The Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa

Ranked among the World's Top 100 Courses by Golf World magazine (25th),

The Hotchkin Course at the National Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa, is consistently rated among the world's finest heathland golf experiences and a favourite destination for golf breaks.

For more than a century, golf travellers have been welcomed to this exquisite heathland course, famous for its natural beauty, dramatic bunkering and distinct tactical challenge.

Each of The Hotchkin Course's 18 holes is individually memorable, while the joy of every drive and crisply struck iron shot from firm, heathland turf makes for an unforgettable experience.

Located on the outskirts of the leafy Edwardian spa town of Woodhall Spa, 20 miles from historic Lincoln, there are a variety of comfortable, welcoming hotels with special golf break packages available.

The National Golf Centre welcomes green fee players, golf groups, golf societies and corporate golf days - call now on 01526 352511 to book your tee time or golf break.

We understand your round on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa is a special golfing day out - and from your welcome in the clubhouse, bar and dining room, to your all important tee time on the 1st, we'll ensure it is a day to remember.

Golf World have announced the Top 100 Golf Courses in England - the Hotchkin has gained 4th position.

"Quite simply, heathland golf at its very best." Golf World Magazine, World Top 100 Courses Ranking

61st BEST COURSE IN THE WORLD

Woodhall Spa's Hotchkin course was described as "one of golf's supreme shotmaking tests" as it was named the 61st best course in the world in Golf magazine's benchmark ranking.

The Hotchkin rose 12 places from its position two years ago in the American publication's 2020-21 list of the greatest courses in the world.

The headline rise is vindication of the club's decision to engage feted architect Tom Doak to renovate the heathland masterpiece over the course of three years.

The Lincolnshire course's significant jump placed it ahead of some of the most iconic and alluring names in the game; Ballyneal, Kiawah Island (Ocean), Cape Wickham, Royal Lytham, Sawgrass, Whistling Straits, Bandon Dunes, Cabot Links, Bandon Trails, Barnbougle (Lost Farm) and Royal Melbourne (East) were all ranked below the Hotchkin.

The Hotchkin was one of 30 courses from Britain and Ireland, with only 15 rated better than it. There was one additional entry from mainland Europe, making the Hotchkin the 16th best course in the whole of the continent.

In ranking the course at No.54, Golf's new architecture editor - the highly-respected Ran Morrisset - said: "Harry Vardon left us much more than six Open wins and a grip. Woodhall Spa is his design legacy, an intriguing heathland/inland links blend, an oasis of tumbling terrain amid the surrounding flat fenland of Lincolnshire.

"Deep bunkers are its defining trait, along with plentiful gorse and a stellar set of par 3s. Credit architects HS Colt and SV Hotchkin for enhancing Vardon's work and turning the course into one of golf's supreme shotmaking tests." Doak's work at Woodhall Spa centred around hundreds of trees removed, bunkers restored, created and filled in, and the encouragement of heather.

In addition to creating a greater heathland feel that has significant environmental benefits, the more open course now enjoys expansive views and is already improving further its already renowned turf. "We are naturally delighted with this ranking," said Richard Latham, general manager. "To be so high in such a respected list is very pleasing and credit must go to Tom and his team - as well as our in-house staff who carried out so much of the renovation work - for improving the course to such a degree that this esteemed panel view us so highly.

"To be rated among the stellar names in world golf illustrates what I hope anyone who has visited us recently knows; the Hotchkin is a world-class golf course."