Aldeburgh Golf Club: Championship Course Review, Green Fees, Tee Times and Key Info

Aldeburgh Golf Club - Key Information

Some years ago, any mention of Aldeburgh Golf Club and you would pretty much think immediately of gorse! Thankfully, much has been done in recent years with more in the offing to make this very strong course a little more golfer-friendly.

It is situated a mile or two inland from the Suffolk coast in an area of outstanding natural beauty and dates back to the 1880s. Several leading course architects have influenced the evolution of the design.

Willie Park Junior, JH Taylor and Harry Colt all made changes in the early part of the 20th century, while the next stage of its evolution, whatever that might entail, is being entrusted to the in-demand Martin Ebert.

For the time being, one very noticeable feature is the unusual absence of any par 5s. When you factor in that from the back tees there are no fewer than twelve par 4s in excess of 400 yards, then you know you are going to have to play extremely well to get close to handicap. 

The course runs over very gently-undulating gorse-lined fairways which are easy to walk but a lot more tricky to navigate. Happily, there is more room now though you still need to be in the right place in order to have the best lines into the greens. There’s still plenty of the vibrant yellow shrub with which to contend, but some of those more wayward shots are not immediately lost as they would have been before.

Of the four short holes, the one that rally stands out is the 4th due to its extremely long, sloping green and the very impressive U-shaped and sleepered bunker that protects the entrance and sides. Aldeburgh heads the list of the best golf courses in Suffolk, one of England’s larger counties geographically.

And while accuracy off the tee is still a prerequisite, the many long and testing two-shotters mean that distance is vital too. As mentioned, changes are afoot to make this fine course even better, perhaps also introducing a little more variety. It will be fascinating to see them take place.

What The Top 100 Panel Said

Tim Gorman

Even should you bring your A+ game to Aldeburgh, it’s highly unlikely it will be good enough to shoot 36 points. However, the litmus test is I would love to have a crack at it again!

James Holland

This certainly isn’t the place to come with the aim of beating your handicap. But if you have realistic expectations, it’s a lovely place to play golf. Go and enjoy your game, it’s a lovely course, but you might not want to keep score!

Aldeburgh Golf Club Location

Aldeburgh Green Fees

Aldeburgh Golf Club Championship Course scorecard

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Best Courses Near To Aldeburgh

IPSWICH

The prolific James Braid designed this Next 100 course which is an excellent and hugely enjoyable heathland test featuring a number of very testing two-shotters. Relief comes courtesy of three relatively short par 4s, and the four par 3s are all very appealing.

WOODBRIDGE

James Braid made significant changes at Woodbridge which has some terrific holes such as the lovely 2nd with an approach over a pond, the demanding 14th played to a two-tier well-protected green, and the glorious par-3 15th over a sea of heather to a target seemingly surrounded by sand.

Places To Stay Near Aldeburgh

The White Lion Hotel - Book now at Booking.com

The White Lion is a traditional hotel opposite Aldeburgh’s shingle beach, where wooden huts line the shore. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood,  and the privately owned hotel offers excellent service and menus with fresh Suffolk produce.

Wentworth Hotel - Book now at Booking.com

The family-run Wentworth Hotel features bright, traditional rooms with en suite facilities. Many rooms offer impressive sea views, and the restaurant has 2 AA Rosettes, and serves daily specials using fresh local produce.

Aldeburgh Course Gallery

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Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I

• 2023/24 - 80
• 2021/22 - 77
• 2019/20 - 74
• 2017/18 - 70
• 2015/16 - 71
• 2013/14 - 77
• 2011/12 - 78
• 2009/10 - 84

Frequently Asked Questions