Golf Course Review

Aldeburgh Golf Club is a two-ball club that expects fast play on its firm and fast course. The Championship Course is built on maritime heathland with views of both the River Alde and the North Sea. Founded in 1884, it is England’s second oldest heathland course and claims the 13th oldest 18 hole golf course in the world. John Thomson and Willie Fernie were called in to lay it out.

The original opening 5 holes played across the road. However, in 1907 the holes were lost and the course needed to be modified. Willie Park Jr was called in to re-route the golf course and JH Taylor took on the bunkering. The cross bunkers on the inward 9 are of his vintage. The back nine is penal in design and bunker placement.

The inward stretch of holes is tough as nails and provides the opportunity for momentum swings if played as a match or misery if you're trying to post a score and aren't quite on your game... with no par 5's on the card, the par 68 plays far harder than it appears. Harry Colt and Hugh Alison are credited with holes 14 through 18. Ken Moodie recently added tees and tightened the bunkers to ensure it remains a demanding test.