The Duchess Course
Woburn’s ‘Hidden Gem’ is a fine example of a course built for the thinking golfer.
Hole 1 Duchess Course
One of the most demanding opening tee shots anywhere. Drive as far left as you dare for the fareway slope will take your ball into the rough, or even the trees on the right. Should it do so remember to ring the bell when you pass for others waiting on the tee.
Hole 2 Duchess Course
The tough start continues. A fairly long but extremely narrow short hole, considered by many to be a 'signature' hole allows no tollerance for other than straight.
Hole 3 Duchess Course
Its yardage suggests a pushover. That it is not, some play less than a driver in case they might reach the Heather Bed which lies accross the front of the green, however the shorter the second the better to this tiny green so don't leave too much to do.
Hole 4 Duchess Course
There are very few unpleasant sights on Woburn other than the large radio mast behind the green, its saving grace is that it provides the perfect line to the flag from the valley where the drive finishes.
Hole 5 Duchess Course
Firstsight of the anchient Danish fortifications which lie across several holes. Drive over it favouring the left side so as not to beblocked out for the second.
Hole 6 Duchess Course
Long hitters enjoy the freedom here to unleash a long drive. Only they might reach the green in two, others should consider laying up short of the bunker with second shots.
Hole 7 Ducess Course
The Fortification plays its part here and a tee shot coming up short will probably be kicked off the bank. It is further than it looks. Be up!
Hole 8 Ducess Course
A dramatic dog leg to the right. Failing to pass the corner, or being greedy and trying to cut it stops most parring this one. Average hitters
Hole 9 Duchess Course
Although the left side of the fairway offers the best route to a tough to hit green, a shade too far left can find a bad bounce from the slope and into the trees. No relief here.
Hole 10 Duchess Course
Time to hit it! Not just once, but with your second too. Its long and straight and few get home in too.
Hole 11 Duchess Course
Because a tough bunker protects the front left of the green its pays to drive up the right of this hole.
Hole 12 Duchess Course
A wonderful dog leg to the left. Cutting the corner is not recommended, much safer right of centre, but make sure you get exact yardage for your second could be over the bunker.
Hole 13 Duchess Course
A false front to a slightly sunken green causes most to underclub. Don't be short.
Hole 14 The Duchess Course
Storke index one for good reason, nevertheless you can be ambitious from the tee. Favour the right side of the fairway, not because of the fairway bunker but because of the one by the left of the green, one of the busiest on the course.
Hole 15 The Duchess Course
Another opportunity to open the shoulders. The closer to the top of the hill you drive the more chance of getting close to, or even on the green of this par 5.
Hole 16 The Duchess Course
Nothing to it. Just be sure you have the right club. The large surrounding trees tend to make the green look closer.
Hole 17 The Duchess Course
Members claim they aim at the lofty Pine on the corner of this dog leg. Provided you miss it you have the ideal line. A driver is not wise and it gets you no nearer the green.
Hole 18 The Duchess Course
A wonderful finishing hole. Favour the left side of the fairway. Cutting the corner to the right is really pointless and will normally leave you stymied.
