Woodhall Spa Bracken
Donald Steel laid out the Bracken at Woodhall Spa in 1998, the younger course at England Golf's National Golf Centre and the modern partner to the legendary Hotchkin. A par 72 of around 6,735 yards over free draining Lincolnshire heath, the Bracken winds through heather, gorse and silver birch with its own bold, contemporary character.
Photo: Stephen Caldwell via Google.
The verdict
Woodhall Spa is one of England's great inland addresses, home to the storied Hotchkin and the headquarters of England Golf. When the club wanted a second eighteen to match it, they turned to Donald Steel, who routed the Bracken across the same sandy Lincolnshire heath in 1998.
The Bracken was always going to stand in the Hotchkin's shadow, but it earns its place. Steel gave it generous, flowing fairways, bold contouring and large greens, a more modern feel than its famous neighbour while staying true to the heathland setting of heather, birch and pine. Together the two courses make Woodhall Spa a genuine 36 hole destination in the heart of Lincolnshire.
Woodhall Spa Bracken Course at a glance
- Opened
- 1998
- Designer
- Donald Steel
- Type
- Heathland
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- 6,735 yds
- Green fee
- Visitor rate
Designer, opening year and par verified June 2026 from Woodhall Spa Golf Club and leading course databases. The Bracken was designed by Donald Steel and opened in 1998, a par 72; published yardage varies slightly by source and tee, around 6,735 yards. The National Golf Centre welcomes visitors; green fees vary by season and day (indicative, 2026), so always confirm the current rate directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The Bracken plays over the same free draining sand that makes Woodhall Spa firm and fast for much of the year, and Steel used the room on site to give it a more expansive feel than the penal Hotchkin. The fairways flow through corridors of birch and heather, and the larger greens invite a more aggressive approach.
Bunkering is a feature, deep and well placed, and the heather lurks for any drive that strays from the short grass. The par 4s have real variety, some asking for a long carry and others a careful position shot, while the short holes are framed by the woodland and demand a precise iron.
The Bracken rewards a player who can shape the ball and think their way around, and it gives Woodhall Spa visitors a second test with a different flavour, the modern heathland round to set beside the timeless Hotchkin on a 36 hole day.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Public access at the National Golf Centre; visitors and societies are welcome on both courses, with advance booking advised |
| Green fee | Indicative visitor green fees on the Bracken in the region of 60 to 95 pounds depending on season and day (2026); always confirm directly before booking |
| Booking | Reserve through the Woodhall Spa pro shop or online; combine with the Hotchkin for a 36 hole day |
| On the day | Smart golf dress; trolleys and buggies available; a gentle heathland walk on sandy ground |
| Getting there | Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire, about 20 minutes southeast of Lincoln and roughly two and a half hours north of London |
| Best months | May to September for the firmest, fastest heathland conditions |
Access and fee details verified June 2026; rates change by season and day, so always confirm directly with the club or your trip planner before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Woodhall Spa is a handsome Edwardian spa town with hotels and inns within a short drive of the National Golf Centre, and the cathedral city of Lincoln nearby offers a wider choice for an overnight base.
The Bracken naturally pairs with the Hotchkin for a 36 hole stay, and Woodhall Spa sits within reach of the Norfolk coast links and the heathland courses of the East Midlands for a longer inland and seaside trip.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Woodhall Spa Bracken Course.
Build a Lincolnshire golf trip
We arrange tee times on both Woodhall Spa courses, pair them with the best of the East Midlands and Norfolk coast and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Woodhall Spa Bracken Course questions
Who designed the Bracken Course at Woodhall Spa and when did it open?
The Bracken Course was designed by Donald Steel and opened in 1998, the younger of the two courses at Woodhall Spa, the National Golf Centre.
What is the par and length of the Woodhall Spa Bracken Course?
The Bracken is a par 72 of around 6,735 yards, a modern heathland course with flowing fairways and large greens; exact yardage varies by tee.
Can visitors play the Woodhall Spa Bracken Course?
Yes. Woodhall Spa is the National Golf Centre and welcomes visitors and societies on both courses; book in advance and confirm the current green fee before you travel.
Where is Woodhall Spa Golf Club?
Woodhall Spa is in Lincolnshire, England, about 20 minutes southeast of Lincoln and home to England Golf's National Golf Centre.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Tee time windows, course access changes and the trips worth taking. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.