Notts (Hollinwell)

Hollinwell occupies a special place in English Midlands golf. While the great heathland courses of Surrey and Berkshire tend to attract the most attention, Hollinwell has long been regarded by knowledgeable golfers as their equal in terms of challenge and beauty. The rolling terrain, ancient sandy soil and dense heather create an environment that feels both wild and carefully considered, a credit to Willie Park Jr's skill in reading and shaping natural ground.

The course's championship pedigree is genuine. Decades of national amateur events have tested the layout against the best players in the country, and it has consistently proved itself capable of separating the field. The par 72 routing uses the contours of the land intelligently, with long par 4s that demand two precise shots and a set of par 3s that require careful club selection in any wind. For golfers travelling from outside the region, Hollinwell represents a rewarding detour into a part of England where top-quality golf is less crowded than the southern heathland belt.

Nottinghamshire may not carry the same golfing reputation as the counties that line the M3 corridor, but Hollinwell makes a compelling case for the Midlands as a serious golf destination. The club's history stretches back to 1887, giving it a depth of character that newer facilities cannot replicate. The combination of a historic course, a welcoming weekday visitor policy and a setting of outstanding natural quality makes Notts Golf Club one of the more rewarding discoveries available to golfers willing to explore beyond the familiar southern circuits.