Set amid Suffolk’s coastal heathland, Thorpeness was laid out in 1922, sitting just a stone’s throw away from the eastern coastline of Englad.
It is surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Eight holes were added to Braid’s initial 10 a year later. This coastal heathland winds through heather, gorse, pine and silver birch, yet with the smell of sea salt in the air.
Despite being close to the sea, Thorpeness is definitely a heathland. That means it benefits hugely from firm, quick-drying soil and that gives Thorpeness very good turf that is always a delight to strike off.
Even in winter it remains firm and outside of the elite, Open-hosting venues you won’t find many better playing surfaces in Britain. Lots of bent grass make for fast, pure greens in summer. Even in winter it remains firm and outside of the elite, Open-hosting venues you won’t find many better playing surfaces in Britain. Lots of bent grass make for fast, pure greens in summer.
History
G. Stuart Ogilvie designed the purpose-built holiday resort of Thorpeness and the village was constructed between 1910 and 1930.
James Braid laid out the first 10 holes in 1922 and a further 8 holes were added the following year when the club was instituted.
Ogilvie returned to plant more than a million trees around the course and the surrounding area, which over the years has helped turn the layout into even more of a challenge.
The club has most recently undergone a significant bunker renovation programme over the winter months of 2010 and 2011. The Logan Trophy, one of England Golf’s biggest events, was hosted at the venue in 2021.
What makes Thorpeness Golf Club special?
Henry Longhurst rated the 3rd hole as one of his favourite holes in golf. On Thorpeness’s back nine, the 12th and 18th are both terrific; the former because it has the famous ‘House in the Clouds’ as a backdrop as you finish your round.
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Not only is the course terrific, but the Thorpeness Hotel & Resort is one of the best in the region as well, and you can even rent out the ‘House in the Clouds’ to watch golfers come in down the 18th during your stay.
Where does it rank?
Course: 81st in England, 5th in Suffolk, 11th in England Value
Resort: 73rd in GB&I Resorts
Where is Thorpeness Golf Club?
Thorpeness Golf Club & Hotel sits on the eastern coastline of Suffolk, near Thorpeness Beach and the Hundred River. Ipswich is 25 miles to the southwest.
Saxmundham is the nearest train station to Thorpeness, sitting seven miles away by road from the resort, while Norwich Airport is the closest international airport. However, London Stansted Airport is only an extra 30 minutes away by road, albeit in the opposite direction.
Get in touch with Thorpeness
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 01728 452176.
You can play at Thorpeness on the NCG Top 100s Tour in the 2026 season!
- Book your spot to play at Thorpeness on the NCG Top 100s Tour on April 8th, 2026 here.
- You can also play at Woodbridge (Heath) in our Suffolk Swing – check that out here.
Have you been fortunate enough to either play or stay at Thorpeness? What did you make of the Suffolk-based resort? Let us know in the comments, or get in touch via X, formerly Twitter.
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