Notts Golf  Club *****

Hollinwell, Derby Road, Kirby-in-Ashfield, NG17 7QR

Nearest main town: Mansfield

 

Notts, or Hollinwell as it is more commonly knows, must rack as one of the finest inland courses in Britain. Set within the boundaries of Sherwood Forest, Notts is blessed with outstanding natural scenery and a colorful past - many golfers will be unaware that Notts held the Dunlop Masters and John Player Classic in 1970, when the first prize of £25,000 was a world record.

The course, which is predominantly heather and gorse, dates back to the turn of the last century with the original Willie Park design revised by John Henry Taylor. His revisions were primarily cosmetic, barely scratching the surface of the established layout apart from the addition of some bunkers. the silver birch and oak forest that framed the land was left untouched, as were the well-drained carpet fairways, which twist and turn through a lush valley.

You are reminded of the impressive location as early as the 2nd, where the rock behind the green is known as Robin Hood's Chair. It's a gentle start to the round with the longest hole on the course coming at the 6th, where its length is rather mitigated by being downhill.

The name of the course is derived from the 8th, named 'Holy Well'. Off the back tees, your drive needs to carry the lake some 180 yards to a fairway bordered by trees. As with many of the holes at Hollinwe, place your tee shot well and you are rewarded with a simple approach shot. The 205-yard 13th is another good hole, played from a elevated tee into a valley to a heavily bunkered green.

You will soon realize Notts is not a long course, but it is still very demanding. The shaping of the fairways (the 12th is a good example) means that a wrongly positioned ball meanders its way to the very edge of the playing surface. And when you have finished, Hollinwell boasts one of the finest and most homely clubhouses in the country. It is well worth lunching here as the surroundings and food match each other in quality.

 

Secretary: Mr. N. Symington

Tel: 01623 753225 Fax: 01623 753655

Professional: Mr. A. Thomas

Tel: 01623 753087

Playing: Midweek: round £45.00, day £65.00 (£10.00. with member). Weekend: round n/a; day n/a.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11 pm. Food: lunch and dinner from 11am-8pm. Bar snacks.

Comments: Did not feel that welcome at what is ostensibly a members club...Golf as it should be...Tough course in excellent condition...Superb day out on a renowned course...Don't leave this area without playing Notts -  there is nothing else like it.

 

Cotgrave Place Golf & Country Club **

Stragglethorpe, Nottingham, NG12 3HB

Nearest main town: Nottingham

 

Secretary: Mr. M. Hatch

Tel: 0115 933 3344 Fax: 0115 933 4567

Professional: Mr. A. Thomas

Tel: 0115 933 3344

Playing: Midweek: round prices on application; day n/a. Weekend: round n/a; day n/a.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11 pm. Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7am-10pm.

Comments: could develop into an excellent golf centre with some long, demanding holes...Challenging par-3s...Nice feel about the place...improving...36 different challenging holes.