While the name may not ring a bell, Hogs Head Golf Club in Wiltshire, England is one of the most renowned courses in the world. The nine-hole golf course is a pilgrimage for golfers and is often referred to as the English golfing equivalent of St. Andrews in Scotland. If you’ve never heard of Hogs Head or if you’re looking to play a quick round of golf while on vacation, then this article is for you. We’ll cover everything you need to know about Hogs Head including how to play the course and where to stay if you’re planning on visiting the wonderful town of Wiltshire.
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The History Of Hogs Head
The story of Hogs Head begins in 1863 when Reverend William Bennett bought the 100-acre plot of land with the intention of building a new church. However, after only constructing a school and a small chapel, the venture was deemed a success and the next phase, a golf course, began to take shape. Despite the humble beginnings, Reverend Bennett’s dream of establishing a golf course in Wiltshire became a reality. In fact, the course was designed by the legendary Donald J. Ross in 1896 and, as a result, it quickly became a Mecca for golfers. In 1899, the first tee box was officially turned over to the public and, since then, the course has remained a pilgrimage for golfers from around the world.
The Golf Course
Hogs Head Golf Club is a classic British golf course. It features an abundance of natural hazards including lakes, streams, and wooded terrains. The golf course is spread over the entire 100 acres of the estate and is renowned for its undulating greens. Many golfers compare the course to that of St. Andrews in Scotland because of its panoramic view of the English countryside. As in Scotland, the wind blowing across the open expanse of the golf course can be surprisingly fierce, especially in the winter months. In fact, the club website boasts that “on some days, the wind will howl and moan around the heather-clad hills so loudly that it feels as if you’re playing on the moor.” In addition to the heather-clad hills, another remarkable feature of Hogs Head is its stone bridges. There are 17 bridges spanning the 17 waterways that snake their way around the course. Many of the bridges are more than a century old and, as a result, they’re quite an exceptional feat of engineering.
How To Play Hogs Head
To play Hogs Head you’ll need a scorecard and a set of golf clubs. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the course is nine holes, not eighteen. Also, since the course is only nine holes, you can play it at any time of the day or night. There is no set schedule for play so, if you want to get on the course and play a round, then you should definitely do it now since there will never be another chance to play this classic English golf course!
Getting To Hogs Head
The closest airport to Hogs Head is London Heathrow. There are several daily direct flights from all over the world, so you’ll have your pick of where to stay. From Heathrow, it’s a 30-minute drive to the entrance to the course. Once you’ve parked your car, you should make your way to the pro shop to drop off your car for the valet parking. It’s customary to drop off your car here and reserve it for the duration of your stay. This way, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises when the valet brings your car back at the end of the day. From the pro shop it’s a short walk to the first tee box. A five-minute drive will bring you to the second tee box. From the second tee box it’s a further five-minute drive to the third tee box and then to the finishing hole. The journey from the airport to the hotel will take about an hour, depending on traffic. You’ll have plenty of time to play a few holes before you check into your hotel for the evening. If you walk, it should only take you 45 to 60 minutes to complete the course. If you drive, the whole trip takes about an hour and a half.
What Type Of Room To Stay In?
When you visit England as a tourist, it’s best to rent a cottage or a large house with other golfers who are also traveling to England. These rooms usually have a tennis court and a pool table, and sometimes they come with a fully equipped kitchen. If you stay in a hotel, it’s usually very basic and there isn’t much to do except eat, sleep, and play golf. If you stay in a comfortable room with a view of the golf course, then you’ll enjoy your visit. In addition to the room, make sure to get a good deal since the hotel rooms here are quite expensive. It’s also advisable to look for discounted packages since there are a lot of golfers traveling to England at the moment due to the chilly winter weather.
Where To Eat In Wiltshire?
There are several restaurants and pubs around the outskirts of Wiltshire that are frequented by golfers. One of the best places to eat in the county is The Hind Head, a country club set within the grounds of a 17th-century manor house. The club’s bar menu offers classics like Scotch eggs and mini pork pies served with pickles as well as more creative dishes like frog legs, snails, and rat salad. If you stay at a hotel, then the hotel’s restaurant is usually the best option for dinner, especially since you’ll be able to sit down to a decent meal regardless of whether you’ve had a hectic day on the golf course or elsewhere. If you walk down to the village of Winterbourne and visit the 17th century Potting Shed Pub, then you’ll get a good sense of what type of food they serve and, hopefully, you’ll like what you see. In addition to the tavern, there are several other eateries in the village that are worth a visit including the Fish & Chip Shop, the Coach & Horses, and the Butcher’s Arms. If you stay in a cottage or a large hotel, then the food there will likely be overpriced and of bad quality, but you’ll still have access to restaurants and eateries in the area. If you want to eat well while on vacation, then visit one of the villages around the outskirts of Wiltshire where you’ll find numerous restaurants and eateries to choose from.
Is There Anything Else To Do In Wiltshire?
There are several other tourist attractions in Wiltshire that you might want to visit. If you have the time, you could visit Stonehenge. This site is free and is open from dawn until dusk. Another site that you might want to see is Avebury. This Neolithic monument is located just a few miles from Salisbury. It was originally constructed around 3,300 BC and has been continually adding and updating structures ever since. The largest gallery space is known as the Round Barrow and is over twenty feet in diameter. The barrow was first constructed around 2400 BC and, at the time of its construction, it was aligned with the midsummer sunrise. This makes it the oldest architectural monument in England and a fitting destination for a sunny day. There are several other barrows and stone circles to explore around Avebury. While you’re there, take a look at the other prehistoric monuments as well. The list of things to do in Wiltshire is quite extensive and, if you have the time, it would be a shame to not make the most of it. There are several museums and galleries that you might want to check out including Salisbury Museum and the Wiltshire Aviation Museum. If you enjoy wine, then you could visit numerous vineyards surrounding the county including the renowned St. Albans vineyard. There are also several castles, stately homes, and abbeys to explore. If you’re looking for shopping, then head to the large towns of Salisbury and Swindon where you’ll find a variety of shops restaurants, and bars. If you stay at a hotel, then the shops there will be open until late so you’ll have the chance to get some shopping done. If you have limited time, then it would be best to head into Salisbury or Swindon for a few hours or days to do some shopping.