Orton Meadows Golf Course

This course is one of the most beautiful and challenging courses I have played on. The 3rd hole is a good example of this. At £25 or so for a round on a weekend it's fantastic value.

I have just played the first 9 holes at Orton twice in a week, and I have to say I really enjoyed this excellent course. The first 9 loop anti-clockwise around the lake and have some lovely views over the water, especially in the fresh autumnal mornings that I have just enjoyed. The pro shop and reception are nice, and the Granary pub doubles as a club-house that has nice views of the 18th green; the easiest hole on the course. The Thorpe Wood course and a nice little 12 hole pitch and putt make up this compex, and there is something for everyone there. The first 2 holes are gentle, a wide par 4 and a very short par 3; but from the 3rd hole onwards the fun begins; with dangerous water and wicked out of bounds to trap the wary. 7 is another short par 3, but has a nasty double stepped green. 8 is a nice par 4 and you finish a 9-hole by coming down the 18th. I have heard that the second 9 is very small, and the scorecard would bear this out with no par 5s and 4 par 3s on the back nine. I enjoyed it, and it was very handy for the caravanning golfers who use Ferry Meadows. I will return with the intention of playing the full 18, and i must end by saying that the green fees are very cheap but the course itself is a lovely premium product, and i enjoyed it very much.

Just played as part of 3 day break. One round here and 2 at big sister - Thorpewood. Couldn't be more different really. Pub/Pro Shop and changing fascillities same at both places, i.e. pro shop and staff are efficient and friendly, fascillities are functional and the pub is adequate replacement for a "normal" clubhouse. Not sure what actual cost would be as was part of package, but I didn't feel hard done by! This course is a real tale of 2 halves! Front nine is superb - excellent condition, no doubt helped by the fact the holes are basically threaded through lakes, although too many dog legs/ blind tee shots. The 613 yard 3rd (from whites) could very well have been easier played from whites rather than the yellows as it would have taken away temptation to carry the corner - DON'T!!! I hit the ball a long way and very little is gained through the Tiger line even if you do carry the water! The back nine, however, is tiny. Felt to me like it was 9 holes squeezed onto 4 holes' space. Just over 2000 yards, mainly dog legs. The condition of the course and greens was fantastic, but probably better suited to beginners at just over 5000 yds, but a reasonable contrast to Thorpewood. I can't say I'd want to play here again, but I'm happy that I did.

I grew up around this course, and know the course very well, its such a pleasure to play, especially on a twilight round. The front nine is a challenge if your not a big hitter, survive the front nine and back is going to be enjoyable. Course management is the key, big time here, for the extra challenge try going off the tiger tee on the 3rd hole!

This is the first course I've played a whole round on and after the first 8 holes you really do feel like giving up, playing the 18th and going home. The back nine does make you feel a lot better and having played on it 3 or 4 times now I feel it's a very nice course and ideal for beginners to to learn the game on. You do end up going through a lot of balls though!!

This is a nice course that has a challenging front 9holes and a rather short par3 based back 9 . The first time you play it I would reccomend you buy the course guide becuse the distances are not that easy to judge. Overall a nice course thats good value . 7/10

Terrific course! Well appointed pro shop, very helpful staff. Facilities are first rate. Despite it being a cold day the course was in great shape (no temp greens, but I do recall a few temp tees). Front 9 is a real challenge, especially on the first par 5 (dog leg left) which has water all down the left (my advice: take all 3 to make it to the green - going cutting the water just isn't worth it). Back 9 is a challenge to keep it straight as most tee boxes are either in the woods or hit down treelined fairways. Scoring opportunities are mostly found on the back 9, however, this is NOT a course to take unnecessary chances. Damage control is the key. Just survive the front and you'll be okay. Club Management obviously puts a lot of work into the course. I first played it back in '92 and the improvements since then have been remarkable. Also, great value for money. True public golf at its best. A must-play course for anyone in East Anglia.

This is a fantastic course set in a great area. All holes are very well kept by the staff. A very helpful back 9 helps to regroup some form after tackling a water hazard mad front nine. Very good value for money (only a fiver for me!!!) and a superb golf course course all round.