Notts Golf Club, better known as Hollinwell, is widely regarded as one of the finest inland golf courses in England. For golfers searching for a true heathland test near Nottingham, it sits at the top of the local hierarchy.
This guide is designed to help you understand what makes Hollinwell special, what the course demands from your game, how visitor golf typically works, and what to consider if you are exploring membership.
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Course overview
Hollinwell is an inland heathland course set on free-draining sandy soil, with heather-lined corridors, naturally undulating fairways, and green complexes that reward control and precision.
It is the type of course where you can feel the heritage the moment you step onto the first tee. The land does most of the work. The strategy comes from angles, firmness, and the demand to place the ball in the right areas rather than simply hit it as far as possible.
- Course style: Heathland
- Setting: Natural undulation, heather, fast-running turf in summer
- Reputation: Championship-calibre inland test
- Location: North-west of Nottingham, within easy reach of the city
Why Hollinwell is so highly rated
Many courses claim “championship quality”. Hollinwell earns it. The reasons are not marketing phrases. They are design and conditioning realities that you feel across 18 holes.
1) Heathland turf and firm conditions
The sandy base means the course can play firm and fast in summer, producing the kind of running golf that rewards planning and creativity. When your ball lands short of a green it can release, but only if you choose the right line and trajectory.
2) Strategy over brute force
Hollinwell is not about hitting driver everywhere. Many holes reward restraint. A player who can place the ball into the correct part of the fairway will often have a far easier approach than a longer hitter who simply launches it without a plan.
3) Green complexes that demand distance control
The greens are not gimmicky. They are subtle, intelligent, and punishing if you leave the ball on the wrong side. This is a course where approach shots matter.
4) A proper test from the back tees
For good players, Hollinwell can be a serious examination. It is a course that regularly attracts elite amateur events because it stands up to strong golfers without becoming unfair.
How the course plays
Think of Hollinwell as a course of decisions. You rarely feel forced to hit one shot. Instead, it presents options and asks you to choose wisely.
Tee shots
- Accuracy matters: heather and sandy rough punish careless lines.
- Angles matter: a fairway hit is not always enough if you are on the wrong side.
- Club selection matters: there are holes where a long iron or hybrid is the best play.
Approach play
- Distance control: you are often better slightly short than long.
- Trajectory options: firm conditions can reward lower shots and run-ups when available.
- Miss management: missing in the right places is a real skill here.
Short game and putting
The greens reward calmness. If you are above the hole, you can quickly turn a birdie chance into a defensive two putt or worse. Good lag putting and sensible course management win rounds at Hollinwell.
Who the course suits
Low handicaps and competitive golfers
If you enjoy being tested properly, Hollinwell is the best course in the Nottingham area for that feeling. It demands control, patience, and a willingness to accept bogeys rather than forcing hero shots.
Mid handicaps
Mid handicappers can still enjoy the round, but you will enjoy it more if you treat it as a learning experience rather than a scoring day. Play the safe side. Keep the ball in play. Take your medicine when needed.
Higher handicaps and first-timers
If you are newer to the game or tend to lose balls, Hollinwell can be a tough day. That does not mean you should avoid it. It means you should approach it with the right mindset, bring enough balls, and play with someone who can guide you through sensible lines.
Visitor rounds and booking
Hollinwell is a prestigious members’ club, so visitor access can be more structured than at public venues. Expect that some times may be limited, particularly at weekends and in peak season.
How to plan a visitor round
- Check visitor availability early: prime tee times can go quickly.
- Aim for midweek if possible: it is often the best balance of access and experience.
- Respect club standards: treat it like a proper venue.
Membership guide
Joining a club like Hollinwell is about more than a course. It is about the golfing culture, the competition standard, and whether you want that type of environment as your home club.
What membership tends to suit
- Golfers who want a true championship standard course as their regular venue
- Players who enjoy competitive golf and structured club competitions
- Members who value tradition, standards, and long-term community
What to consider before joining
- Travel time: you will play more if it fits your weekly routine.
- Competition culture: if you love medals and serious comps, it will suit you. If you want purely casual golf, it may feel formal.
- Tee time access: ask how weekend tee times work for members.
- Guest policies: if you like bringing friends, check the rules.
Tip: If you are considering membership, play at least once, then visit the clubhouse, and speak to someone about how competitions and weekend booking operate. The “how it works” matters as much as the course itself.
Practice facilities
For many golfers, practice facilities matter as much as the course. If you want to improve, being able to warm up properly and work on your game between rounds is a real advantage.
- Short game areas: look for chipping and bunker practice space.
- Putting: a quality putting green is essential for adapting to the pace.
- Range access: some top clubs have limited range setups, so check what is available if you rely on full practice sessions.
If your routine involves structured practice through winter, you can pair outdoor golf with indoor sessions to maintain ball striking and distance control.
Clubhouse, culture and etiquette
Hollinwell is a traditional members’ club. That typically means a strong emphasis on golf etiquette, pace of play, and respecting the venue.
What to expect
- A calm, established club atmosphere
- Standards around dress and presentation
- A strong competition culture and serious golf
If you enjoy clubs with heritage and a sense of occasion, that is part of the appeal. If you want purely relaxed casual golf, you may prefer a more visitor-driven venue.
Best time to play Hollinwell
Late spring through early autumn
This is when the heathland character shines most. Firm fairways, crisp lies, and the strategic run of the ball bring the course to life.
Winter considerations
Heathland courses often handle wet weather better than clay-based parkland venues, but conditions always depend on rainfall patterns. If winter playability is a deciding factor for you, ask about how the course tends to set up during prolonged wet spells.
Nearby alternatives if you cannot get on
If visitor times do not suit your schedule, there are other outstanding options in Nottinghamshire that give a similarly serious test of golf.
- Sherwood Forest Golf Club: another elite local venue with a competitive feel. Read our guide →
- Beeston Fields Golf Club: a strong city-accessible members’ club with a balanced parkland test. Read our guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hollinwell the best golf course in Nottinghamshire?
For many golfers, yes. It is consistently regarded as one of the strongest inland courses in the county and is often the first name mentioned when discussing elite Nottinghamshire golf.
Can visitors play Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell)?
Visitor access is typically available but can be structured, especially at peak times. Check the official website for visitor rules and booking windows.
Is Hollinwell suitable for mid and high handicaps?
It is playable for all handicaps, but it is a demanding course. Mid and higher handicaps will enjoy it most by prioritising accuracy, playing conservatively, and treating it as a learning round.
Does Hollinwell drain well in winter?
As a heathland course on sandy soil, it often drains better than many parkland venues, but prolonged wet weather can affect any course.
What is the best way to prepare for a round at Hollinwell?
Bring enough balls, prioritise keeping the ball in play, and accept that course management matters more than chasing distance. If you can keep tee shots out of trouble, the course becomes far more enjoyable.
Final thoughts
Hollinwell is a course you play for the experience and the test. It is the kind of venue that makes you think, challenges your decision-making, and rewards disciplined golf.
If you are building a shortlist of the best golf courses in Nottingham, Hollinwell belongs at the very top.
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