Rushmere Golf Club, Heath Road, Rushmere, Ipswich, UK
Golf has been played on Rushmere Common, on the outskirts of Ipswich, for well over a century. We have a reputation of being one of the friendliest and most welcoming clubs in the County of Suffolk. Our long established course caters for all ages and abilities and due to its rapid draining heathland soil is open virtually all year round. It is regarded as good but fair test of golf and once played will not disappoint. Visitors and societies are welcome and many return year after year to enjoy the course and our excellent hospitality. We welcome you to come along and see what makes us stand out from the crowd.
The Course
Beautifully spread out over Rushmere Common the fairways are lined with golden gorse and purple heather. A great array of oaks, horse chestnut, birch and blackthorn also divide many of the holes to add to the scenic charm of the course. These also provide a natural habitat for birds and other wildlife and demand care and accuracy from many of the tees. At 6265 yards (5729 metres) with a par of 70 the course enjoys space and separation afforded by the expanse of Rushmere Common.
The course was originally designed by James Braid, a golf architect of international renown. Over the years modifications to the layout have been subtly implemented to keep pace with the demands of modern day golfers and their equipment. The front half contains two challenging dog-legged par fours at the first and fifth and to finish a long par five with a large green in front of the clubhouse. The inward half closes with three long holes following three shorter holes, each setting their own test of golf.
Many members and visitors claim the fourteenth, the Pond Hole, to be the Club’s signature hole. Both tee and green are elevated with a pond at the bottom of the valley waiting to trap wayward shots. Each hole has its own individual characteristics and some even have hidden surprises. As a heathland course it benefits from good drainage so remains open throughout the year when others in the area have to close. A factor much appreciated by members and visitors.
