Following an early morning departure from Surrey heading up the M1, it takes little over an hour to reach the vast Bedfordshire pine forest where one of England’s most celebrated golfing venues awaits.
Woburn Golf Club has staged some wonderful tournaments down the years following its emergence in 1976 when the Duke of Bedford opened his course, the Dukes Course. Soon after in 1978, the Duchess followed…a shorter, but narrower, prettier, more exacting challenge.
I will never forget Lee Trevino winning the 1985 Dunhill British Masters in spectacular style with a 3 wood to within 6″ for an eagle on the final hole, which is normally played as the Par 5, 1st on the Dukes course. Trevino referred to it as ‘the best shot of my life’, and no doubt it was a spectacular way to close out a tournament.
The Dunhill British Masters was staged at Woburn for 10 consecutive years through until 1995, and brought the best golf out of the best golfers…Seve, Nick Faldo were also triumphant on the Dukes Course. Later in 2001 Thomas Levet became the first Frenchman to win a EPGA event since 1907, winning a four man play off on the then recently unveiled Marquess Course.
When you consider that Woburn has three courses, all of exceptional quality and all ranked in the Top 100 in the country, a two-night stay in the charming village nearby to tee it tee it up on all three courses is surely one of the finest experiences in British golf.
Certainly, there are few Clubs in the UK that can boast three top quality courses…Gleneagles, Wentworth, The Belfry, and Frilford Heath are notable examples, but it’s hard to beat Woburn in an argument about consistent quality across all three. Add in the exceptional Manuel Pinero short game area and substantial Clubhouse, and you have a golfing venue that has it all.
The club presents itself in a modern, professional manner, and it is hardly surprising that it exudes success.
If you would like Golf Tourism England to visit your golf club then please get in touch.