The county of Hampshire is renowned for its rolling hills and sprawling woodlands, and Old Thorns encapsulates this landscape.
Located beside the Woolmer Forest, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and with views over the South Downs, Old Thorns is a scenic yet testing challenge of golf.
Designed by the BBC’s late ‘voice of golf’ Peter Alliss, this intimate par-72 course features elevated tee shots overlooking narrow treelined fairways demanding accuracy and astute course management.
The course’s opening was celebrated with a high-profile exhibition match involving Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Bill Rogers and Isao Aoki. But in case teeing it up at the same place as a foursome adorned with major titles and numerous other accolades in the sport is not enough for you, then the resort’s other facilities may be the tipping point.
With a variety of bars and eateries, a spa, and a health club, Old Thorns has you covered on all bases. Here is what you can expect from a stay at the Hampshire resort.
Is The Old Thorns Golf Course Worth Playing?
Measuring 6,471 yards, this 18-hole parkland course has been carved out amongst thousands of mature trees, which form the course’s primary defence. The narrow fairways present a perilous task for those with a prevailing shot shape. Any ball veering off line is an easy meal for the woodlands unless you hope and pray they spit it back into play.
Holes that are not lined by trees have other defences to negotiate, with around half containing water hazards and the long par 4 18th featuring a large oak tree planted in the centre of the fairway.
The fifth hole is one of the most elevated tee positions in Hampshire, offering expansive views over the landscape. The treeline opens up in the middle of the fairway before closing once more around the green, with water hugging the left edge of the landing surface demanding a precise approach.
The 10th hole is the hardest par 3 on the course measuring 216 yards from the white tees, with two large ponds punishing tentative tee shots. Clubbing up may be necessary to ensure the water is out of play, else you will likely suffer a significant blemish on your scorecard.
The 15th hole is a right to left dogleg measuring 264 yards from the whites. Laying up is the sensible option, unless you liken your game to the late great Seve, who drove the green during his round at Old Thorns. However, taking the dull route is not without risk, with trees closing in around the ideal landing spot, so if neither option feels comfortable then perhaps take a swing with reckless abandon and briefly slip into the shoes of a golfing legend.
Where Can You Stay at Old Thorns?
Spanning 400 acres, the estate was originally a working farm owned by Ken Wood of the Kenwood manufacturing family and parts of the original house were incorporated into the hotel. The estate has undergone more than £20 million worth of investment in recent years, transforming the hotel which overlooks the Old Thorns golf course.
The four-star manor house’s 160 bedrooms now all boast refined, luxurious amenities. There is the option to stay either in two-bedroom residences or three-bedroom penthouses, and the accommodation is comfortable and spacious, with contemporary interior design to suit the eye of visitors.
What Else Can You Do at Old Thorns Hotel?
Guests enjoy complimentary access to the full range of the resort’s facilities, included within the room rate.
The Elevation Health Club includes a modern gym and a 25-metre swimming pool. Pool sessions require advance booking and are limited to 45 minutes, with guests expected to arrive swim-ready and return to their rooms to change and shower afterwards. Guests can also relax in the jacuzzi.
The spa provides a wide selection of indulgent treatments and tailor-made spa breaks, including body scrubs, facials and full-body massages, as well as manicures, pedicures, and restorative hand and foot rituals.
To avoid disappointment, guests are encouraged to reserve spa treatments in advance due to high demand.
This variety of leisure activities is the perfect therapy for golfers plagued by visions of that sloppy four-putt, or the many Pro V1s sent plummeting into the forest.
How Good is The Food & Drink at Old Thorns?
There are a wide variety of options on offer at Old Thorns when it comes to food and drink.
The two dining options are the Kings Restaurant, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served, and the Sports Bar. You can enjoy a hot breakfast buffet at the Kings, with all the hearty British staples to fuel you for a round of golf. Dinner is more refined, with gourmet dishes and grill options, as well as roasts served on a Sunday.
The menu at the sports bar includes burgers, fish and chips and pasta amongst other options, with light bites and sandwiches also available. With an outdoor terrace, live sport and pool tables, it is the perfect place to kick back with a cold pint post-round.
The Atrium Cocktail Bar opens in the evening, offering a wide selection of cocktails, wines and spirits. With a retro décor this intimate bar is the perfect spot for a late-night drink, and on weekends stays open past midnight.
Oties Café is another option for food and drink, offering hot drinks, smoothies and milkshakes as well as lunch food and sweet treats.
Where is Old Thorns Hotel & Resort?
Nestled beside the South Downs, Old Thorns is enveloped by some of the region’s most spectacular countryside. Explore the South Downs National Park or Queen Elizabeth Park for scenic walks, or visit the beach with popular spots like West Wittering and Hayling Island less than an hour’s drive.
Although it may feel like you are far from the hustle and bustle, Old Thorns is only a 1hr-2hr drive from London, while the city of Portsmouth lies only 20 miles south. It is possible to reach via public transport for those travelling light or only wishing to play the course, with trains from Portsmouth and London Waterloo arriving in Liphook where you can grab a taxi to the resort.
The resort offers private parking, secure access and lift facilities, while the residence provides a sense of privacy with full hotel amenities just a short walk away.
Why You Should Experience Old Thorns
Boasting a picturesque and high-quality golf course with numerous leisure facilities planted across the vast estate, Old Thorns should be high up on the list when booking your next golf trip.
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Jack Whittaker is a sports journalism graduate based in London and a member at Ealing Golf Club. A close follower of the game at every level, he has a particular interest in the rich history of golf and the personalities who shape it. Jack enjoys hopping on the Tube to uncover lesser-known courses across suburban London and is eager to broaden his golfing horizons with trips to destinations further afield. His perspective combines the enthusiasm of an improving club golfer with a keen eye for the stories that unfold both inside and outside the ropes.
