A golf trip with something for everyone?
That's got to be the holy grail of getaways, right?
But that's what's on offer on the Essex/Suffolk border at the Kesgrave Hall, particularly if one books up the Gatehouse.
A beautiful country house, complete with its own private grounds, and acres of room (inside and out).
It's a brilliantly picturesque place to get away with your family, golf buddies or both.
There are few courses to savour in the close vicinity. A two-night stay combined with two rounds of golf presents the perfect opportunity to play two of the best courses in the south east of England. Both within just a few miles of the Gatehouse.
Those, if any, left behind while play is pursued can enjoy some cracking grounds, top class foods and even book into the superb spa without even having to leave the 4-star Milsom estate.
Golf-wise though, let’s start with Felixstowe Ferry.
Martello is a members course, but encourages visitor bookings (note a Handicap Certificate is required).
The club was founded in 1880, making it one of the oldest in England and the Martello Course (established the same year) is the only links course in Suffolk - and one of only 246 true links world-wide. It’s named after the Martello Tower, found by the 17th green, which dates back to Napoleonic times. It’s quite a sight, and a member revealed to me on special occasions how a par 3 is adapted and actually played off of its roof!
The course, stacked up with rugged charm, is hard, very hard for some… especially if the wind is up (which it wasn’t when I played), but a whole load of fun to be fair. Just saying, it may prove a little too painful for high-handicappers, but if you like a challenge then go for gold.
Again founded in the late 19th century, and also a members' club, the course often features in Golf World’s top 100 golf courses in England – and it’s not hard to see why.
The manicured greens, and fairways, are set gorgeously among pristine heathland, which encompasses heather and pine cones… it was a novelty and quite wonderful playing out of such delicious 'rough', the least 'rough' rough I’ve ever played out of!
It’s worth noting there’s a 9-hole Bixley course, again, should an alternative (or additional) nine to a full round be sought by your group.
So. If Martello is an up-and-at-‘em, take no prisoners, in-your-face challenge, leaving you literally with nowhere to hide on the Suffolk coastline, then Purdis Heath is the silent assassin, luring you in with all its sedate, tranquil charm - only to spit you out and shoot you down if you don’t play well.
Wrap these two rounds up either side of a stay in the Gatehouse and you’ve got yourself a memorable few days away.
ipswichgolfclub.com
milsomhotels.com/kesgrave-hall/the-gatehouse
felixstowegolf.co.uk
