The “Pinehurst” of Britain is the town of Woodhall Spa in north central England, appearing suddenly after miles of featureless terrain, an oasis of pines, pretty homes, and of course, golf. There are only two courses here, the Hotchkin and the Bracken, but the Hotchkin Course is what puts Woodhall Spa on the map, ranked in the world’s top 30. A heathland classic, it is one of the most intimidating, difficult, and demanding courses anywhere, with some of the deepest bunkering we have ever seen. The course winds through the heathland, past an ancient ruin called the Tower on the Moor (one of our favorites, a 13th-century hunting lodge behind the 3rd green), with tons of heather, gorse, and bracken along the way waiting to snag an errant shot. Woodhall Spa is exceedingly long as well, over 7000 yards from the back tees. It is also a real change of pace from the great private clubs of Norfolk, as Woodhall Spa is the home of the English Golf Union, and like Pinehurst and St. Andrews, a “home” of golf for the masses. But few of these visitors come from overseas, and Woodhall Spa is another opportunity to be the first among those you know to play one of the greatest golf courses in the world!