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Aldeburgh, Suffolk

Aldeburgh Golf Club

An unforgiving maritime heathland gem where gorse-lined fairways, River Alde views, and a historic commitment to equality will test your mettle and stir your soul.

About the Course

Founded in 1884, Aldeburgh Golf Club is England's second oldest maritime heathland course with views of the River Alde and glimpses of the North Sea. The Championship Course is built on sandy heathland but has the feel of a links on many of the holes, hence its categorisation as 'maritime heathland'. Walk these same hallowed grounds where Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the country's first female doctor and mayor, and Millicent Fawcett ensured that Aldeburgh Golf Club is probably the first golf club in the world where women have always had equal membership and playing rights with the men.

The Championship Course is a substantial challenge for even the best golfer, with every hole presenting an examination in shot making and accuracy. There are no bunkers, but stands of old pines, gorse and other natural hazards combine to make the course a challenge to experienced golfer whilst still being entirely suitable for the beginner or novice. The dramatic back nine is particularly penal, demanding precision off the tee while rewarding intelligent course management.

A visit in the winter is particularly enjoyable as the course plays beautifully, with no temporary tees or greens. You can expect to complete your round in 3 hours. The golf club is situated in the beautiful Suffolk countryside in a conservation area of natural beauty. After your round, retire to the elegant Clubhouse, opened in 1911 and extensively refurbished 2019, which commands the opening nine holes of the Championship Course.

Why It's Great for Groups
  • Top-100 ranked course with sophisticated challenge and heathland-links hybrid design built by Willie Park Jr., Harry Colt, and recently modernized by Martin Ebert
  • Exceptional winter playability with fast-draining sandy soil—no temporary tees, no preferred lies, pristine conditions December through February
  • Historic pioneer for women's golf equality since 1884, with heritage courses unchanged in character from the Edwardian era
  • Intimate two-ball format ensures a peaceful round without crowds; scenic River Alde and North Sea views frame nearly every hole
  • Perfect centerpiece for a multi-course East Anglia golf trip—Thorpeness is 1.7 miles away; excellent local restaurants and coastal charm nearby
Courses on Property
Championship Course18 holes · Par 70

<cite index="11-1">Par 70 for men and Par 74 for ladies with yardages ranging from 6,916 (Blue tees) to 5,025 (Black tees).</cite>

River Course9 holes · Par 32

<cite index="11-30,11-31">A nicely balanced nine holes that offers a challenge both to experienced and novice golfer, overlooking a wide, sweeping reach of the Alde river with wonderful views across the marshes and its abundant bird life.</cite>

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Key Details
💰
Green Fees
$45–$165/person est.
🚶
Walking Friendly
Yes
🎒
Caddies Available
Yes
📅
Best Time to Visit
<cite index="1-14">A visit in the winter is particularly enjoyable as the course plays beautifully, with no temporary tees or greens.</cite> October through March delivers firm conditions, faster greens, and pristine presentation. Summer heat can make the firm sand base rock-hard and the gorse particularly punishing. Avoid late May through June when coastal winds peak.
LinksParklandOcean ViewsBucket ListCaddies AvailableChampionshipHistoricWalking Only
Nearby Lodging