As the summer advances, the completion of phase one will come to fruition. This will see the opening of the new accommodation wing, and will increase the number of bedrooms from thirty three to eighty two. Each of the rooms will have 32 inch flat screen television screens, WiFi access , refreshment facilities, a trouser press, and sumptuous bed linen. The decor of the rooms is contemporary and minimalistic in design, which blends well.
One of the principal aims in the design has been to create ease of access to the various parts of the resort, a feeling of spaciousness pervades the corridors and golfers can get to the pro shop and the course without passing through the hotel reception. The residential building bears the name The Allis Block, a tribute to the doyen of golf broadcasters, who is a member and President of the Club.
Peter has a long association with Old Thorns, he designed the golf course with his partner Dave Thomas, another major achievement after the success of The Belfry. When the course was officially opened in 1981, some of the greatest names in the game came to play, the fourball comprised Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Japanese star Isao Aoki, and the reigning Open Champion Bill Rogers, who won so well at Sandwich. It would have been hard to select a more celebrated collection at that time.
From a marvelous parcel of land, they had created a championship course to rank with the finest in the South, rolling fairways, superb mature trees, with fantastic views at every turn. Add the lakes and water and well placed bunkering and you have a test of golf for any player. The brain child of Ken Wood, the entrepreneur who owned the property from 1949, and envisaged that a golf course would be the perfect employment for such a superb piece of countryside, and had the foresight to get the best designers to create his dream.
It has been some time since my last visit to play the course, but like all good venues, it is easy to remember the layout and the many holes which cannot fail to impress. On the front nine there are three consecutive holes that will test the mettle. The fifth, with the panoramic view and the spectacular downhill challenge, not long, but with a small green defended by a lake, a par is a victory. Then the longest hole on the course, a huge par five, with out of bounds and a ditch across the fairway, followed by a hole surrounded by water, where left of the tree is the route to safety.
Three seems to a number that recurs, for all the par three's are an enjoyable challenge, variety being the spice of life, as each asks a different question. Then the final three holes, three more to remember, the 16th overlooking the clubhouse and the Hampshire countryside, the 17th a testing par five from an elevated tee, and then the final hole. A great par four to finish, a long hole with water on the left and an uphill second to a well guarded sloping green. Treat yourself at the 19th if there is a par on your card on this hole
In summary a truly enjoyable course, with views to match the quality of the design, with wildlife and flora and fauna that is well taking a few moments to enjoy on your way around the course.
If the round has exposed flaws in the swing, the range is close at hand, and resident professional Peter Chapman has many years experience coaching players of all ages, from beginners to experienced players. Just the chance to solve the problems.
If the day has been strenuous, there can be no finer way to ease the body than a visit to the Health Club. Take a dip in the heated indoor swimming pool, which has floor to ceiling windows and views over the gardens and grounds. Unwind in the sauna or steam room, and for the more energetic there is a well equipped gymnasium for that invigorating workout.
The Health Club is open from 7am to 10 pm weekdays so there is ample time to sample all the delights. A glance at the brochure for the various Body and Facial Treatments, will reveal a full range to satisfy the most discerning client, and the Old Thorns Pamper Days for both Ladies and Men cater for those who want to enjoy a full day of indulgence. Ideal for the day of rest from the golf or tennis.
Whether for a day visit or a longer stay, Old Thorns is setting the standard for groups or individual visitors.
With such a magnificent setting it is not surprising that the hotel is an exceedingly popular location for wedding receptions to be held. It is the ideal place to celebrate the most important day for two people, with accommodation to cater for small intimate parties, and which extends to the Grand Ballroom with capacity for 250 guests. Whatever the requirement, the experienced staff have a package to suit any taste and budget.
Special occasions will be very popular, Christmas and New Year breaks or Party Nights, being pampered to celebrate the festive season in the best possible surroundings. The hotel is also home to regular Tribute Night entertainment, on the final Friday each month a three course dinner with a tribute band and a resident DJ is great value, names such as Madness, Queen and Simply Red set the tone for excellent entertainment, and a stay over to enjoy the spa an added bonus.
The headline says it all, to those who have visited in the past, it is the perfect time to come to see the new complex and to enjoy the New Old Thorns, certainly no contradiction in terms, for although there is a feel of the old, the new is simply magnificent.
The Hotel is keen for guests to come to see the new development, and has therefore put together a whole range of exciting and innovative packages to make the trip truly worthwhile. The Stay and Play is particularly attractive, dinner, bed and breakfast plus two rounds of golf for just £ 99 per person. Corporate and Society Days are set at only £ 36 per person, and if the booking for 2010 is made before September 30th, the rate for 2009 will apply. There is no joining fee on any golf membership package until 30th September, a positive advantage for new or returning members.
The Summer Fourball Promotion, offers four players a round for the princely sum of £ 100 midweek and £ 120 at weekend, the perfect incentive to get a group together and see the new developments and enjoy the course.
The Winter Warmer, which will be available from the 9th October is even better value, it includes coffee on arrival, eighteen holes of golf, and the Chefs Special of the day after playing, for the sum of £ 109 for four people during midweek and £ 129 at weekends.
Booking early will provide a marvelous vista, with the changing seasons the colours of autumn will be on the course, a truly beautiful time of the year in any woodland setting, and the Old Thorns estate ranks among the best.
The offers do not end there, there are get fit offers, Mini Escapes, Escape and Spa, and the Old Thorns Luxury Romantic Escape offers a night in a four poster bed, dinner, spa and champagne, something for every taste. A glance at the website will provide details of all the Special Offers, wonderful value and the perfect sampler that will entice many to return again and again.
There is something for everyone in the list, and with such great value for money, golfers should be flocking to see and enjoy the New Old Thorns. A pleasure experience in every aspect, and satisfaction guaranteed.
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