Woburn

A modern English classic. The Marquess is grand, strategic, and immaculately presented – a championship test carved through towering woodland.

Slope Rating

140

Par

72

Yardage

7,218

Opened in 2000, the Marquess Course is the youngest and boldest of Woburn’s three layouts. It was designed by a quartet of British greats – Peter Alliss, Clive Clark, Ross McMurray, and Alex Hay – and it’s hosted numerous professional events including the British Masters and Women’s British Open. The routing is big and ambitious, set across a sprawling estate with dramatic elevation changes, wide corridors of pine and oak, and large, undulating greens. Compared to Woburn’s older Dukes and Duchess courses, the Marquess plays more like a modern championship test – longer, tougher, and more expansive. Bunkering is strategic and visually striking. The greens are fast, tiered, and demand precise approaches. The back nine in particular features some of the best holes in inland England – from the long par-4 13th to the risk-reward 18th that tempts bold finishes. This is no gentle stroll – it’s a serious, grown-up course that rewards well-structured golf. Conditioning is excellent year-round and the entire experience is polished and professional.

Designer

Peter Alliss, Clive Clark, Ross McMurray, Alex Hay

Opened

2000

Tee time availability

Fair

Special information

All three Woburn courses are excellent, but the Marquess is the flagship. Ideal for tournament prep or low-handicap challenges. Smart attire required.

Tiger’s best round

Rory’s best round

Mens course record

65 – Mone Inami (2019 Women’s British Open)

Ladies course record

65 – Paul Dunne (2017 British Masters)

Round duration

4 hours 30 minutes

Caddy guide

Optional – forecaddies available. Helpful for reading greens and plotting safe lines.

Buggies

Available and recommended – long walks between some greens and tees

Bring your full game. The course demands confident driving, long iron precision, and deft short game control. Treat it like a tour venue – because it is.

Play smart. Avoid forced carries and favour safe sides. You’ll need three good shots to reach most par-5s and a solid short game to score.

Challenging but fair with forward tees. Focus on position rather than power. Enjoy the space, the setting, and don’t let scorecard length intimidate.

Green speed

10 – slick, true, and sloped

Wind

Minimal – wooded setting reduces wind exposure

Pace of play

Well managed – especially in organised groups or club packages

Nerves on the first tee

Moderate – grand setting but welcoming start with wide fairway

Clubhouse

Modern and well-appointed – professional, understated, and efficient

The par-5 18th is a fantastic closer with risk-reward potential and water lurking. The 7th is a classic uphill par-3 framed by tall trees. The 13th is a long par-4 that tests every club in the bag.

Stable inland conditions. Excellent drainage and year-round playability. Summer offers peak turf. Rarely disrupted by heavy wind or rain.