Chair National Golf Centre at Woodhall Spa

CHAIR PROFILE:

THE NATIONAL GOLF CENTRE AT WOODHALL SPA

LINCOLNSHIRE, UK

CHAIR OF THE NATIONAL GOLF CENTRE AT WOODHALL SPA

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced leader to become the Chair of The National Golf Centre (NGC), which is regarded as one of the best golf facilities in the UK. The new incumbent will follow the retirement of a 17-year tenured Chair who has been instrumental in delivering a significant period of development in the facilities, operating standards, and fiscal growth, leading to self-generated investment into the site of some £10M.

The board is looking for an experienced Chair to lead the board of Woodhall Spa Golf Management (WSGM), the company tasked with operating the NGC and a wholly owned subsidiary of England Golf. They will oversee the construction and reopening of a new clubhouse and explore further opportunities to develop the NGC within the overall aims of England Golf. The new Chair of WSGM will inherit a facility and business that is well-positioned to take advantage of the upcoming improvements and a talented and committed management team capable of delivering the enhanced facilities under the guidance of an experienced and thoughtful leader.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL GOLF CENTRE AT WOODHALL SPA

The National Golf Centre at Woodhall Spa is the home of amateur golf in England and provides a first-class coaching environment for the National Squads, as well as excellent golfing facilities available to all players, whatever their handicap.

The National Golf Centre encompasses two 18-hole golf courses, The Hotchkin and The Bracken. The practice facilities represent some of the finest in Europe and include: a pitch and putt course, two short-game areas, a 16-bay Toptracer driving range, two indoor coaching and club-fit studios, a dedicated putting studio, a gym, a physio room, and a squad room. Currently, the academy hosts all England-based national squad training, most regional squad training, and other elite coaching groups, which include overseas, warm-weather training.

There is also a strong commercial coaching element being developed with the purpose of being a true centre of excellence that incorporates the latest developments in sports science.

The Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa has been privately owned by the Hotchkin family since 1919. In 1995, the English Golf Union (the then governing body of English men's amateur golf), acquired the golf course at Woodhall Spa and associated facilities to create a National Golf Centre. The Hotchkin is a renowned championship golf course that has consistently been rated in the world's top 100 courses since records began in the 1930s.

Tom Doak's recent and subtle restoration has further enhanced the quality and reputation of the course. The Hotchkin is also rated as an SSSI, such is the rarity of the habitats that are found within this heathland environment.

Created by Donald Steel, one of Britain's foremost golf course architects of the modern era, The Bracken Course, which opened in 1998, is a contemporary classic and the perfect complement to The Hotchkin Course. The Bracken has evolved into a course of exceptional finesse that is appreciated and enjoyed every day by golfers of all abilities.

The aims of The National Golf Centre at Woodhall Spa include:

• To provide a venue for major championships

• To provide a centre of excellence for coaching the national squads

• To maintain the reputation of the Hotchkin Course in the world ranking lists

• To offer golf and facilities to England Golf members at an appropriate rate

• To continue the current relationship with Woodhall Spa Golf Club members

• To present all facilities and services to the highest possible standard

Approximately £10 million has been re-invested back into the site including projects such as new irrigation systems, a full Hotchkin Course Renovation Programme, new buildings, additional facilities, and updating equipment and services.

Construction of a new clubhouse incorporating retail, hospitality, tournament facilities and a heritage space will commence in February 2026 with a build time of some eighteen months.

THE NATIONAL GOLF CENTRE AT WOODHALL SPA BY THE NUMBERS

• At present, there are approximately 950 Members across all categories

• Joining Fee for 2026 - £1,925

• Annual Subscriptions for 2026 - £1,925

• 36 holes of golf with approximately 60,000 rounds played per annum

• Annual Dues Volume - approximately £1.1M

• Food and beverage volume: approximately £725K

• There are approximately 60 employees, 40 of whom are full-time

• Total Annual Revenues - approximately £4.0M

• EBITDA - approximately £800k

THE NATIONAL GOLF CENTRE AT WOODHALL SPA WEB SITE:

CHAIR POSITION OVERVIEW

• Provide strategic leadership as non-executive Chair of the Board of Woodhall Spa Golf Management Ltd, the operating company of The National Golf Centre at Woodhall Spa.

• Serve a fixed four-year term, ensuring continuity, stability, and effective long-term governance.

• Lead and support an effective Board, setting clear strategic direction while…