Thorpeness Golf Club

G. Stuart Ogilvie designed the purpose built holiday resort of Thorpeness and the village was constructed between 1910 and 1930. James Braid laid out the first 10 holes at Thorpeness Golf Club in 1922 and 8 further holes were added the following year when the club was instituted.

The course is laid out on predominantly sandy soil so, in a similar vein to nearby Aldeburgh, is a natural maritime heathland course with crisp turf, heather, gorse and seaside winds. Thorpeness is located a mere 400 yards from the North Sea so expect a stiff challenge when there is a freshening breeze.

Thorpeness Golf Club has played host to many county and regional events over the years and is considered by many golfers as a serious test despite its modest length – a little more than 6,500 yards from the back tees.

A gentle opening par four eases you in to the round, but the fun really starts at the 2nd, a lovely par three that requires and accurate iron shot to a heavily bunkered and narrow green. The club’s signature hole arrives at the 3rd. The hole sweeps around a tributary of the Thorpeness Meare – an artificial lake used for fishing and boating, a haven for wildfowl. The Meare is out of bounds; so don’t stray too far left!

The club is certainly not resting on its laurels, undertaking a significant bunker renovation programme over the winter months of 2010/11. These improvements were put to the test when Thorpeness, alongside Aldeburgh, co-hosted the 2012 English Seniors Championship, which was won by Alan Squires of Oldham Golf Club.