228 - Thetford Golf Club

Location: Thetford, England

Rating:

Set in the heart of Norfolk’s countryside is the quaint Thetford Golf Club. A course nestled in the depths of Thetford Forest and providing the first stop on my annual week long trip, the Highland Invitational. A heathland course with plenty of character, Thetford is a tough challenge at over 6,100 meters off the standard tees. 

The course opens up in a unique way starting with a downhill par 3, not the toughest opening challenge. A 330 meter par 4 follows, dog-legging to the left, working back up the hill from the hole before. Another par 3 follows, a quirky start to the round with 2 in the first 3 holes but I liked it. The course continues to flow nicely through the Thetford Forest with all the markings of what could be a top quality golf club.

Wonderfully manicured tee boxes and smoothly, fast paced greens but the fairways were in pretty bad condition. I can appreciate the hot weather but they looked like they hadn’t been watered for weeks. On the plus side, the club boasts a plethora of practice facilities dotted across the grounds, perfect for a proper warm-up.

At £65, the green fee represents decent value for a course of this calibre and setting. With some improvements to course maintenance and signage, Thetford could be a real gem — but even as it stands, it’s a peaceful, enjoyable day out in a beautiful forest setting.