The Hotchkin Course at The National Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa, has been ranked the 25th best golf course in the world by an authoritative new survey.
The biennial rankings, published in the September issue of Golf World magazine, positions the historic Lincolnshire golf course among global greats including Augusta National, USA (2nd), Pebble Beach, California (7th) and the Old Course St Andrews, Scotland (11th).
Pine Valley, New Jersey,USA, was voted the number-one golf course in the world.
According to Richard Latham, Director of Operations at The National Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa, the Hotchkin Course’s rare and naturally beautiful heathland setting, strategic course design and dramatic bunkering make it a thrilling and memorable golf experience.
“Thousands of visitors a year come to play at the National Golf Centre’s two courses and many of them have made a pilgrimage specifically to play the Hotchkin Course,” he said.
“Golf purists and traditionalists love the course because it blends naturally into the landscape, with each hole turning in adifferent direction, over heather and through trees, challenging the golfer to think about their strategy for every shot.
“Of course, the Hotchkin is also famous for its deep bunkers and even to the most experienced player, they strike dread andfear.”
There are more than 30,000 golf courses worldwide with spectacular new venues opening every year, especially in growing markets such as China, which has just seen its first golf course enter the World Top 100.
While the Hotchkin Course may be more than a century old, Woodhall Spa, which also features the popular Bracken Course, remains at the cutting edge of golf and has recently opened The National Golf Centre Academy to the public, overseen by Head Coach Neil Harvey.
Its state-of-the-art facilities, including a short-game practice area widely regarded as the best in Europe, and used by some of England’s best young players (World number-one Luke Donald honed his skills here as an amateur), now offers coaching for all, including junior and adult beginner programmes.
“To be recognised among the World’s Top 100 Golf Courses and to remain in the top quartile is testament to the timeless quality of the Hotchkin Course and the unforgettable experience one enjoys playing golf at Woodhall Spa,” added Richard Latham.
The National Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa www.woodhallspagolf.com