Thornhill Golf Club

Thornhill is a fine golf course, blending heathland and classic parkland effectively over its rolling hills, none of them too severe to walk. It is accessible to higher handicap golfers but, at the other end of the spectrum, will provide enough challenges to satisfy scratch golfers. The serene and isolated setting allows terrific views to surrounding area and the Keir Hills beyond. The layout itself offers a solid mix of longer par-4s combined with some interesting short ones--holes where you can catch your breath and perhaps card a birdie--along with three contrasting par-5s.

Although the course runs 6102 yards from the back tees, this is mostly offset by enough wrinkles and hazards built into the short par-4s to keep you on your toes.

If the wind happens to be in your face on the longer par-4s, then that, too, will add to the overall challenge. Players should not be lulled into a false sense of security here: the course slopes at 128. Those short par-4s that seem driveable are accessible mainly to true power hitters who are also accurate.

General Features:

The main hazards at Thornhill include frequent bunkers, large stretches of rough, and plenty of trees, appearing in lines or as dense woods. The light rough is not penal but the denser, field-like stretches of it (which sometimes includes gorse and heather) will likely swallow your ball permanently. Generally, the fairways are more than ample enough to stay in play, as long as you’re controlling your tee and approach shots reasonably. A few of fairways here are more tightly guarded by both trees and rough. Greenside bunkers are generally of moderate size and depth.

Careful green design, one of the strengths of this course, shows up in their variety of size, shape and pitch. Greens often provide some form or opening in the front, allowing shorter hitters avenues to run the ball onto the putting surfaces. This feature was especially notable on par-3s, in contrast to many modern courses, which clearly favor the aerial route to the target. Further still, this accessibility allows the player the option to bump and run short chips and even pitches from greenside areas. I found myself trying this option several times. Some of the greens have pronounced pitch; what stands out to me are the fourth, thirteenth, fourteenth, and eighteenth, among others. These intensify the putting challenge greatly, but also make approach shots tricky to judge.

Notable Holes:

A veritable monster of a par 4, the fourth opens with a driving zone that requires careful positioning—far enough away from the elbow of this dogleg to open up the green. For most players, the even more demanding approach should require a hybrid or fairway wood into a an elevated and two-tiered putting surface. Another strong and long (437 yards ) par-4 is the 13th, set by a pasture. It demands a driver off the tee. For the approach, most players will need a long club into the beautifully pitched green. Catching the slightly wayward approach shot is a bunker short and left; a large dropoff behind the green will send over-aggressive approaches scurrying down the back side embankment.

Six, a lengthy par-4, may be the most scenic hole on the course: a great, expansive backdrop is in view from tee to green, as the fairway drops downhill toward the pleasant town of Thornhill, set back in the distance. The fairway rolls markedly on its path to a tricky green, which is set upon a slight plateau and backed by a line of fir trees.

Among the quartet of par-3s, the two on the inward half stand out. Fourteen is short but deceptive, its green semi-blind from the tee. The #5 index, the 200-yard sixteenth impresses as a neat, bunker-flanked hole with a wide frontal opening to the green, allowing the player an option of running the ball onto the putting surface.

Both par-5s on the incoming nine rate well on scoring resistance, although the 18th provides a slightly better birdie opportunity. The fifteenth, tight and trouble-laden from tee to green, is an exercise in precision. A par-5 of 521, the closing hole encourages long hitters to reach the green in two. Yet the rolling green, not far from the clubhouse, is surrounded by four bunkers and blind from the distant fairway from which the second shot will be struck. A birdie must still be well-earned at eighteen.

Conditions:

Impressive: conditioning ranged from good to excellent. The greens stand out for their smoothness and relative quickness, but they’re never overwhelming, even on significant slopes. Fairways, apart from the low-lying 15th, were in good shape. Greenside areas were well-tended, and bunkers kept well.

Some Conclusions:

Clubhouse service was friendly and accommodating, pace of play good, and the value for my eighteen-hole round excellent. It did not surprise me to read on the clubhouse wall that Andrew Coltart, a 1999 Ryder Cup player, was a four-time Junior Champion at Thornhill, from 1984-87. That’s a pretty fair endorsement for this golf course.

The layout turned out to be a good but fair test and my round an enjoyable one. By the time I had reached the third hole, a short but tight par-4, and then the fourth, it was clear that Thornhill would be putting up a fight. There are straightforward holes here and those of more complexity. Doglegs, well-placed bunkers, out of bounds, and a few water hazards are part of the mix. Another plus: fairways that are broad enough--in many cases--to use your driver without much fear.

The back nine, both a bit tougher than the front but also brimming with character, adds some holes with a moorland feel. It also has the best stretch of holes on the course--running from ten through fifteen.

All in all, Thornhill is the kind of place that makes an ample case for Scottish inland golf. As an American golfer, I'm well aware that too many of us will make a beeline for links courses on a trip to the UK, too often not realizing just how good the many high-quality, non-coastal options like this one are.

By all means play this course when you're in Dumfries & Galloway.

Exceptionally enjoyable course, Front 9 was particularly enjoyable with some stunning views in the background and a fun layout. Course conditions were fantastic and we were not rushed or slowed by anyone on the course.

mostly winter greens so couldn't get accurate yardiges but over all nit bad course

Thornhill course was in great condition for time of year. Played off Winter Tees and Greens but both very good.

Really enjoyed the round

I booked this course looking for a good course that was very playable and not to far from were we where staying. My wife and I really enjoyed the course. The staff couldn't have been anymore friendly, first off I called to see if I could move our tee time. Woman was very helpful and was able to sort it out. Had a really enjoyable round. My only very small negative point a couple.of the greens had.some small burn like patches. Not very many and they all rolled well. As I said only reason I didn't give every description all 5.stars. very good value for the price. Some nice holes that made you work. We ended up eating at the clubhouse which we hadn't intended. Thankfully though we chatted to the chef who was so helpful as my wife has cealic disease and had struggled to find good food in the area. The lady was excellent served up great food and we left very contented. Really is a gem of a course made even better by the people there

Played in the summer and have to admit was a rather good and varied course, played today and they have set up “winter greens” though they share no likeliness to greens of any sort that I have seen, I have seen courses with cleaner roughs than some of these “greens” and many with fairways in better condition than them also. Some greens were placed on existing fairways and some were just a hole dug in the rough with a flag inserted, would not recommend as a winter course.

Have played Thornhill on a few occasions but I think the course at the moment is the best I've seen it a great test . The food afterwards was 1st class and the staff are a credit to the golf club .

Second time playing Thornhill and it’s a great course lots of different shots required. Many improvements since we last played lots of the scrub and trees cleared out which gave you an impression of more light around the course. Greens and fairway’s were spot on, with sloping greens it makes for a fun day putting. Love this course would recommend to anyone.

Course was In fantastic condition, food in clubhouse was excellent aswell

Thoroughly enjoyed Thornhill. No staff were working so we spoke to a member and began the round. The course is in a beautiful setting would certainly play again.

Good course which is moderately challenging for the medium handicapper. Some tricky holes and blind shots make it interesting too. Very friendly.

Good parkland course which plays sometimes like a links course without the wind. Had a great day.

First time playing had hole in one on 14th .Locals friendly.Green keeper was very friendly .Fantastic course .Will be back soon