Apr 18, 20233 min read

TOP TEES

There are over fifty golf courses in East Anglia! We have made it easier to choose where you next tee off by whittling your options down to six courses we would recommend in our neck of the woods. From fanatics to new-comers, these clubs range from playing host to major tournaments to nine-holers, so there's something for everyone.

GOG MAGOG OLD COURSE Cambridge

This course isn't especially long, but has often been voted the best course in the Cambridge area. Par or birdie chances are presented at some of the holes, but there are also some tougher, distance-carrying shots needed.

The greens are usually immaculately presented and can be very quick! And views are incredible.

Nearby pubs The Rupert Brooke, Grantchester, The Three Blackbirds, Woodditton, The Carpenters Arm, Great Wilbraham.

STOKE BY NAYLAND Essex

The Gainsborough and The Constable, both created in the 1970's, these courses both take up residence at the Stoke By Nayland Golf Club. Having played host to major championship competitions, both courses are well-established and include lakes, streams and woodland.

The undulating terrain and four substantial lakes on The Gainsborough course challenge the skills of golfers at all abilities and the final hole, for both courses presents a formidable drive over one of the large lakes.

Nearby pubs The Cricketers, Clavering, The Eight Bells, Saffron Walden, The Crown, Stoke by Nayland

CROMER ROYAL Norfolk

With the iconic lighthouse view from the 14th hole, this club is certainly one of the most breath-taking in our region. Talented architects have maintained a challenging layout, but over the years the clifftop course has had to counter coastal erosion, so the fairways have changed - this doesn't impact the interesting nature of this course, though, and it continues to be a favourite for fair-weather players.

Nearby pubs The Feathers, Holt, The Wiveton Bell, Wiveton near Brancaster, The Globe, Wells-next-the-Sea

THETFORD South Norfolk

The late Peter Alliss, professional golfer and commentator, admired this 'outstanding' course on the Suffolk/Norfolk border. Not the ideal course in autumn, although it is stunning, the trees and bracken will devour any shots off target, but during the warmer seasons prepare for the occasional three putt as the greens can be very quick.

Nearby pubs The Weeping Willow, Barrow and The Packhorse, Moulton

ALDEBURGH Suffolk coast

This 6603 yard course not only has views of the River Alde and the nearby sea, but the clubhouse also has a quaint and civilised yesteryear feel which is lovely to visit for a drink after a round. Although there are no par fives, this championship course can be difficult with a test of accuracy as a bad stroke can be hard to recover. Every shot counts!

Nearby pubs The Westleton Crown, near Southwold and The Ship, Dunwich.

FLEMPTON West Suffolk

Near Bury St Edmunds and nestled next door to Lackford Lakes Nature Reserve, this nine-holer is great for newcomers or those who don't have as much time on their hands. The sandy soil makes it playable almost all year, but, while it's not long, there's plenty of bunkers to keep you on your toes. And look out for the lovely par three 5th with a pond and ditches ready to punish any inaccuracy.