8.02

Aldeburgh Golf Club

Course info

ACCESS
Public
EST.
1884
GRASS
Fescue
SEASON
Year Round
CART TYPE
Not Allowed
avg. Price
$
101
?
CADDIES
Unknown
Type
Heathland
Unknown
Par
68
Unknown
Holes
18
Stimpmeter
9.5
City
Aldeburgh

Score

8.02
Design
40%
8.0
Conditions
25%
8.3
Desirability
15%
7.6
Scenery
10%
8.3
Fun
5%
7.8
Uniqueness
5%
7.8

Difficulty

Overall
Moderate

Slope 127

75
155

Scratch Rating

-10
0
+10

Stimpmeter 9.5

7
15

Walkability Moderate

Easy
Brutal

Weather

Average Rain Medium

Low
Extreme

Average Wind High

Low
Extreme

Price

?
?
?
$
86
$
101
$
116
Low
Average
High

Yearly Rounds

0
75,000

Course Report

Aldeburgh is likely the first club in the world where women have always had full and equal membership and playing rights with men, thanks to early members Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and Millicent Fawcett.

About

Aldeburgh Golf Club's Championship Course is a classic maritime heathland, designed originally by Willie Fernie and shaped by Open champions including J. H. Taylor and Willie Park Jr. Its challenging par 68 layout, firm fast fairways, and scenic coastal setting make it a unique must-play in England.

Caddie Tip

Stay out of the gorse at all costs—it's unforgiving and punishing. Play conservatively on the par 3s, which are especially tough at Aldeburgh, and favor the safer side of every green since approaches often run firm and fast. Wind can shift quickly off the river and North Sea.

The Main Challenge

The sequence of par 4s is relentless, especially when wind whips off the North Sea. Precise iron play is crucial, as many greens are elevated, firm, and protected by gorse or well-placed bunkers. Misplaced shots are severely punished, and recovery from the gorse is nearly impossible.

The Good

Golfers love the classic, unspoiled character of Aldeburgh, with strategic design, natural terrain, and wonderful views over the Alde estuary and glimpses of the North Sea. The course is playable year-round, free-draining, and provides a fast-running, thought-provoking test that rewards skill and creativity more than brute strength.

The Not So Good

Some players desire more diversity in par fives and length, as the course has no par 5s for men and a tough sequence of par 4s. The penalties for errant shots into gorse can feel severe, and scoring well can be difficult for higher-handicap golfers.

Signature Hole:

#

18

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The 18th hole is a long, challenging par 4 that finishes in front of the historic clubhouse. Its raised green, bunkers, and often strong coastal winds demand confident shot-making and make for a memorable conclusion to the round.

Clubhouse

The historic clubhouse provides lockers, changing rooms, a welcoming bar, dining options, and panoramic views over the finishing hole. Visitors remark on the friendly staff, good food, and sense of tradition throughout the clubhouse.

Practice Facilities

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Aldeburgh offers a short game area, putting green, and limited long-game facilities. While practicing, golfers can experience the fast, firm conditions typical of the main course. Range facilities are not extensive by modern standards but are sufficient for most visiting players.

Dress Code:

Standard

No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.

Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.

Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.

Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.

Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.

England