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Duchess 

The Duchess Course, opened in 1978, is a fine example of a course built for the thinking golfer, often referred to as a "Hidden Gem"

Handicap Table

  • 6555 Yards
  • 18 Holes
  • Par 72

The Duchess Course

"Woburn's Duchess' Course is Britain's best kept secret. More than most courses, this hidden gem puts a massive premium on straight hitting. Anyone who can handle the Duchess' can play just about any course".

Ian Poulter, Woburn Touring Professional

Handicap Table
Course Rating/Slope Rating
White Tees (Men) 72.5/139
Yellow Tees (Men) 71.5/136
Red Tees (Men) 69.2/124
Red Tees (Women) 74.5/136
Scorecard

 

Hole White Tees Yellow Tees Par Stroke index Red Tees Par Stroke index
1 427 423 4 4 383 4/5 11
2 185 178 3 7 155 3 13
3 326 310 4 12 296 4 5
4 504 494 5 15 446 5 9
5 360 355 4 14 330 4 8
6 497 489 5 16 417 5 17
7 203 198 3 6 179 3 7
8 391 382 4 10 307 4 15
9 398 375 4 2 362 4 1
OUT 3291 3204 36   2875 36/37  
10 495 489 5 13 471 5 3
11 388 382 4 5 360 4 2
12 382 351 4 3 335 4 10
13 194 183 3 8 148 3 16
14 462 441 4 1 424 4/5 14
15 464 455 5 17 384 5 12
16 149 137 3 18 121 3 18
17 344 339 4 11 327 4 4
18 386 379 4 9 356 4 6
IN 3264 3156 36   2926 36/37  
OUT 3291 3204 36   2875 36/37  
TOTAL 6555 6360 72   5801 72/74  

 

Overview

The Duchess' Course, also designed by Charles Lawrie, opened in April 1978, two years after the Duke's Course.  The course design encompasses a ridge across the 5th and 11th fairways, which are the site of an ancient Danish settlement.

Although slightly shorter, the Duchess Course offers a different challenge.  Accurate driving and pinpoint iron play are the order of the day on a course with narrower fairways and approaches to greens.  Anyone who has played the course knows this is a layout that demands as much respect as the adjacent Duke's and Marquess courses.

 

TOP 100 GM Duchess 2021/2022

 

 

Image of woburn duchess' layout
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Hole 1
  • 427 Yards
  • Par 4
Hole Details

One of the most demanding tee shots anywhere. Drive as far left as you dare for the fairway 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.

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Hole 2
  • 185 Yards
  • Par 3
Hole Details

The tough start continues.  A fairly long but extremely narrow short hole, considered by many to be a ‘signature’ hole it allows no tolerance for anything other than straight.

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Hole 3
  • 326 Yards
  • Par 4
Hole Details

Its yardage suggests a pushover but it certainly is not! Some play less than a driver, however the shorter the second the better to this tiny green, so don’t leave too much to do.

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Hole 4
  • 504 Yards
  • Par 5
Hole Details

A precisely hit draw round the corner of this Par 5, right to left dog leg, is required off the tee.  A straight drive can run out of ground and finish in the trees on the right. The left side of the fairway should be favoured with the second shot.

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Hole 5
  • 360 Yards
  • Par 4
Hole Details

First sight of the ancient Danish fortifications, which lie across several holes. Drive over it favouring the left side so as not to be blocked out for the second.

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Hole 6
  • 497 Yards
  • Par 5
Hole Details

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 bunkers with second shots.

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Hole 7
  • 203 Yards
  • Par 3
Hole Details

The Fortification plays its part here.  A tee shot coming up short will probably be kicked off the bank. It is further than it looks. Be up!

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Hole 8
  • 391 Yards
  • Par 4
Hole Details

A dramatic dog leg to the right. Failing to pass the corner or being greedy and trying to cut it can cause problems. Average hitters can use a driver  and play to the centre, if uncertain then at least use a 3 wood.  Wise is the golfer who knows how to play each hole as it should be played and skilful the golfer who can place their shots after they know where they should go.

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Hole 9
  • 398 Yards
  • Par 4
Hole Details

The left side of the fairway offers the best route to well positioned green. Beware as a shade too far left can find a bad bounce from the slope kicking it into the trees. No relief here!

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Hole 10
  • 495 Yards
  • Par 5
Hole Details

Time to hit it!  Not just once, but with your second shot too. Long and straight, few get home in two.

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Hole 11
  • 388 Yards
  • Par 4
Hole Details

A tough bunker protects the front left of the green.  It pays to drive up the right of this hole.

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Hole 12
  • 382 Yards
  • Par 4
Hole Details

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.

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Hole 13
  • 194 Yards
  • Par 3
Hole Details

A false front to a slightly sunken green causes most to under club.  Don't be short.

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Hole 14
  • 462 Yards
  • Par 4
Hole Details

Stroke 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 bunkers on the course.

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Hole 15
  • 464 Yards
  • Par 5
Hole Details

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.

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Hole 16
  • 149 Yards
  • Par 3
Hole Details

Nothing to it.  Just be sure you have the right club. The large surrounding trees tend to make the green look closer.

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Hole 17
  • 344 Yards
  • Par 4
Hole Details

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.

Tips from Ian Poulter

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Hole 18
  • 386 Yards
  • Par 4
Hole Details

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.

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A charming course with an exciting history...

The Duchess' course was used to stage the Ford Ladies Classic between 1985 and 1994 with Laura Davies and Liselotte Neumann amongst the winners. The Seniors Open Amateur Championship and The English Amateur Championship were also played on the Duchess' Course.

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Duke's

The Duke's Course designed by Charles Lawrie opened in 1976 and was the first of Woburn's three courses to be constructed

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Marquess 

The Marquess course openend in June 2000 and was soon referred to as the "Jewel in the Crown"

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