Old Thorns Hotel Golf & Country Club - Est 1981

Info correct at last date played: 10th September 2004

Club Facilities

AGN Review Score 6.6

Course Card

Course Review

A very well managed golf course and I'm sure Peter Alliss is proud to be President. The course starts with a good par 4 dogleg that can leave you with a blind approach to the green. The 2nd is also a dogleg but thankfully is a par 5, the big hitters may reach this in two but a birdie can just as easily be obtained with a well placed chip on in three.

Looking down to the green from the elevated 5th tee.

The 5th hole has the most breathtaking view, you can really see for miles from that elevated tee. Only an iron is needed from here to put the ball just before the pond for a small chip onto the green. The 8th hole is actually quite tight with O.O.B. on the left and water all the way up the right.

Charity donation sign on the 16th hole.

The 10th is a dangerous long par 3 with water in front and left, if you try to bail out right there are two bunkers waiting to catch your ball. There is a sign on the 16th tee that reads if you miss the green could you please put a pound in the Charity Box on the bar, just gives you that feeling of a challenge. The 17th provides another scenic view and a tight tee shot between bunkers and trees but once negotiated can easily produce a birdie chance.

Overall the course was in great condition with balls running very true on the greens, our only moan would be the shower facilities. It seems this way with every course we visit, green fees are getting more expensive, course conditions are improving but the clubs do not seem to spend any money on the changing/shower facilities.

Favourite Hole

Hole 3: 441 yard par 4.
A long hole this one and needs two accurate shots to get to the green in 2. The feature that makes this hole stand out are the two very well positioned trees in the fairway. The first one is on the right just past the bunkers about 180 yards from the tee. The trouble is your tee shot needs to end up on the right side of the fairway for a good approach to the green as the second tree is on the left of the fairway just 100 yards from the green.

Tricky tee shot on the 3rd, try not to leave yourself behind a tree.

So you have a choice play your first shot over the tree on the right for an open view of the green or play down the other side and be left with a 200 yard approach over the tree on the left.

Visitor Comments

Submitted by Rob Courtney on 23/08/2007.
Played this course largely due to the review on this site and am happy to say it really is an excellent round. Physically fairly challenging as it is very hilly, but very well laid out, greens and fairways a delight and the bunkers were in good condition. Favourite hole was the 16th, par 3. Not over long but a 2 tiered green, get on the wrong tier and a 3 putt awaits. Paid £20 for a twilight round but, unlike some other courses it starts at 3pm so you can get a full 18 holes in (rather than starting at 5.30 or 6pm). For £20 this is well worth making the trip.

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