Finding it hard to decide on a venue for an away-day or weekend with the girls? Or do you fancy entering an Open competition at a different venue?
Finding it hard to decide on a venue for an away-day or weekend with the girls? Or do you fancy entering an Open competition at a different venue? Women & Golf give you some options to help you to decide.
Thorpeness in Suffolk is a remarkable land of make believe thanks to Stuart Ogilvie, a Scottish barrister. In 1910 Ogilvie bought land between Aldeburgh, Minsmere, Aldringham and Leiston, and transformed the flooded fishing hamlet into a private holiday village for his family and friends. Today the village is an absolute delight as it has retained its character with mock Tudor and Jacobean houses, and The Meare, a glorious boating lake inspired by Peter Pan author and friend of Ogilvie, JM Barrie, that contains tiny islands that are named after locations in Barrie’s novel like Pirate’s Lair, Wendy’s House, and many others.
Thorpeness Golf Club and Hotel is located less than half a mile from the sea and friendly staff including PGA Professional Christine Langford provides guests (and dogs) with a warm welcome. The hotel has 36 ensuite bedrooms that are incredibly spacious and feature every facility that you could wish for to ensure a comfortable stay. The golf clubhouse attached to the hotel is open all day with an extensive menu for meals and snacks, or there’s the option to enjoy breakfast or an a la carte dinner in the restaurant, where it’s best to request a window seat so you can appreciate the view across the 3rd tee and beyond.
Alternatively, during summer months, the large terrace or the idyllic gardens overlooking The Meare is the perfect place to relax. Golfers can virtually fall out of their car or out of bed onto the 1st tee, and because of the compact and straightforward nature of the opening hole and surroundings, don’t be fooled into thinking this is just another James Braid-designed course as it will exceed all expectations. This coastal heathland course covers a huge expanse of land, meandering through silver birch trees, gorse and heather and offering attractive views. It’s sand-based so plays like a links course with plenty of run on the ball, although sometimes with too much run on the fast, true greens!
Most ladies need to pull out a wood for the par3s, like the 166-yard 2nd hole, but it’s not an overly long course. There are a great variety of holes, some present blind shots and others; it’s position that is paramount. A difficult task is to avoid the bunkers - there are seven alone on the short par-4 11th hole. The 18th hole is unique as floating in the skyline overlooking the green is ‘The House in the Clouds’; a converted water tower turned private holiday home. Whether you want to play golf, take a boat out on the lake, or visit neighbouring towns, Thorpeness is great value, it’s a special place and the girls definitely won’t be disappointed!
One night from £109pp weekdays, or £130pp weekends, including one round of golf and dinner, bed and breakfast. Visit www.thorpeness.co.uk for further offers.
Laura Davies Breaks 70 At Home Course For First Time. Read More
