Our guide to the best golf courses in Suffolk
Golf has been a beloved sport of the UK and beyond for hundreds of years. The game as we know it today dates back to the east coast of Scotland during the 15th century, when players would hit small stones around tracks and dunes with bent sticks and clubs. The enthusiasm for this fantastic pastime has survived a lot, from royal bans to the passage of time, and is still, to this day, a sport that the UK remains unflinchingly loyal to.
Here in Suffolk, we are fortunate enough to have an array of absolutely incredible golf courses, making Suffolk the ideal county for those looking to plan a holiday around the sport. In this guide, we’ll take you through just some of the best golf courses Suffolk has to offer.
How many golf courses are there in Suffolk?
Nestled amongst Suffolk’s vast stretches of beautiful countryside and coastline, there are 33 golf courses, ranging from nine-holes to championship courses. This range of courses offers something for players of all levels, boasting various difficulties, play times, and geographical styles.
What is the best golf course in Suffolk?
It feels impossible to choose the best Suffolk golf course, as every player’s tastes when it comes to a good game are different.
So, we’ve listed four of Suffolk’s most popular and visually captivating golf courses, with two ranked on the National Club Golfer’s (NGC) Top 100 list for Great Britain & Ireland, one on the Top 100 Golf Courses list for Britain and Ireland, all four ranked on the NCG Top 100 list for England, and three ranked on the Top 100 Golf Courses list for England. These are highly regarded lists across the UK and further afield, and being placed on them proves a golf course is truly worth a visit.
Aldeburgh Golf Club
The stunning Aldeburgh Golf Club golf course is renowned for its beauty and challenge. Ranking 84 on the NCG Top 100 list for Britain and Ireland, 38 on the NCG Top 100 list for England, 96 on the Top 100 Golf Courses list for Britain and Ireland, and 43 on the Top 100 Golf Courses list for England, this golf course is officially one of the best in the UK.
England’s second-oldest maritime heathland course after Felixstowe, founded in 1884, the Aldeburgh championship course is a heathland-links hybrid that tests even the most expert golfers, with its dense gorse borders and demanding length of 6,916 yards (from the Blue tees). The course is Par 70 for men, and Par 74 for women, and a round of golf takes around 3 hours.
The spectacular design of the course is a huge draw, along with just how captivating the surrounding views are. For an even prettier game, enjoy the gently sloping nine-hole River Course along the River Alde with sweeping views of the coastal countryside. This course has no bunkers, unlike the heavily bunkered championship course, but instead features old pine trees and gorse to offer a challenge.
Course type/s: Championship, Nine-hole
Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Club
The Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Club golf course, known as the ‘Sacred Nine’, is really something to behold. Fitting onto only 40 acres of land, it’s an example of true architectural genius, offering players what is often regarded as one of the finest nine-hole courses in the world. In fact, it was voted as such back in 2020 by golf.com. This course plays at a Par 35/70 for men and Par 37/74 for women, and is 3,155 yards in length.
This serene links course ranks 93 on the NCG Top 100 list for Britain and Ireland, 42 on the NCG Top 100 list for England, and 87 on the Top 100 Golf Courses list for England. It is beloved for its strategic complexity; what appears a simple course is truly nothing but, and you’d be foolish to fall into the trap of that assumption! Centerline bunkers, water, and teeing off over previous greens present exceptional challenges for players.
This golf course is also home to the legendary fifth hole, incredibly simplistic in looks but nothing short of a real challenge. The green is narrow, oddly-shaped, multi-tiered, and falls away sharply on both sides, demanding to be approached with careful strategy.
Course type/s: Nine-hole
Ipswich Golf Club (Purdis Heath)
Another stunning golf course featuring on prestigious ranking lists, the Ipswich Golf Club course at Purdis Heath is known for its tranquillity, despite being only a handful of miles from the bustling town centre. The course is laid out in two broad loops, a classic design in golf created to ensure your game is hit by the elements from every angle.
This is a prime example of a good heathland course, with plenty of narrow tree-lined fairways and crops of gorse and heather which ask for thoughtful navigation from players. An appreciation of natural terrain is essential here, and a respect for protective bunkers, tree flanks, and water.
The course is 6,431 yards in length and has a Par of 71, and currently ranks 52 on the NCG Top 100 list for England, and 55 on the Top 100 Golf Courses list for England. Many believe this course deserves a place on the top 100 lists for Britain and Ireland, and we couldn’t agree more.
Course type/s: Championship
Woodbridge Golf Club
Woodbridge Golf Club is another with two different courses: a beautiful 18-hole heathland course and a fantastic nine-hole forest course. This stunning setting changes with the seasons, much like all of Suffolk’s other courses, offering spectacular scenic views no matter the time of year you play.
From the medal tees, the championship course is a nice 6,299 yards in length. While not an especially long course, it’s certainly a fun one, with multi-tiered greens, protective bunkers, ponds, and plenty of gorse, heather, bracken, and pine fringing the fairways. Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy the constant elevation changes and natural hazards that the heathland course offers. This course plays at a Par 70 for men and a Par 73 for women, and ranks 67 on the NCG Top 100 list for England.
The forest nine-holer was created after hurricane-force winds tore through South Suffolk in the 80s. Players love it not just for its deep bunkers, tricky tee shots, and generally very small greens, but also for the complete peace it offers. It’s quiet and calm, and players often find themselves feeling as if they’re alone on the course, guarded by the thick gorse, heather, and pine trees. This course plays at a Par 70 for both men and women.
Course type/s: Championship, Nine-hole
Where to stay on your Suffolk golfing holiday
Feeling inspired to travel to Suffolk for a good game of golf (or five)? You’ll need somewhere to stay that’s just as beautiful as the courses you’ll be playing on.
If you want to stay somewhere that puts you within reach of the four clubs mentioned, we recommend staying in one of the central hubs of Suffolk. Ipswich is our thriving county town, and staying here places you at a good distance from the four mentioned clubs: a 45-minute drive to Royal Worlington and Newmarket, a 40-minute drive to Aldeburgh, a 25-minute drive to Woodbridge, and just a 10-minute drive to the Ipswich club.
If you plan on spending some time at the sea during your trip, we highly recommend that you stay in Aldeburgh. You’ll have immediate access to the beach, the beautiful high street and its incredible restaurants, pubs, and boutiques, and you’ll only be a 5-minute drive away from the Golf Club.
For those who’d prefer a picturesque market town as their golfing holiday base, stay in Woodbridge. This gorgeous town has the most friendly atmosphere, and easy access to stunning countryside and river views. For the Woodbridge Golf Club, you’d be less than a 10-minute drive away.
For any advice or recommendations about our lovely holiday homes in Suffolk when planning your golfing holiday, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable team.
