Review by Joseph Austin (TGB Director) 17.05.2012 – Hcp 6
Trethorne golf complex is sited 3 miles West of Launceston off the A30 on the Devon/Cornwall border. Built in 1992 and originally opening as a 9 hole course (Voted as ‘probably the best 9 holes in the country’ – by Fore magazine), you would be forgiven for thinking it has been established longer. Upon completion of the 2nd 9 Holes the course officially open for play in 1997 measuring a robust 6341 yards from the championship tees.
(View accross the 14th Hole)
The course itself starts with a rather inviting 412 yard, downhill par 4 which plays shorter than its yardage suggests. Bigger hits can cut the corner here, but don’t be too greedy as out of bounds guards the 18th hole to the far right.
The course then has a number of good holes that, meander up and down hills and through valleys and gorges with streams and ponds catching any wayward shots, course designers – Frank Frayne (Golf Course & Club House Design) has done a fantastic job in using the hilly landscape to its best assets. Holes worthy of a mention on the front nine are 4 and 8 – in my opinion the signature holes. The 4 is a short par 4 – measuring only 270 (yellow tees) and is in range for bigger hitters but water guarding the left and front of the green will give the hole protection. Most will play for position and chip some 100 yards down onto the green, a truly memorable short par 4. The 8th is a daunting hole needing a full carry over water to reach a very shallow green. From the back tee a carry of over 180 yards is required, fortunately more forward tees will generally be used, however there will be plenty of balls finding a watery grave.
The back nine continues in the same vein as the front. Accurate and not necessarily long hitting is needed to set up approaches to greens that will generally be either above or below you – making club selection all important.
Trethorne is a complex designed very much with holidaying golfers in mind. I was anticipating more signs of ware on the course. I was surprised to find the course in tip-top condition. We visited Trethorne on 17th May 2012 and after recent heavy rain thought it was going to be rather damp under foot – it was not, the course obviously drains very well making it an ideal location to visit all year round – a special mention about the bunkers, they were the best conditioned bunkers I can remember visiting.
(View from behind the 13th green)
If you are lover of the more classic Cornish gems such as St Enodoc, Trevose or Perranporth then Trethorne may not be the best choice for an opening venue on your trip to Cornwall. If however you are a lover of the magnificent Nicklaus classic at St Mellion then Trethorne would be the perfect setting and ideal warm up. For the avid holiday golfer not desiring to pit their skills against the more famous/testing courses in the area then Trethorne offers everything you might need for a more relaxing and less adventurous weekend away. In short Trethrone offers great value for money allowing golfers of all abilities to enjoy the test that Trethorne offers. Alternatively Trethorne can also act as a perfect base at which to explore some of Cornwall’s hidden gems should you so desire to venture further afield.
Top Golf Breaks is proud to offer breaks to Trethorne and know that anyone visiting is assured of a warm welcome and memorable experience.
