Course

The distinguished golf course architect Harry Shapland Colt was chosen to design Thorndon Park. His portfolio of courses includes the New Course at Sunningdale, the West Course at Wentworth, St. George's Hill and many more.

Thorndon presented him with a designer's dream; mature woodland dating back to the 18th century, lush, springy turf, a product of centuries of grazing deer, an impressive five-acre lake, and gently undulating land. Consequently, in 1919, with his design partner Charles Hugh Alison, Colt made the most of these features to create a gem which offers the golfer a course that provides 18 very separate holes, so that one enjoys the feeling of being almost alone even when the course is at its busiest. From the elevated 11th fairway, distant views of Kent can be seen, as well as today's link between Essex and Kent, the Queen Elizabeth Bridge.

Strategic bunkering means that each shot must be carefully placed, and with sloping greens, correct placement of the ball will offer the chance of a birdie, but get it wrong and three putts may not be far away. Commencing in 2001, all the greens were replaced with a mixture of bent and fescue grasses, offering a firm fast-running sward and year-round use. A state-of-the-art watering system was installed, enabling our greens staff to tailor the use of water to keep the course in peak condition during the summer months.

Few alterations have been made to Colt's original plans, but the course today is somewhat longer, now measuring 6511 yards from the men's tees and 5608 yards from the ladies'. The course is now featured on GPS measuring programmes.”