East Anglia
Along with the county of Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk make up the the geographical area and historic kingdom known as East Anglia. Located a few hours north east of London on the North Sea Coast, the region offers a superb mix of heathland golf in Suffolk and more links or coastal golf in Norfolk.
Suffolk
The coastal location of Suffolk exposes it to the whims of the weather coming off the North Sea. This can be seen in the vegetation with the area being designated an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'.
The only links course in Suffolk is Felixstowe Ferry's Martello course, named after the round lookout tower which dominates the view of the course. The course has two different faces with nine holes that play like a links course and nine holes that run over a flater section across a local road.
Although technically a maritime heathland due to its location a kilometre from the sea, Aldeburgh Golf Club plays very much as a links course. At 6000 meters the course might sound short by modern standards but with a par 68 it can be a very tough test of golf. A traditional members club were foursomes is encouraged Aldeburgh is a delight to play.
Ipswich Golf Club on the Purdis Heath was designed by James Braid and opened for play 1926. The course takes full advantage of undulating property to provide a classic heathland experience.
Thorpeness Golf Club & Hotel is another lovely course designed by James Braid with its own hotel which offers fine accommodation and a quality restaurant. Once you're rested you'll be ready to attack the best golf of the region and enjoy Suffolks wonderful villages and countryside.
To round out the best golf in the area is a game at the lovely Woodbridge Golf Club is a must!
Norfolk
Norfolk located to the north of Suffolk has a phenomenal run of courses along its northern coast, the likes of Royal West Norfolk, Hunstanton, Royal Cromer, Sheringham and Royal Norwich Golf Clubs.
Royal West Norfolk occupies a narrow strip of land that isn't accessible at high tide so the timing of your round is essential, a more classic English course is hard to imagine with its railway sleeper bunkers and quirkiness on overdrive. When the wind blows it can become a monster!
Hunstanton is another traditional English links with its out and back routing with a couple of zig zags along the way. The rippled fairways with its firm turf offers great playing conditions all year around. Both Royal Cromer & Sheringham occupy a similar position high-up on the cliffs with great views and wonderful holes along the cliff tops.
Easy to reach by road, tunnel, ferry and air Suffolk & Norfolk offers a diverse but compact golfing experience.
