It’s always nice to go and play a course that has an exalted reputation and the Hotchkin course is allegedly one of the top three inland British golf courses.The expectations were high as we wound our way through glorious pine, birch and broom.

The sandy soil provides perfect good conditions for all year round golf and with an abundance of heather, gorse and deep cavernous bunkers, it is not a course for the faint hearted. Length off the tee is a big advantage or you will be faced with some very long second shots to greens which are flat, but have a number of deceptive borrows.

The short par 5 18th is a tremendous way to end the round, for a good drive will provide an opportunity to reach the green in two, although you have to split the fairway between the big oak tree and the bunkers on the left, to have any chance.