Simon Byford’s golf column: Thetford Golf Club is worthy of the praise
Thetford Golf Club has always stood out as an outstanding example of a challenging heathland course. Coupled with the large pine trees that frame almost every hole, it has always been a personal favourite of mine.
This week we begin a new monthly feature where key figures at all the courses in our area will explain the joys of their course. Thanks to Peter Allott, general manager at Thetford Golf Club for his following words.
He told me: “Thetford Golf Club is well established as one of the best courses in the Eastern Counties, on the cusp of top 100 in England. It’s a position recognised by Golf World who said “make no mistake, it’s a class act”.
It has also been recognised by Golfshake, one of the country’s leading course review websites, which described it as ‘a classic’, Allot added.
“Thetford is one of those rare venues that can genuinely be said to be a ‘12 months of the year course’, to be enjoyed no matter what the season.
“For many it comes into its own through autumn, winter and spring, and does not suffer the wetter months. The course is laid out on fine, sandy soil which provides dry conditions underfoot. Coupled with outstanding greens it’s a joy to play no matter what the weather.
“Its location within Thetford Forest also means it benefits from year-round great scenery thanks to the pines and heather that define the holes, at a time when deciduous trees have lost their leaves.
“The course at Thetford was established in 1912 with the modern layout created by the famous course architect Philip MacKenzie Ross, who designed the regular Open Championship venue Turnberry among many others. His vision and skill have provided many memorable holes with the 5th, 15th and 18th being particularly memorable.
“However, it’s the 16th that is arguably the most iconic. A short par 3 over a sea of heather to an island green protected by a horseshoe bunker. It’s a hole that is a test for nerves, although one should never forget to pause and enjoy the beauty of its surroundings.
“The course continues to advance as the club invests more in its development and future.
“ One example is the recruitment of a leading course manager, Matt Perks, who joined the club in 2024 from La Moye in Jersey, and before that Sunningdale, Berkshire – arguably the finest inland course in the UK.
“Under Matt’s stewardship the course is being developed stage by stage.
“This winter will see the introduction of a new approach to bunkering – lining bunkers and reshaping them to be consistent with the heathland heritage. There’s also an extensive programme of woodland and heathland management, working with Natural England to thin some of the legacy woodland to promote the natural heathland of the unique Breckland environment.
“Winter golf at Thetford is very popular, a destination for many visitors. Those making the journey are welcomed with not just a great golf experience, but also outstanding clubhouse hospitality. Head chef Tony Walton has gained a reputation since joining the club two years ago for providing first-class catering, from simple snacks to the ever-popular carvery and formal dinners. When it’s cold outside the promise of fine food provides additional incentive to visit Thetford.
“For those looking to play competitions at Thetford through November to March, it is holding a number of ‘opens’. There’s the traditional ‘Men’s Festive Open’ on November 21, and now a newly created winter golf series called the ‘Norfolk Pro Am League’. Open to all this five event series offers great golf, food and prizes to for all – men, women, amateurs and professionals. Further information on this is available at the Thetford Golf Club website.”
The Suffolk GC
Suffolk senior member Ian Jonsson had a week to remember after a double victory in competitions.
Firstly, he took his own ball round to top the Seniors Stableford with 33 points, with a little help from ‘The Count’, holding off Derek Bloomfield into second, also on 33.
Alan Horne burrowed his way to third place with 32 points and then led team-mates Howard Lee and Richard Graves to the Seniors Texas Scramble victory. Once again he had ‘The Count’ to thank for assisting the victory, after two teams returned nett 68. Second place on this occasion went to Kieron Watson, Roger McGann and Alexander MacCormick.
That wasn’t the end of the competitive action, as the weekend Stablefords also needed to be played out.
On Saturday, John Dale kept his ball straight and true to return the best score of the day, a nett 72. Chris Moye was just one shot back on 73 with Terry Hall third on nett 75.
On Sunday, however, Terry Hall found his game and scored an amazing nett 64. Shooting a gross 79 from his 15 handicap meant that the rest of the field was only ever playing for second, well played.
Jack Pearson continued his fine form, but his nett 68 was ‘best of the rest’. Third place went to Matt Franklin on nett 71.
Bury St Edmunds GC
The Mingay Trophy is competed for by all the club Medal winners from the previous year. It is always a competition you want to be eligible for, and then see if your game stacks up on the day.
This year it was the single figure golfers that took the top spots, with 75 being the highest gross score in the top five. Tom Brough was crowned champion with his nett 67, second place went to Ben Whittaker on nett 70, and Andrew Moss third on nett 71.
The Juniors held a Stableford competition, and with 7 of the entrants representing Suffolk at their respective age category, there was plenty of talent on display. It was Louis Sturman however who topped the pile. The 18 year old is enjoying his last few months as a Junior, so it was apt that his game came together at the right time to pick up another junior win. Lucas Bond, who was selected for the Suffolk U16 squad last week, was second on 32 thanks to The Count. Hugh Oliver, Suffolk U14 representative was third also on 32.
We finish this week with our monthly offer from our generous sponsor Matt Alderton at Bury St Edmunds Golf Club. For November, quote the code in store or bring the attached voucher for 20% off any Sun Mountain Golf Bag all month.
Have a great golfing week
