TRAVEL: Midland bankers

Course 1: Woodhall Spa

Location: Lincolnshire

Architect: Stafford Hotchkin

Yardage: 7,080

Par: 73

Verdict: ARGUABLY Britain’s finest inland course, the Hotchkin is built on sandy soil so is in terrific condition all year round. Mature trees, gorse and broom line many fairways while clusters of heather provide bursts of colour. Renowned for its formidable bunkers – certainly the most penal outside of the Open Championship circuit – and narrow fairways, good scores have to be truly earned.

The Bracken is a classy sister course.

Course 2: Lindrick

Location: Nottinghamshire

Architects: Tom Dunn/Fred Hawtree

Yardage: 6,486 yards

Par: 71

Verdict: IT is hard to describe exactly where Lindrick is, bordering as it does three different counties.

What is clear is that it is a course of rare brilliance. One of Britain’s very finest courses it offers everything that is good about inland golf. The par-three 18th is one of the best finishing holes in golf and was a terrific climax to the matches in the 1957 Ryder Cup.

Course 3: Little Aston

Location: West Midlands

Architects: Harry Vardon/Harry Colt

Yardage: 6,670

Par: 72

Verdict: “Ganton, Gleneagles and Hoylake are all in the running for top golf courses but even they must be runners up alongide Little Aston”, said the legendary Henry Cotton. It is hard to disagree – and easy to see why Cotton was so enamoured. Set in 176 acres of tranquil, mature parkland hidden away from the world, this course is pure class.

Course 4: Seacroft

Location: Lincolnshire

Architect: Willie Fernie

Yardage: 6,492

Par: 71

Verdict: THIS Lincolnshire seaside layout is one of very few genuine links on England’s east coast.

Located just outside Skegness and only a matter of 20 miles or so, as the crow flies, across the Wash from Hunstanton, the holes are natural, subtle and rich in variety. Understated and curiously under-rated, it is a must-play if you like your golf as nature intended.

Course 5: Hawkstone Park

Location: Shropshire

Architects: Alan Shepherd/J Braid

Yardage: 6,491

Par: 72

Verdict: SET deep within the heart of English countryside Hawkstone Park is a venue with few peers.

A 66-bedroom hotel and wonderful clubhouse are perfect for society days, while the quality of its two 18-hole courses lure visitors time and again. Recently voted one of the top 20 golf destinations in the world, the Hawkstone offers breath-taking views more associated with Canada.

Course 6: Sherwood Forest

Location: Nottinghamshire

Architects: Harry Colt/James Braid

Yardage: 6,835

Par: 70

Verdict: RENOWNED for its fantastic greens and friendly welcome, this is a club to ink in on any itinerary for a trip to the Midlands. The abundance of trees are – given its name and location come as no surprise – create a secluded feeling as well as demanding straight hitting. Sherwood is very possibly the most under-rated course in the Midlands.

Course 7: Sandwell Park

Location: West Midlands

Architect: HS Colt

Yardage: 6,468

Par: 71

Verdict: SITUATED in the area of West Bromwich, this historic course is noted for the pace and exacting nature of the greens. Here you will find a partly wooded heathland course of immense quality and not inconsiderable difficulty. Tee shots must be positioned carefully on undulating fairways in order to provide the best chance of finding the greens.

Course 8: South Staffordshire

Location: West Midlands

Architects: Vardon/Colt/Braid/Steel

Yardage: 6,513

Par: 71

Verdict: REGARDED as one of the most challenging courses in the Midlands, South Staffordshire presents a stern challenge to both the high and low-handicap player. Many of the holes remain of original and timeless character but the gentle improvements made over the years have helped to make this a fine track. A genuine hidden gem.