The Wogan Legacy
Phil Wogan, the architect, grew up in a golf family, his father having worked with the legendary Donald Ross. His own style focused on fair, player-friendly yet challenging layouts, and Candia Woods embodies that approach.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Candia Woods Golf Links
Candia, New Hampshire
Established
1964
Architect
Phil Wogan
Access
Public
Par
Par 71
Length
3,909 – 6,550 yds
Green Fees
$$
The verdict
Solid New Hampshire Public Play
Candia Woods offers a player-friendly layout with consistently speedy greens and above-average conditioning for a daily fee course. While not a nationally ranked destination, it provides a reliable and enjoyable test for locals and visiting golfers alike.
Course DNA
Difficulty
67
Scenery60
Conditioning76
Shot Variety65
Walkability72
Green Complexity73
Wow Factor59
Design Quality62
At a glance
Quick facts
Founded by
Phil Wogan, son of Ross collaborator Skip Wogan
Tee time access
Online public booking
Local recognition
Host of NH Open (1971) and NH Amateur (1990)
Pace of play
Consistently fast, per reviews
Clubhouse amenities
Full-service clubhouse and bar
Most famous hole
No. 16, the 555-yard par 5
Atmosphere
Welcoming, relaxed daily fee culture
The design
The architecture
Candia Woods reflects Phil Wogan’s New England touch—player-friendly but far from toothless. The routing flows over gently rolling land, favoring golfers who think their way around the course. Greens are quick, mostly open in front, and reward approaches played with control. Bunkering is used sparingly but underscores key decisions, especially on the longer par 5s and par 4s. The length variety makes it friendly to casual play without sacrificing integrity, while consistent improvements have kept conditions a cut above the daily fee norm.
Phil Wogan specialized in accessible but demanding New England layouts, drawing on his family’s Ross heritage to create engaging, fair tests for all skill levels.
Defining features
- Fast, finely maintained bentgrass greens
- Strategically mixed short and long par 4s
- Thoughtful use of natural terrain and tree lines
- Playable landing zones but real bite if you stray
- Balanced use of bunkers for strategy, not show
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 9
Frontside Risk-Reward
PAR
5
YARDAGE
533 yds
The 533-yard par 5 ninth is your last, best birdie chance on the outward nine. It sets up with a tempting tee shot and rewards strong, precise play on the second shot.
Play it smart
After a solid drive, decide whether to attack the green in two or lay up for your favorite wedge yardage. The green opens in front, inviting a bold approach.
Where it bites
Straying left or right brings tree trouble. Fast green surfaces make chipping delicate, so mind your landing zone.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approaching the fast greens
Favor the front edge and avoid chasing tucked pins, especially when greens are quick.
Tee shot on the long par 4s (holes 1, 4, 7, 12, 18)
Stay center or slight fade for best angles—rough and trees can stymie recovery near fairway edges.
Second shot on lengthy par 5s (9, 16)
Don’t force a hero carry unless the angle and lie are perfect; a disciplined layup sets up an easier up-and-down.
Shorter par 4s (13, 14)
If the tee shot clears trouble, you can take aim—otherwise, avoid aggressive lines and play to your comfortable approach yardage.
Long iron par 3s (5, 8)
Club up for wind or firmness and target center-green, ignoring tempting back pins.
Chipping from tight surrounds
Use loft and soft hands—fast greens will run out more than you expect.
Scoring stretch (holes 9–10)
Play confident but don’t get greedy—a simple par on 9 and smart course management on 10 can keep momentum on your side.
Watch
See it before you play it
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Consistently maintained fairways, quick bentgrass greens, minimal bare spots for a public course.
Pace
Play moves swiftly compared to most daily-fee clubs, especially midweek.
Vibe
Relaxed, approachable local-golf atmosphere—no stuffiness, but pride in tradition.
Dress code
Standard golf attire recommended; collared shirts and no denim likely expected, but enforcement is casual.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Bring Your Green Reading Skills
Fast, true surfaces reward careful putting and chipping judgment—practice distance control beforehand.
02
Pack for Variable Weather
New Hampshire weather can turn quickly; lightweight rain gear suggested in spring and fall.
03
Book Advance Tee Times
Summer tee sheets can fill up fast—secure your slot early online, especially for weekends.
04
Prioritize Driving Accuracy
Many holes reward straight tee shots over sheer distance due to tree lines and narrow landing zones.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1964
Course opens, designed by Phil Wogan
- 1971
Hosts the New Hampshire Open
- 1990
Hosts the New Hampshire Amateur
- 2025
Storm water and irrigation projects completed
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Bronze Star Valor to Golf Vision
Before his design career, Wogan served valiantly in WWII and earned a Bronze Star for his role in the Battle of the Bulge. His blend of discipline, service, and creativity is still felt in Candia’s subtle, thoughtful design.
From Farm Fields to Fairways
Richard Weeks, a local teen, visited the course during construction in the 1960s, snagged his first golf job by asking the crew for work, and eventually became a club leader. It's a classic small-town golf success story.
State Championship Heritage
Candia Woods is part of the New Hampshire golf tradition, having hosted the state's marquee tournament events and earning a loyal local following for decades.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Designer Phil Wogan was a decorated WWII veteran awarded the Bronze Star for service at the Battle of the Bulge.
2
The course has hosted both the New Hampshire Open and Amateur tournaments.
3
Candia Woods is known for its consistently fast greens and reliable early-spring openings.
4
Longtime club fixture Richard Weeks began as a teen laborer and helped shape club operations for decades.
Build the trip
If you’re making a Southern NH golf getaway
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
The Oaks Golf Links
Public
Modern layout with strong conditioning, 35 min from Candia
Passaconaway Country Club
Public
Highly rated, playable par 72 in Litchfield
Stonebridge Country Club
Semi-Private
Tree-lined, scenic challenge near Goffstown
Manchester or Auburn for best access to courses, hotels, and dining
Course DNA
If You Like Candia Woods Golf Links
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.1
Kenwood Country Club (Kendale Course)
Cincinnati, OhioWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Kenwood Country Club (Kendale Course) a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Candia Woods Golf Links.
Strong DNA Match7.2
Sycamore Creek Country Club
Springboro, OhioConditioning
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Sycamore Creek Country Club offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to Candia Woods Golf Links.
Strong DNA Match7.6
Cincinnati Country Club
Cincinnati, OhioWhy it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Cincinnati Country Club's own setting.
Community Sentiment
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