Ranked among the world's finest inland courses, the Hotchkin is a heathland golf journey through Lincolnshire's timeless countryside. Originally designed by Harry Vardon in 1905 and refined by Colonel S.V. Hotchkin in the 1920s, this course was dramatically restored by celebrated architect Tom Doak, who removed hundreds of trees to reveal the authentic heathland character that made it legendary. What you'll experience is golf distilled to its essence: generously wide fairways over undulating terrain, strategic shot selection on every hole, and bunkers that are nothing short of architectural artwork—deep, intimidating, and strategically placed to test your nerve.
The sandy subsoil creates firm, springy turf that rewards clean striking and allows year-round play. Walking the fairways is a genuine pleasure here, as golfers encounter spectacular vistas across open heathland dotted with heather, gorse, and silvery birch. The back nine ventures deeper into wooded terrain, but the course's 143 cavernous bunkers remain the defining feature—they demand respect and precise ball-striking. Signature holes like the par-3 12th, with its fearsome greenside trap, and the finishing par-5 18th, guarded by bunkers on both sides, showcase why the Hotchkin has captivated championship golfers and weekend warriors alike for over a century.
For groups, the experience is both humbling and unforgettable. The National Golf Centre offers world-class practice facilities, coaching from PGA professionals, and the nearby Bracken Course (a Donald Steel design opened in 1998) provides the perfect secondary challenge. Situated just 20 miles from historic Lincoln and home to England Golf's headquarters, Woodhall Spa is a pilgrimage destination for serious golfers seeking authentic heathland challenge and genuine hospitality.
7,080-yard heathland masterpiece featuring 143 strategic bunkers and redesigned by Tom Doak.
6,666-yard Donald Steel design opened in 1998, blending parkland and occasional heathland with more forgiving green complexes.