Hollinwell Key Information
This is one of the most expansive courses in the Top 100 and it covers a huge acreage of absolutely beautiful heathland. In part wooded, it also benefits from rocky outcrops, the occasional encounter with water, bracken and fern. Rarely do consecutive holes run in the same direction, and the gentle slopes on the northern side of the estate reward both with lovely views and strategic challenge.
Reasons To Play Hollinwell
– One of the most attractive, challenging and secluded inland courses you will find anywhere
– Every hole is a new, fresh and quite separate challenge
– When the heather is out, it is a riot of purple
Rankings
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 47
Few would dispute that the delightful and challenging heathland test at Hollinwell Golf Course, set in a wonderfully secluded natural valley, heads the list of the best golf courses in the Midlands. It has long been a mainstay in the Top 100 Golf Courses UK & Ireland.
The club - formerly known as Notts but now officially Hollinwell - dates back to 1887 and its design boasts the input of Willie Park Junior, JH Taylor, more significantly Tom Williamson, and most recently, Martin Ebert. The long entrance drive in from the main road and down between the 3rd and 18th holes builds an ever-increasing sense of anticipation as you make your way to the clubhouse. A genuine seclusion is one of the club’s key attractions. More so is the particularly strong routing with some significant but very manageable changes in elevation. One of the prime examples of this is at the long and very beautiful, par-3 13th where the elevated tee offers a wonderful perspective. This hole alone would set Hollinwell out as one of the best heathland courses in the UK. I have played it several times and enjoy it more on every visit.
Ebert sand scrapes are in evidence by the first short hole, the 5th, and some early photos have revealed a number of such areas around the course in its early years. As mentioned, Tom Williamson is really the designer whose influence has shaped one of the best golf courses in England. He was employed back in 1912 to make the course slightly less challenging physically. In places, the back nine will still get the heart racing. Stand-out holes include the excellent and very demanding long par-4 2nd which works its way slightly uphill and right to left to a green set at the foot of a pine-clad hill. The 8th offers a chance to stop by the tee and drink from the holy well, while the 10th and 11th work their way along and then up to the furthest point on the course.
The 18th is a classic and testing par-4 back towards the clubhouse via a well-bunkered fairway with an area of marsh short and left. To my mind, this is an excellent finish to what is firmly one of my favourite courses.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said...
Golf on an epic scale with holes seemingly played in every different direction across, through and around almost every conceivable natural hazard or land formation.
I arrived with lofty expectations and ultimately left feeling somewhat underwhelmed. The relatively poor conditioning reinforced how important this aspect is and I would love to play the course again when it is at its peak. But still the best test and design I have played all year, signature holes all over the course.
Hollinwell is a joy to behold and a very fair test of golf which makes you want to return and enjoy it over again.
A proper test of golf, but one which you could happily take on week after week. Not stupidly difficult like some modern courses, but always with a sting in the tale for a poor shot. An absolute pleasure to play.
Hollinwell Location
Hollinwell Scorecard
Best Courses Near Hollinwell
Best Places To Stay Near Hollinwell
Mour Hotel - Book now via Booking.com
This 4-star award-winning hotel is located in the Sherwood Business Park and boasts stylish rooms with large flat-screen TVs, modern dining and free parking. The spacious rooms all feature black and white tiled bathrooms with heated mirrors and walk-in power showers.
The Bowman, Hucknall - Book now via Booking.com
The Bowman by Greene King Inns provides a restaurant and bar and each room has a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom. A Full English/Irish breakfast is available.
Hollinwell Gallery
Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I
- 2025/26 47
- 2023/24 38
- 2021/22 37
- 2019/20 36
- 2017/18 40
- 2015/16 48
- 2013/14 48
- 2011/12 56
- 2009/10 62
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hollinwell?
Formerly known as Notts Golf Club, this idyllically located club is blessed with an oasis-like setting which is remarkably peaceful and yet only 5 minutes from the M1 motorway.
Has Hollinwell produced any successful professional golfers?
Brian Waites was the ‘pro here for almost 30 years, winning two European Tour events and four Senior Tour events.
How many holes are there at Hollinwell?
There are actually twenty. A relatively new short hole and par 4 means that golfers can head back towards the clubhouse after playing the opening seven holes on the main course.
