Tonight's 9 at Thornbury (or "I've found my new home course")

[Aztecs27]

So, after Saturday's debacle, I headed over to Thornbury Golf Centre near Bristol to check it out as I'm considering joining.

I have to say, I was far more pleased with myself. Still nothing to write home about - if I ignore the 3 balls I lost off the tee with ridiculous and lazy swings - I shot 6 over. Not bad considering I'd never played the course before.

The course itself is fantastic for one you can "pay and play". The greens are true, but quite slow (which let me down tonight, except for the 20ft birdie putt on 6), but the course is in good condition and has some beautiful holes.

I still need to get the consistency with my driver sorted though. Just can't seem to keep it under control.

If the back 9's as good as the front, I'm definitely joining. Especially as they have an 18 hole par 3 course too. All that for £335 a year sounds awesome to me!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Think you need to check it out at the weekend though. One thing early evening on a Monday but if 5 hour rounds for 18 holes are common at weekends I'd leave it alone

 

[Aztecs27]

Think you need to check it out at the weekend though. One thing early evening on a Monday but if 5 hour rounds for 18 holes are common at weekends I'd leave it alone

Already checked it out. They operate a tee-booking system so don't let the tee's get too over crowded. I asked my mate who works in the pro shop what the weekends are like and he said they're no better/worse than a normal saturday at any club.

 

[The_LHC]

Got to admit I think Thornbury's one of the best in the area, used to play it a lot after work in the summer months. The back 9 is easily as good as the front I'd say, I can't think of any real issues it seems ludicrously cheap for what you get, I think we used to pay 14 quid for a twilight round.

And the food's pretty reasonable as well. I'm struggling to think of any downsides really, maybe the par 3's are a little dull but other than that if it really rains the front of the 1st green floods (despite that mahonking great ditch in front!) But it just makes the shot in a little tougher!

I've had some great times there, shot 37 on the back 9 once...

 

[Aztecs27]

Got to admit I think Thornbury's one of the best in the area, used to play it a lot after work in the summer months. The back 9 is easily as good as the front I'd say, I can't think of any real issues it seems ludicrously cheap for what you get, I think we used to pay 14 quid for a twilight round.

And the food's pretty reasonable as well. I'm struggling to think of any downsides really, maybe the par 3's are a little dull but other than that if it really rains the front of the 1st green floods (despite that mahonking great ditch in front!) But it just makes the shot in a little tougher!

I've had some great times there, shot 37 on the back 9 once...

Good to hear some positive reviews from others that have played it. If you can believe it, I pushed my tee shot right on the first and lost my first ball of the day (in the massive open space that's on the right before the woods!)

I'm looking forward to playing the back nine, but like you, thus far, I'm struggling to see any downsides. The fact that for the next 3 years it's only going to cost me £335 for membership which gives me unlimited access to the 18 hole and the 18 hole par 3 courses I think is excellent value for money. The Pro Shop is one of the best I've seen in the area in terms of stock and the lesson fees are very reasonable. (I'm even thinking of getting one!) They also have ample practice facilities (large putting green, 25 bay driving range).

Up to now, my favourite course was the Signature Course at Woodlands just down the road. I'd say that's still the *slightly* better course in terms of "interesting" holes, especially with all the new tee-boxes they are building. I love the water holes on that course too, some of them are quite dramatic, but they're not accepting members (as far as I know) and I suspect it won't offer the VFM that Thornbury does.

 

[The_LHC]

I can never remember which course is which at woodlands, I've been playing it since before they started any of the rebuilding. Since then I've only played one of the 18s, I've not yet been on the course that goes over the other side of the valley behind the clubhouse. As to the other course, I like it but I find it a little short. Even cutting the dogleg you shouldn't be able to drive a par 4 with a four iron! That hole is the closest I've ever got to an ace.

The work they've done there is excellent quality though.

I've never played the par 3 course at thornbury, other than when cutting the corner a little too much on the 16th! Technically OOB but it's only a friendly game!

 

[Aztecs27]

I always used to get them confused but now remember that the Signature Course is the one with the semi-island 17th green (on the fishing lake) with the elevated tee. And the 14th par 4 and 15th par 3 share the same lake. I think that's the one you've played. You're right though it's not a long course by any stretch of the imagination. Still enjoyable to play. Hopefully the new tee boxes will make some of the holes alot better/longer.

I'm already looking forward to playing Thornbury again, which can only be a good sign! I'm still not guaranteed a round on Saturday though since I'm car-less. Quite gutted! Hope I can find someone that wants a round!! You're not free are you? Haha!

 

[The_LHC]

I always used to get them confused but now remember that the Signature Course is the one with the semi-island 17th green (on the fishing lake) with the elevated tee. And the 14th par 4 and 15th par 3 share the same lake. I think that's the one you've played. You're right though it's not a long course by any stretch of the imagination. Still enjoyable to play. Hopefully the new tee boxes will make some of the holes alot better/longer.

Ah, yes that's the one I've played, it's the masters I haven't tried yet. The 13th needs a longer tee, I can drive that one and I nearly drove 16 last time, which is supposed to be a par 5! That's getting a much longer tee as well, which will be good. 15 is going to be a tough par 3 if they take it as far back as it looks like they're going to!

I'm already looking forward to playing Thornbury again, which can only be a good sign! I'm still not guaranteed a round on Saturday though since I'm car-less. Quite gutted! Hope I can find someone that wants a round!! You're not free are you? Haha!

Unfortunately I don't live in bristol, I just work here now and the commute doesn't make it practical I'm afraid otherwise i'd have been happy to.

 

[Aztecs27]

I always used to get them confused but now remember that the Signature Course is the one with the semi-island 17th green (on the fishing lake) with the elevated tee. And the 14th par 4 and 15th par 3 share the same lake. I think that's the one you've played. You're right though it's not a long course by any stretch of the imagination. Still enjoyable to play. Hopefully the new tee boxes will make some of the holes alot better/longer.

Ah, yes that's the one I've played, it's the masters I haven't tried yet. The 13th needs a longer tee, I can drive that one and I nearly drove 16 last time, which is supposed to be a par 5! That's getting a much longer tee as well, which will be good. 15 is going to be a tough par 3 if they take it as far back as it looks like they're going to!

I'm already looking forward to playing Thornbury again, which can only be a good sign! I'm still not guaranteed a round on Saturday though since I'm car-less. Quite gutted! Hope I can find someone that wants a round!! You're not free are you? Haha!

Unfortunately I don't live in bristol, I just work here now and the commute doesn't make it practical I'm afraid otherwise i'd have been happy to.

Haha, no worries! Was only half-serious anyway.

I know what you mean about 13. I drove that hole last time I played (and 3 putted ). I was never brave enough to take on the 16th, but I only ever need a 3 wood and short iron to get it on in two. Taking the tees back will help it alot.

To be honest, The Masters isn't anything to write home about. It's more forgiving, but the Signature course is alot better, even with the short length.

 

[The_LHC]

For 16 you just pick the gap in the trees on the left and give the driver your best shot, that line is straight at the green.