I don’t care what anyone says, there are some courses that you just love for some reason. And 5 years after my first visit to Woburn and the Dukes, I can say not much has changed. Maybe it was a combination of meeting poulter and an hour on the short game area for my debut visit, or it could be my home course is a Woburn copycat but until I had the pleasure in playing some very fine links and heathland courses we’re blessed with in England, I used to prefer pure parkland golf.

My only criticism of the Duke’s is that it gets a little bit lost over the holes around the halfway house. The first, second, third, fourth and fifth is as good as it gets and leads to a lot of expectation. There are some very strong holes along the way like six, but seven, eight and nine do let it down. If you compare it with the Duchess, which is worse ranked in the England top 100, I think there is a more consistent 18 holes there but the best holes of the two would be found on the Dukes. Again a personal preference comes into play here, although there is a 40 place difference in all three courses, I think if you were to ask all of the members, there would be a rather split decision.

Condition is as to be expected at any top 100 course. Greens rolled very well and looked the part. We’re in the middle of one of the hottest summers on record so it’s unfortunate to see Woburn in a brown shade. My connotation with Woburn is lush green with a great contrast of tall brown pines but it’s a reality that all courses have with the current climate.

Experience wise is incredible, breakfast baps are already cooked and ready to go straight away which is a nice touch, great pro shop, putting green, complimentary range balls and if you’re lucky enough to have a go on the Tavistock short game area (which you need a code to get in) you may agree with me when I tell you it’s one of the best short game facilities I’ve ever laid eyes upon!