Old Thorns Golf Club - Hampshire

Old Thorns is a 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.

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.

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.