The Hotchkin Course: Harry Colt’s Masterpiece

The Hotchkin Course is a relentless test of course management, primarily defined by its spectacular, sprawling bunkering. Harry Colt created some of his most memorable sand hazards here—deep, natural pits that severely punish anything offline. The course feels expansive and remote, winding beautifully through towering pine and gorse. This sandy subsoil guarantees fast-running fairways, playing much like a true links course. The Par 3s are particularly strong, often requiring a heroic carry over those famous sand traps. Playing the Hotchkin is an immersive experience; the silence of the forest and the scale of the challenge combine to make this a strategic and unforgettable round of pure, traditional golf.

The Bracken Course: Modern Excellence

The Bracken Course provides a wonderful, high-quality contrast to the Hotchkin’s historic drama. Designed by Donald Steel, the Bracken is a contemporary layout built on the same excellent subsoil. It features slightly broader fairways and larger green complexes, generally offering more modern sightlines and targets. While less penal than its legendary sibling, the Bracken is still a demanding championship course in its own right, testing approach play and rewarding solid, consistent striking. Many seasoned travelers enjoy playing the Bracken first as a superb warm-up to acclimate to the unique ground conditions and fast greens before taking on the monumental challenge of the Hotchkin.