THORPENESS & ALDEBURGH GOLF HOLIDAYS
Reviews of the best golf courses for Suffolk golfbreaks.
Thorpeness Architect: J. Braid (1923) 18 holes: 5,645yds: par 69.
For a resort course Thorpeness strikes just the right balance: neither too tough nor too trivial. Most golfing groups are of 'mixed-ability' and at Thorpeness there is something to please everyone. The course wanders through the trees with the a few rather minor humps and hollows, along generous Fairways with sensible bunkering allowing both the conservative and the gung-ho golfer to indulge their modus operandi. Fun for all.
Aldeburgh Architect: J. Thompson (1884) 18 holes: 5,807yds: par 68.
Aldeburgh is a very traditional English Golf Club: long socks and black labradors abound. The Aldeburgh members appreciate quick golf, so much so that Fourball golf is very much frowned upon, only permitted on a couple of days per week. However it is a fine course of a heathery nature, maintained in very firm condition particularly in the Summer months when it assumes its burnt sienna mantle against the surrounding Suffolk farmland. A 'must' really if you are in the area - and why not try thirty-six holes of fast Foursomes?
Woodbridge Architect: F.W. Hawtree (1893) 18 + 9 holes: 5,670yds: par 70.
A classic example of British heathland golf with an intelligent membership that have preserved the course just as it should be. The main danger at Woodbridge is the heather, particulary over the Summer when it reaches its ball-eating peak! However, Suffolk is one of Britain's driest counties so there is no problem playing through the cooler months, when scoring is somewhat easier. From the Tee some of the landing areas are quite small, especially for the big-hitters, so choose your weapon carefully: course management pays dividends at Woodbridge.
Felixstowe Ferry Architect: T. Dunn (1880) 18 holes: 5,645yds: par 72.
Designed by Tom Dunn way back in 1880, Felixstowe Ferry is one of England's oldest courses yet oddly unknown to many golfers. Running all along the coast, Felixstowe Ferry is exposed to every breath of air blowing in across the North Sea with hardly a tree in sight to to obstruct its passage: when it's windy at Felixstowe hang on to your hat! As you might imagine from the nature of the geography, the course is links through and through, albeit the dunes here are of the low-lying variety. The course sets out on the inland side and builds to a suitable climax as you battle your way home beside the sea. Well worth discovering.
Ipswich (Purdis Heath) Architect: J. Braid 18 holes: 5,792yds: par 71.
A classic James Braid design that makes a handy stop-off on your way to or from Thorpeness and Aldeburgh. A beautiful stretch of wooded hillside at Purdis Heath just outside the city of Ipswich where Mr. Braid employed his thoughtful imagination to extract a fine woodland course from the fine woodland he had at his disposal. Maintenance is top-notch due to the healthy membership so you are sure to enjoy a course in great condition.
Other courses to consider
Ufford Park - A straightforward pay 'n' play type course with a hotel on site.