Woodhall Spa

There is not a weak hole on the course. This fact, combined with the quality of greens and fairways, the strength of design and the beauty of the landscape make Woodhall Spa one of the finest courses in Britain. The clubhouse is a delight, too: unstuffy, welcoming, homely and traditional, with a high standard of catering to round off the day.

Although a frequent host to amateur events, the location of the club in the depths of Lincolnshire explains the past absence of major tournaments. Overseas golfers are sometimes discouraged from visiting by their belief that Woodhall is too far away from the other courses, which they may wish to play. Certainly, it is remote from Southport or St Andrews, but a number of fine inland alternatives spring to mind, such as Hollinwell, Lindrick and Ganton. For those determined to find seaside links, Brancaster and Hunstanton are just a couple of hours' drive, so a feasible itinerary, which includes Woodhall, is eminently possible.

We recommend arriving in Manchester to allow a trip to start at either Southport (Royal Birkdale, West Lancashire, Formby) or Chester (Royal Liverpool, Wallasey). A scenic trip across the Pennines brings you to Leeds, where Alwoodley and Moortown are both masterpieces designed by the legendary Alistair Mackenzie. Ganton, near Scarborough and once Harry Vardon's home club, is one of England's finest courses, while York (Strensall) and Fulford lie close to the ancient cathedral city, allowing sightseers and golfers equal opportunity to maximise their enjoyment. Driving south from York, the motorway makes swift work of the journey to Lindrick - a little over one hour away. It's another heathland gem with largely level fairways, fast greens and appealing clubhouse.

Hollinwell to the south is home to the Nottinghamshire Golf Club and is of similar stature, while Woodhall Spa to the east would then be a fitting climax to any trip. But for those anxious to sample the links of North Norfolk, Brancaster (Royal West Norfolk) and Hunstanton are two of the very finest seaside courses in Britain. Departure from London's Heathrow airport is convenient, while fast rail connections to central London ensure an easy combination of business with pleasure.

Having mentioned Walton Heath at the beginning of this piece, note should also be made that 2003 marks the centenary of this famous club. Home for many years to five-time Open Champion James Braid, in all its long history the club has had only three professionals: Braid, Harry Busson and the current incumbent, Ken Macpherson. Ken still operates from Braid's old workshop, but the members have decided to give the old place a facelift as part of the centenary celebrations. We wish them well.