THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO...
re-worked by James Braid. Green fees: From £45. 01623 626689
www.sherwoodforestgolfclub.co.uk
SEACROFT, LINCS
Why it’s special: Out-and-back links on a narrow strip of land next to Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve, overlooking The Wash. You’ll thoroughly enjoy the challenge of negotiating 75 bunkers, the tight, gently undulating hogsback fairways and hitting several blind and semi-blind shots. Great seaside fun and a really thorough test for all parts of your game. Green fees: From £25. 01754 763020 www.seacroft-golfclub.co.uk
IPSWICH, SUFFOLK
Why it’s special: Heathland heaven, and it’s been that way since James Braid created the layout which has sat on this wonderful location at Purdis Heath since 1926. Should go up another notch following Hawtree Design’s bunker refurbishment programme earlier this year. Green fees: From £45. 01473 728941
www.ipswichgolfclub.com
WOODBRIDGE, SUFFOLK
Why it’s special: Something of a hidden heathland treasure which sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near the beautiful Suffolk coast. James Braid’s re-worked Heath course, lined by an assortment of heather and gorse and oak and pine, ticks all the boxes.
Green fees: From £40.
01394 382038 www.woodbridge.intelligentgolf.co.uk
SHERINGHAM, NORFOLK
Why it’s special: Dramatic clifftop layout sandwiched between the preserved North Norfolk railway line and the coast. The course itself is breathtakingly plotted on a strip of undulating, gorse-laden upland terrain in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and delivers beauty and challenge in equal measure. Green fees: From £45. 01263 823488. www.sheringhamgolfclub.co.uk
LUFFENHAM HEATH, RUTLAND
Why it’s special: This heathland Open qualifying course has charm, character and challenge aplenty. It sits on gently rolling Rutland countryside and signs off with a 200-yard downhill par-3 penultimate hole and a superb par 5 finale.
Green fees: From £40. 01780 720205
www.luffenhamheath.org CAVENDISH, DERBYS Why it’s special: It was the handiwork of Alister Mackenzie and this mini-augusta opened eight years before the architect’s Georgia masterpiece. It’s a short (only one par 5) but clever layout which plays over moorland terrain with deep ravines and valleys. Distance control is vital if you’re to score well. Green fees: £25-£35. 01298 79708
www.cavendishgolfclub.com
KINGTON, HEREFORDSHIRE
Why it’s special: This inland links is the highest course in England, at 1280ft above sea level on Bradnor Hill. The spectacular setting boasts quality year-round greens and breathtaking views of the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains.
Green fees: £28 midweek, £34 weekends. 01544 230340 www.kingtongolf.co.uk
KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK
Why it’s special: The first layout created by Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss and it is an absolute belter and rightly regarded as one of the region’s finest inland courses. Accuracy off the tee is essential to combat this quality, tree-lined layout. Green fees: From £50. 01553 631655
www.kingslynngolfclub.co.uk
THORPENESS, SUFFOLK
Why it’s special: This Braid gem meanders through silver birch, gorse and heather and being so close to the coast, plays like a links with year-round firm fast-running fairways and pacey greens. The 18th green is overlooked by the famous House in the Clouds. Green fees: From £25. 01728 452176 www.thorpeness.co.uk
FOREST PINES, LINCS
Why it’s special: The so-called ‘Woburn of the North’ features three loops of nine. Each swoops through pines and across heathland within 190 acres of woodland. A luxury hotel on site makes it a great stay and play venue. Green fees: £15-£40.
01652 601718 www.qhotels.co.uk
THETFORD, NORFOLK
Why it’s special: A high-class heathland that has weaved through Breckland Forest for more than a century. It has a great combination of holes, unusually starting with a 186-yard downhill par 3.
Green fees: From £30. 01842 752169
www.thetfordgolfclub.co.uk
WHITTINGTON HEATH, WEST MIDS
Why it’s special: This popular heathland course provides a great all-round examination as it wends its way through heather and gorse galore. Green fees: From £40. 01543 432317
www.whittingtonheathgc.co.uk