly, the WWI style bunkering (or not being next to Birkdale !) but it stretches away from those we have mentioned. Plus I lipped out for a birdie on SI 1 off the yellows, which felt like plenty enough golf (Driver, 3W) thank you very much ! | | | Dave Nimmo | Monday, July 12, 2010 | | Played the course on the 9th of July, huge dissapointment. I can't remember one hole which was distinctly different from any other. It was all much of a muchness, the Bracken had far more stand out holes. It was like a desert and the greens were barely alive. The sand just caves in on itself and was knee deep, my friend from NZ was laughing that it was meant to be in the top five. I agree it was tough, but there was nothing to take the breath away. Pretty boring knocking a four iron off every tee! |
| | | The Hotchkin is undoubtedly an excellent course but I would be reluctant to describe it as a 'great' one. It's defence is its bunkers. I counted 111 of them and without half of them it would be a much easier test. If you are a good bunker player the course would lose a lot of its challenge. If you are not then it is a nightmare. For me a great course requires different hazards - bunkers, water, tight driving lines, greens with subtle borrows, short par 4's and at least one monstrously long par 5. In other words a variety of challenges. The Hotchkin is mainly defended by sand which limits its appeal as far as I am concerned. Three weeks ago it was in immaculate condition although the greens could have done with a cut. They were true but too slow for a 'championship' course. | | Monday, May 31, 2010
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| Response: | | | steve | Monday, May 31, 2010 | | your idea of a great championship course is just that,your idea.what makes a course great is its uniqueness and woodhall has bunkers yes,which are unique.you played it off the yellows i presume because if you had played it off the back tees you would have found out about the heather carries and the tightness of the course and its different challenges.you are of course well entitled to your opinion. | | | Andrew | Wednesday, June 02, 2010 | | The problem with this review is not the opinion but the disparity between expressed statement and fact. The reviewer states "For me a great course requires .... short par 4s,and a least one monstrously long par 5. In other words a variety of challenges." Holes 10, 15 and 17 measure 338, 321, and 336 yards. The 9th is 584 yards. The 7th is 470, 13 451. The par 3s are 148, 209 and 172 yards. This is not variety ? "The Hotchkin is defended mainly by sand ......" No mention of heather-lined fairways or carries from the tee. I have played many rounds here. The Hotchkin is a strategically designed course requiring all 14 clubs in the bag. It fully merits its reputation and ranking. See the review of 20 January for a more accurate appraisal. |
| | I got there last Friday afternoon where we played the Bracken course at Woodhall Spa (which should be a hidden gem as you really need your A game around the greens) stayed overnight at the Woodhall Spa Hotel (Great room, Dinner and Breakfast included) then on Saturday morning played the Hotchkin Course which was absolutely great, but increadibly tough. A bit of room if you are off line the first couple of holes, but then to the end of the round it really tightens up with bunkers galore. Only issue was that the greens were just plugged. Well worth the trip from London and I am planning on getting there again this year. | | Thursday, April 22, 2010
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| | | What a great golf course this really is!! As low handicappers we asked the pro if we could play off the whites. He didnt advise it but as we were cat 1 golfers, he allowed it. Glad we did play off these as the white's were "nudged" quite well forward. Anyway, onto the course everything about the place was different class, from the driving range to the putting green to the memebers. It is a course were you have to "plot" your way round, you cant always hit driver off the tee because it can get so tight it has to be seen to be believed, and if you go in them bunkers then nevermind bogey you can be looking at double easily!!! I thought Ganton had bunkers but these put Ganton to shame!!! Holes wise there is really to many good holes to pick out but there really wasn't a weak hole on the course apart from a couple of par 3's, but if we had played them off the back trust me they wouldn't have been weak!! The greens were immaculate and quick for end of January. The fairways and tee boxes were also exceptional. Afterwards, an ex-captain came over and was very pleasent and asked us how we found the course etc etc.. A really nice touch to an excellent day out at Woodhall Spa | | Sunday, January 31, 2010
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| | | Never will a golfer stand on so many tees and think 'oh my god'. All you see in front of you is an average of 180 yards of heather between you and the fairway, heather down either side and bunkers so deep that you are just glad to get your ball out. Getting out and reaching the green is rarely an option.
Having played it many times I know you have as much chance of walking off with 20 points as you have walking off with 36. The course teaches you to take your punishment ie: knock it back on the fairway use your shots and move on. If you can stay out of trouble you will have the round of your life.
Having said this I don't think I have ever finished a round and not wanted to get back out on the first tee and start again.
Being the home of the E.G.U. the course is always in superb condition and the holes on the course look fantastic.
The clubhouse has a real traditional feel to it and the staff from the catering to the shop to the starters are always friendly and welcoming. | | Wednesday, January 20, 2010
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| | | Is this the best inland course in England ? I would definitely say yes but then I've played the Hotchkin dozens of times and it never fails to impress. From the cavernous bunkers to the impenetrable heather and the immaculate greens it's a 'delight' from start to finish. And then the home made treacle tart for lunch, I've found heaven..... | | Tuesday, January 19, 2010
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| | I played the Hotchkin at Woodhall Spa yesterday, before setting off I considered phoning the course to check if it would be open due to the torrential rain on Saturday evening. I needn't have worried, the course was immaculate, not a puddle in sight.
I really enjoyed everything about the day, the unpretentious nature of the place, the condition and layout of the course and also the value for money - £45 absolute bargain. Some reviewers say the course is a bit flat, this is a fair point, however the way the bunkers are laid out makes for a challenging round. There is a real variation between the holes, some short par 4's which require an iron of the tee, mix up the round nicely.
When you're out on the course you have a real feeling of seclusion and being away from it all, I really value this in a golf course and it's quite hard to find in England. All in all well worth a visit.
 | | Monday, November 16, 2009
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| | | Let me first say that this is a fine course. However, when something is ranked so highly your expectations are naturally very high. For me, these were not met and would place courses such as Notts (Hollinwell), Alwoodley and Moortown higher than Woodhall. It is definitely worth playing but if you have played the courses above don't expect it to be on a level above. | | Sunday, September 27, 2009
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| | | Played the Hotchkin for the 2nd time and had forgotten how good the course is epecially the back 9. Playing partners commented how fair but tough the course was. Greens were a little on the slow side but very true. Excellent venue and not over crowded. Will definatley go back and is a must play for £67.50 summer green fee. | | Tuesday, September 08, 2009
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| | | played woodhall twice april 08 and 09 on a winter tariff.each time we played the course was very well presented.keep it on the fairways and greens and its straight forward.go off line,heather and bunkers will get you.it really is great value and has to be one of THE best courses to play,definately up there with your other top courses and you dont pay a premium either.top notch. | | Tuesday, September 01, 2009
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| | | Played in May 09 a wonderful course and tough as old boots. The bunkers in particular were incredible! Excellent setting and beautiful countryside make this one to remember. You will need your A game to score well here and anything other than straight is punished, rightly. | | Thursday, July 30, 2009
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| | | I can't understand the attitude of the persistently bitter "low ranker" (cf Seinfeld) below me. Played the Bracken in June and booking was easy, were very welcome at the club, and had a very friendly starter. Greens quick but true, mental bunkering but fair from the tee, tricky heathery rough, beautiful turf for hitting approaches from. Lipped out birdie putt on SI 1 hole, and felt like shouting with joy - great hole, but there would have been no-one to hear, the solitude is great. Getting there is a pain in the arse, but that isn't the course's fault. Has a gentle opening hole, and after that felt entirely alone on the course which was immaculately kept but very challenging - v hard to judge recoveries from heather, they either die into a bunker or shoot through the green...into a different bunker. if you can't play out of bunkers go somewhere else (maybe this applies to the low ranker ?) but if you can you will love Woodhall Spa. We got lightninged and rained off the course after 14 so are duty bound to return - cannot wait ! The £65 green fee is a steal. Low ranker compares unfavourably to Lahinch (haven't played, but in Ireland and £90-100 a round plus travel) and Royal Lytham (played it, enjoyed but almost uplayable in the wind with tined rough - a course with great history yet stuck in the middle of a housing estate with chav routes across the course - £110). I disagree - go to Woodhall Spa when you get a chance, lovely course. dan | | Friday, July 10, 2009
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| | After fierce criticism of my review last year i was relieved to see this course has dropped from 9th to 14th.I played it again in the middle of June and still believe my original review to be accurate.I cannot believe its above Lahinch and Royal Lytham and hopefully in time it`ll drop out of the top twenty!  | | Monday, June 29, 2009
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| | | I played both the Bracken and Hotchkin on my visit. Firstly I must say that Bracken course is not one to be ignored. For a second course it is very good and in fact I scored less well on it than on the Hotchkin (partly to do with lack of a warm up though!). It weaves between trees and provides some challenging holes in places like the 4th, 8th, 14th, 16th (possibly the hardest par three I played as the green is very narrow and when I played it, it was into a 3 club wind!). However the main course the Hotchkin is a delight. Quite narrow and plenty of sand (however fortunately I did not encounter much.) There are no weak holes on the course as the deep heather and sand provides plenty of challenge. Although sometimes said to be flat as a pancake the greens were actually very deceptive and only a handful of putts were holed in our fourball throughout the round (although putting is my worse aspect of my game the others weren't bad!). However despite the courses many awards and claims to brilliance for me it did actually lack that little spark. No doubt it is a fantastic course and the weather was a bit dull, but it didn't get my heart racing… it is quite hard to put but I hope I am getting my point across! One minor critisism is that the welcome although also fine seemed a bit robotic and cold however bar staff were fantastic! But as I payed £35 in June for both courses (on a junior rate) I cannot complain a single bit (even though I have!!!) | | Tuesday, June 23, 2009
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| | | Most enjoyable course with some awsome bunkers, greens were rather flat and dissapointing though. | | Monday, April 27, 2009
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| Response: | | | max stockwell | Tuesday, April 28, 2009 | | Lincolnshire is a flat county so they cant help the way the course is layed out unless you have unlimited amount of money to spend for re-landscaping the environment and i doubt the public will let that happen!!!! |
| | | The course, in my view, deserves the rating that it has. The layout of the course is excellent and condition when we played was very good. It is a very hard course though and it is clear that it could really beat people up if they are not on their A-game. The bunkering is tight and seems like you could hit on on every shot. I played with a fourball of single figure golfers and two did not hit 25 points! Really enjoyable and would like to have played both courses. | | Thursday, April 16, 2009
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| | | This is a fantastic golf course which was in super condition after such a long, harsh winter. The staff are efficent and friendly, and the clubhouse offers great variety of food in a relaxed atmosphere, not something you normally associate with such a prestigious course. The course is simply brilliant with no weak holes and huge bunkers a real hazard as they should be. Each hole is is secluded from the others, the course was busy but you don't notice this due its seclusion. With trees and heather seemingly everywhere, you must bring your 'A' game to score well. Can see why its rated so highly, can't wait to return next year, well worth the long journey to the middle of nowhere. This is a golfing oasis. | | Wednesday, March 25, 2009
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| | | Fantanstic golf course and can see why it rates as one of the best inland courses in the UK. Ganton is a personal favourite but Woodhall comes very close. I have already booked to play again this year and is exceptional value especially if you take advantage of the 2 course, over night stay deal. | | Thursday, March 05, 2009
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| | | Simply the best inland course I've ever played. Excellent layout, excellent condition and a tough test. A bit off the beaten track but a must play | | Saturday, October 18, 2008
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| | | As a very-hard-to-please Scot, brought up on the great links courses of my homeland, I was curious to see what 'The Best Inland Course in the UK' (according to the very latest 'Golf World' rankings) had to offer. To get straight to the point, Woodhall Spa is a wonderful golf course. Yes, it's very flat; yes, there are lots of deep bunkers ( half a shot dropped - what's wrong with that) but every hole is a fresh challenge. Not a weak hole on the course and an extraordinary secluded feeling. No extraneous noise - just golfers at one with nature. I'd still rather play Carnoustie or Turnberry but I'd place Woodhall Spa ahead of the best inland courses in Scotland - even the King's at Gleneagles - and well ahead of Rosemount which it ressembles and far surpasses. Well worth a detour to remote Lincolnshire. I'll be back!! | | Saturday, October 04, 2008
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| | | Just played the Hotchkin and the Bracken courses at Woodhall Spa - played the Bracken first then the Hotchkin in the afternoon, made for a great 36 holes of golf - the Bracken is well worth playing if you are there for the day, merits a 4 in my opinion, only 2 or 3 weak holes, superb condiiton, and you need to plot your way around. The Hotchkin was very good - but perhaps I was expecting too much given its elevated status. Yes it was very challenging indeed, and yes it is a beautiful golf course, but I found the bunkering to be verging on the silly - I am a single figure golfer, I imagine to the higher handicapper they must be nigh on impossible to escape from? To me, this course is very similar to Alwoodley in Leeds - with the only major difference being the bunkering. I'm not sure if it adds anything to the course. In summary though, it is a fantastic golf course and a pleasure to play, would thoroughly recommend it. I would not however place it as high in the rankings as number 2 in England, number 9 in the UK or 18 in the world - those rankings to me do not tally up. | | Sunday, August 24, 2008
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| Response: | | | Chris Jones | Sunday, August 24, 2008 | | A very accurate review - I agree it is a decent place but by no means worthy of the current placings |
| | | 9th?
Play this course and say it out loud..."9th!!!!!!!!"
Just because a relatively long,flat golf course has a number of enormous bunkers on every hole doesn`t make it a great course.
This is the most ludicrous rating of any in the top 100. | | Saturday, August 02, 2008
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| Response: | | | Paul | Saturday, August 02, 2008 | | The only thing ludicrous about your review is your complete inability to recognise a quality golf course. I could understand if you made constructive comments such as the land being flat, one of the only things you could say in my opion on the negative side, and marked it down as 5(although it is clearly a 6), but to give it an average rating is way off the mark as the couse is one of the world's best and most people see it as such. | | | moreski | Tuesday, August 05, 2008 | | I was scepticle about 9th, but I have to say having now played the course (in the pouring rain) I agree with the scoring in the top 100. It's a truly wonderful course, beautifully presented and a great test of golf. Your scoring of 3/6 is simply ridiculous and I can only presume that you play your golf on a local pitch and putt, enjoying the fact that the bunkers are nice and easy to get out of. | | | Tim Reed | Wednesday, August 13, 2008 | | I have been lucky enough to play here 100's of times as a visitor, mostly in foursomes competitions. Whilst the general terrain may be flat the couse has endless subtle contours. If you sit in the clubhouse and look at the score card, you will pick out a number of holes, 1,10,15 and 17 that appear very simple. You can take a cricket score at any of them and they are the easy ones. I have played all of the top 10 and whilst there be some debate about links versus inland, this is a wonderful course. try it off the back tees and tell me if it is not worthy of its place then. | | | Andrew | Sunday, October 05, 2008 | | You are either a very high handicapper that struggled all the way round, and because YOU had a bad round you think the course is bad, or, This is the first quality course you have played and have no idea what a good course is. to give it a three ball rating is nuts. Other readers don't believe him he does not know what he is talking about. |
| | | This course is fantastic!!!
Every hole is different, the bunkers are amazing, but soft sand will allow a good sand shot out.
We kept waiting for a weak hole, ther is not one.
It also happens to be the best value of the top courses in the UK never mind in the area.
I have read somebody's review that slates this course, golfers are fickle, you score well you like the course, you score bad you don't, he must have had a stinker!!! Its great play it you will love it. | | Wednesday, July 16, 2008
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| | | Played the Hotchkin in May as a prelude to our golf society visiting in July for 3 days.thought it was fabulous,a real test of golf.Our pro. told us to use a 3 wood but I thought "what the heck" and had a decent game scoring 31pts off 14 and my playing partners weren't far behind!Just one of those days I think.
Greens were difficult,fortunately didn't go in many bunkers and kept away from the gorse.
Will probably be completely different game when we go this week but it will still be a pleasure playing a quality course. | | Tuesday, July 08, 2008
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| | | I was a bit dissapointed with this course, whcih is billed as the best inland course in the UK. It is nowhere near as good as Gleneagles (any of the 3 courses), Blairgowrie, Sunningdale or Wentworth. It is a good layout, the condition was OK and it was an enjoyable round. I only played it because I happened to be in the area and even then it was tough to find the course. I would not travel here specifically just to play this course - there are countless better such as Saunton, Birkdale, Burnham & Berrow, Littlestone as well as the inland courses mentioned above. | | Wednesday, May 14, 2008
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| Response: | | | Gary | Wednesday, May 21, 2008 | | Best Courses are subjective to the individual... That said you are barmy!!! This is significantly better that any other course listed (and yes I have played them all), particularly more so than the overated & overpriced Gleneagles "Americanised" resort. That may only be my opinion but believe me it is the correct opinion!!!! |
| | | This course is fantastic.
Although rated very high, if it was not the fact that Golf has its roots in links courses, I think this course would be rated even higher.
Every hole is different, there is not one weak hole on the course. By far the best inland course in the UK. If you have not played it, it is worth making trip. | | Sunday, April 27, 2008
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| | | Another 5 star course, a must play before you die, an architectural masterpiece, they just need to cut back the trees and under growth off the fairways to make t more playable and enjoyable for all golfers. Besides, doing some trimming will create a lot more risk reward recovery shots. Very commercial and corporate, club house is nothing to mention, but the Hotchkin course deserves to be preserved for all time. The gorse, heather, ruggedness, super deep bunkers, and the designs of some excellent holes makes this place a golfers paradise. Yes, it is extremely hard but if only we had the option to play a quality course like this on a weekly basis... Thank you Mr. Hotchkins for what you gave to the game of golf. | | Sunday, February 10, 2008
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| Response: | | | TR | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 | | Believe me they have cut a huge amount of Gorse and Heather out to make it more playable for ordinary golfers. you should have seen it before!! |
| | | Played in june last year. my second visit and was very underwhelmed. both courses hotchkin and bracken seemed to have deteoriated in condition fairways and greens. this seems to be from overplay. layout is still great but compared to the Grove which on my revisit was a remarkable improvement and immaculate. | | Thursday, January 24, 2008
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| Response: | | | kevan voce | Saturday, January 26, 2008 | | The Grove > Woodhall Spa? Right. And Justin Rose is better than Tiger Woods. The Grove is for nouveau golfers who prefer talking about the clothing, golf clubs, the showers and the number of cars in the car park with ego plates. Woodhall spa is for proper golfers who have a sense of history and wouldn't be seen dead in company BMW. | | | mike | Thursday, February 07, 2008 | | calm down kevan! i was just commenting on the overall quality of fairways and greens and as this website is rating the BEST 100 courses in the world it requires improvement. |
| | | THE VERY BEST inland course in GB&I... Closely followed by Sunningdale, Hankley Common and Loch Lomond. | | Thursday, October 18, 2007
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| | | The last review is a joke right?! No true golfer could even say "Brocket Hall" and "Woodhall Spa" in the same comparible breath! Thats like comparing Cypress Point with Hayling Island!! 2 Good courses, but come on man!! What defines Woodhall Spa is its test of golf, period! The design is sheer brilliance and way ahead of its time. Woodhall Spa is an awesome golf course and an awesome test of Golf and rightly ranked the 2nd best course in England, ahead of Sunningdale, Wentworth, and way way way ahead of Brocket Hall! | | Thursday, August 16, 2007
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| Response: | | | Woodhall Fan | Thursday, August 16, 2007 | | I've played Woburn - OK but has a manufactured feel - and any comparisons with Woodhall I don't even think are relevant, it's the old apples with oranges scenario. |
| | | It was certainly a good course with some party pieces, like the bunkers, but by no means is it superior to other inland courses. Sunningdale is better, Wentworth is better, Woburn is better, Brocket Hall is better. Anyway, the greens are treacherous and fast but the fairways leave much to be desired. Play it once, but its a long way to go. | | Tuesday, July 17, 2007
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| Response: | | | Chris Jones | Tuesday, July 17, 2007 | | For me your review is spot on, including the comparisons to the other courses. |
| | | i am an 11 handicap at worsley marriott and turned up at the hotchkin course with my game in good order . That soon changed , 3 attempts at this course left me in tatters , 19 points was my best score , too fast , not any margin for error at all , bunkers that deep that the R A F must have bombed the area, and they just filled the holes with sand , well it is home to the dam busters !!! . hitting 7 iron 195 yards to stroke 1 hole was the highlight , but please play with caution and be aware that unless your 100% accurate then your in deep trouble , now im glad to get back to the marriott and restore my love of the game . | | Friday, May 11, 2007
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| Response: | | | Shahir Raja | Thursday, August 16, 2007 | | An 11 Handicapper at a course like the Worsley Marriot would be about a 24 Handicapper at a Heathland course such as Woodhall Spa. PS, If you need to get away from Woodhall Spa and back to the Worsley Marriot to restore your love of the game, I'm afraid to say that your love is not for the sport of Golf! | | | Sam C | Wednesday, July 16, 2008 | | What are you talkin about? Worsley Marriot is a shocking course. You're criticising Woodhall for being hard? |
| | | I have been lucky enough to play Woodhall many times as a visitor. Some of the other reviewers who think the course is not fantastic should return and play from the White tees. It simply requires every shot in the bag and when there is little run on the ball, there are some very daunting long approach shots required. It represents exceptional value if you are a member of any club affiliated to the EGU. £50 in the summer and £30 in the Winter. | | Friday, November 24, 2006
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| | | The Hotchkin course at Woodhall Spa will expose even the best disguised weakness in your game. Like all the great courses there is a sense of occasion when you stride out on the front nine. The layout is demanding with some superb burkers that look as though they were created by World War II bombers. I used all the clubs in the bag with difficult selections on most tee boxes. Some tense irons on the closing stretch cost me 5 strokes and the match, but even so I left the course with a smile and a sense of achievement. Do not be put off by the strange collection of sheds that they call a club house, there is a locker room and a bar there somewhere! | | Tuesday, July 11, 2006
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| | | Rightly rated as number 7 (Golf World) and number 43 in the World by Golf Digest. To suggest that Sunningdale or Loch Lomond are better is like suggesting the Belfry be a superior test of Golf than that of Turnberry! An inland golf course that is quite simply THE BEST in the UK and one that would rival Pine Valley (USAs equivalent inland great). | | Wednesday, June 21, 2006
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| | | I had a huge expectation prior to playing here as the course always has great reviews and often is called best inland course in GB&I. The course as a whole is good, very good in places but by no means the best. In direct comparison with Sunningdale or Loch Lomond, Woodhall is not in the same league. As I say the course is good and some great bunkering is the feature on all holes – but I found the course lacking in quite a few areas – all just a little flat with no real drama holes. The rating makes the course a must play but felt a touch disappointed, the best inland rating must be given by reviewers that have not played many to be honest. As well as Sunningdale, I would recommend a look in at Ipswich (Purdis Heath), North Hants and Beau Desert … all get my nod over Woodhall Spa. | | Tuesday, June 20, 2006
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| | | I have played the Hotchkin course three times now and I actually think it's getting worse, certainly in terms of condition and, I think they’ve become too pedantic for their own good. Played here only the other day and the greens were less than acceptable for the time of year and for a course which is ranked so highly. I managed to find many of the enormous bunkers during my round (and I escaped from most I might add), but they are inconsistent. The sand is deep in some and virtually non-existent in others. That said, the Hotchkin is a good course but no way is it the best inland track in the British Isles. It lacks interest (in terms of elevation change) and it's too short from the yellow tees, especially during dry weather. Also, the catering staff could do with cheering up a bit, I know it's not the greatest job in the world but they are not very friendly. Finally I think the pedantic speed of play rules are truly ridiculous; from the off you are given a "Time Par" card with timings to tell you how long it should take to complete each hole. When you reach the 12th there is a huge sign which says "2hrs 44mins to this point". Surely 2hrs 45mins would be acceptable? Frankly I think they should concentrate on getting the basics right (greens and bunkers) before the English Golf Union wastes money on ridiculous things such as “time par cards”. How many times did we refer to the time cards on the way round? Yep you guessed it zero! | | Tuesday, June 13, 2006
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| | | I had the privilege of playing this course on a sunny, calm, perfect day. Even so, it was very tough but very fair. It was in excellent condition except for the 12th green which had strange lines in it. All the other greens were very smooth and very fast. Woodhall has a lot of great holes and is a real bargain too, compared to some other top courses in the UK. I will definitely be back to play this course again. | | Thursday, June 08, 2006
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| | | Heavy overnight rain had overshadowed the anticipation of this long awaited visit. But the day dawned clear with a strong breeze into our faces going out. A beautiful classic heathland course echoes of St George's Hill, Hankley Common,and Sunningdale. A true test of golf in fantastic condition despite the rain. Staff were professional and welcoming, the bar is a great place to sit and relax. We played the Bracken in the afternoon which is great value for the day ticket, but not in the same league of golf course. Play this course its right up there. We have already planned the return. | | Monday, May 15, 2006
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| | | Played this for the first time last week and it was staggeringly good for a venue that receives relatively little press. I found myself comparing it to the best inland course I have ever played - Valderrama. At first sight they may seem terribly different: the Spanish course is all manicured fairways, super-quick greens and very high green fee exclusivity, whereas Woodhall is determinedly rugged in its beauty, lined with gorse and ragged bunkers, with very reasonable green fees available to anyone who belongs to a golf club. But in fact the challenges are similar. Those Woodhall greens, while not the Valderrama carpets, are still very quick and true. Driving at both courses forces you to be both long and accurate in order to find a decent line in to the greens. You will find yourself trying to be creative to maintain par around the greens, and also being forced to hit long irons into many of the holes. Valderrama is £200 per round and Woodhall is £55, which is probably the best bargain in golf. Loved it and will return. | | Monday, May 15, 2006
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| | | Sorry, but I just don't get it. I have only played it once. I played to my hadicap (it was cold and breezy) so it couldn't have been that, but I just don't get it. To me it seems contrived and it's claim to fame must be the bunkers - some of which have to be seen to be belived. I won't hurry back. | | Monday, April 24, 2006
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| | | Truly excellent in every way. There is so much to do on every hole of this course, it makes most other courses look very average. It is long, tight, sandy and varied. The par 3s are brilliant and look out for the plaque on on the 12th...no matter what your frame of mind when you reach the tee, it reminds us why we love the game in the first place.
The facilities are great, the staff are helpful and welcoming. It is a must for any golfer in search of the best courses in the UK. | | Wednesday, March 01, 2006
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| | | A heathland course that every other should aspire to be. By far Britains best inland Golf course. A heathland course only matched by that of Walton Heath and Hankley Common in Surrey. Two similar feeling, spacious, and stunningly designed masterpieces. Woodhall Spa currently ranked 43rd in the World by Golf Digest USA. This course is rightly ranked as one of the Worlds best. Heaven. | | Tuesday, January 17, 2006
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| | | What an outstanding club, we played the Hotchkin in the morning and the bracken in the afternoon.
What an experience the Hotchkin is with 365 bunkers some of which you could place a double decker bus in,although the end of October the course was in outstanding condition and the hospitalilty from the club was fantastic. If you love golf you'll love woodhalll, as the course guide says keep it straight and you'll make the most of it ,if not stop at the pro shop for more balls for the afternoon. | | Sunday, October 30, 2005
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| | | Simply the yardstick by which I will measure any other inland course, and frankly none that I have played so far come close. A bit off the beaten track but I thought it was incredible value for money considering the quality and difficulty of the course.
I thought comments about the bunkers were bound to be a bit exaggerated but for some of the par 3's the depth and difficulty of the bunkers is actually understated, because a couple of the greens are pretty small aswell. My only disappointment was not having a great day off the tee, because you must be reasonably long and straight, otherwise this course will make a complete mess of your scorecard. | | Tuesday, October 04, 2005
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| | | I was expecting a lot the first time I played here and I was not disappointed. I even underestimated how good a golf course could be. This is undoubtedly my favourite course and has to be the best inland course in the country. You run out of good things to say because you end up repeating yourself too much on most holes - usually "wow.. what a stunning design.. look at the size of that bloody bunker! etc". The course is very fair - play straight and you can score well, go off line or in the sand a lot and you will have a nightmare. The 3s at 5 and 12 are awesome. The par 4 7th, 10th and 11th are among my favourites, although every hole is special. The par 5 ninth is the best par 5 I have played. It is good value for money despite going up a fair bit in the last couple of years. I look forward to my regular pilgrimage to Woodhall in August/ September 05. | | Monday, November 08, 2004
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| | | What a wonderful example of how a golf course should be. We played it on an impossible day. 3 club winds are not the best but we all still enjoyed it. As a reasonable golfer myself, I fully understand the difference between a genuine golf course and a course that is set up to trick you. This course has fair greens, decent size fairways and punishing rough and bunkers. Hence, play well score well, play badly, score big!!!
Condition was excellent (as you would expect at this time of year), welcome was friendly and professional, and they serve a good pint of Batemans! What more can one ask for. | | Wednesday, September 22, 2004
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| | | If ever a course requires you to bring your 'A Game' then this is it. It has the biggest and deepest bunkers that I've ever played out of - they have to be seen to be believed. Put simply this is a course that only should be played by 'decent' golfers otherwise you will have a very frustrating day. That said the Bracken Course is also on offer at Woodhall Spa and is a reasonable parkland layout. The Hotchkin has some great holes: P3's 5 + 12, P4's 11 + 13 and P5 9th are the stand-outs. Often compared to Sunningdale as the 'Best Inland' course in the UK - the Hotchkin is better value for your money (half the price!) and a must-play for all serious golfers who like a challenge. KP H=9 / B=6.5 | | Friday, August 13, 2004
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| | | I had heard a lot about this course from good club golfers I respect before I played it and it not only lived up to those expectations but exceeded them. This is truly one of the best courses I have played and my friends and I will make further trips to play this course. I would strongly recommend that all serious EGU members visit this course at least once in their life. | | Wednesday, August 11, 2004
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| | | A lovely course, but take your bucket and spade with you - the bunkers are something else. Some are so deep a de-compression chamber is recommended, racking up a big score at a par 3 is easily done if you go in one of them. There is another 18 at Woodhall which is more modern and easier, but the main course is the key attraction and well worth the visit. Lovely countryside and friendly staff. | | Thursday, April 15, 2004
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| | | Tough but fair course. Incredible deep-bunkering. Well worth the trip and excellent value for money too. | | Saturday, March 27, 2004
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