Twyford,
Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1PL
Office
+44 (0)1962 713 165Pro shop
+44 (0)1962 713 165Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Gary Stubbington (PGA, Head Golf Professional).The Course:
18 holes. Downland course. Gently undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Downland (Twyford Down, on the western edge of the South Downs).
Designer:
James Braid designed the current layout (1920).
51.035948
-1.315946
2.5 mi S of Winchester / 10 mi NE of Southampton.
Hockley
The course at Hockley Golf Club is generally regarded as the highest-rated layout in and around the cathedral city of Winchester. This James Braid out-and-back design sits at the western edge of the South Downs National Park, where it enjoys the benefits of free-draining, chalk-based, downland terrain ... perfect for year-round golf.
Apart from a slight drone from the M3 motorway on the opening and closing holes, here you'll enjoy a wonderfully natural and scenic round. Holes 1 thru' 5 head eastward, gently climbing an attractive valley before reaching the open downland plateau. Here, complete with lovely views across the course and surrounding Hampshire countryside, the middle section of this absorbing course is laid out.
Once on the higher plateau the terrain is reasonably level, with only a few minor changes in elevation. The final holes inevitably descend back down towards the clubhouse, not least at the snaking, tumbling par-5 18th.
If some of the "plateau" holes lack definition from the tee, that is certainly not the case around the greens. The greenside bunkering and mounding is full of character, as are the excellent greens themselves. A shared double-green serves the short drivable par-4s at 6 and 13.
Pick of the holes: although unremarkable in some ways, the par-4 9th deserves a special mention. 100 yards before the green lies a trench that runs across the fairway; this was the outer perimeter of an ancient Roman villa. The 9th green itself is one of the most undulating on the course, under it lies the villa! Beware an even deeper "blind" dip in front of the par-4 15th green.
Visitors welcome on weekdays, and after 2pm on weekends.
Must book in advance.
Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2024].
Players generally walk this course.
Good
Hockley Golf Club lies just outside the historic cathedral city of Winchester, a former capital of England under Alfred the Great during the 10th and 11th centuries. The stunning cathedral, built in the 11th century, is one of the largest in Europe, complete with its very impressively long and wide nave. The city is also home to Winchester College, a world famous, independent boarding school founded in 1382.
Hockley GC's logo depicts "The Trusty Servant", which is featured in a wall-painting at Winchester College, painted in 1579 by John Hoskins. The "servant" is a figure that is part-man, part-porker, part-deer and part-donkey, with a padlock on its mouth, and various implements in its hand. The parts of the servant were intended to represent virtues that should be embraced by Winchester College students. Winchester College own the land which is leased by the golf club.
Also in the Winchester area are South Winchester and Royal Winchester golf clubs.
Presidents Cup: Geoff Ogilvy’s International Team take on Brandt Snedeker’s USA Team at the revered Medinah Country Club, near Chicago. The Internationals are trying to halt a run of 11 consecutive American wins. (Sept 24-27).
French Open: Continental Europe’s oldest national championship, dating from 1906, is once again staged on the Albatros Course at Le Golf National, near Paris. Defending champion is America’s Michael Kim. (Sept 24-27).
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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