Ipswich (Purdis Heath) Golf Club

Great course

Had the opportunity to play with John Day who is a member of this very nice club, bit of a trek for me upto Ipswich but worth the travel..
First the clubhouse is modern with very good signage to Pro shop (well stocked with stuff), changing rooms which were excellent, comfortable bar with very good breakfast. All staff were friendly and helpful.
I only used the practice green which was near fist tee and representative of the greens on the course, there was nets and a range of sorts but I didn't visit.
The course itself starts with a gentle par 4 to get you going, quite generous fairway and approach, after that there are a mix of great par 3's some longish 4's and some good length 5s, all with numerous bunkers very well kept with rakes on nicely raised stands. lots of trees and heather to catch you out, although you seem unlikely to lose balls on this course you will have to take your punishment from being offline.
As it was winter a few of the holes were off mats but these were good quality and not an issue.
It was not busy when we went round about half ten on a thursday morning and we went round at a comfortable speed, a few drops and climbs to navigate but not a difficult walk.
Well worth a visit if you can get a game with a member, i paid 35 quid which seemed reasonable compared to a lot of courses, i would certainly travel up and play again.

  

Purdis Heath is a small part of heaven that we can play golf on

I have recently joined Purdis Heath and was blown away.
It is February and the course is in fabulous condition. Greens are wonderful, fairway turf is second to none and the very few temp tees are sympathetically integrated into the tee boxes.
The standards of hospitality from the pro shop to club house are exemplary. Of the highest standard. The food is excellent but they cook everything fresh so you need to allow time for that. This is no hardship sitting in the fabulous lounge overlooking the course.
Tip:
Take your bag and your golf shoes to the pro shop.
Pay your green fees and leave your bag
Go to the changing room and leave golf shoes there
Go to the lounge and enjoy the excellent hospitality
When done go and change your shoes and get ready for golf
I know this sounds simple but most golf clubs are not designed for this.
Ipswich is completely focused on you having an enjoyable experience from the moment you arrive.

I have been very harsh about the practice facilities in giving them 4/5. In the real world this is where we all should be practising our short game with dedicated pitching area, chipping green and two putting greens. (one near the first tee) The chipping and putting greens are maintained to the same level as the Purdis greens.
But some people want to bash balls on the driving range. Not much use for most people but that feature is not present and no great shame from my point of view.
I have rated this as VFM, especially true if you are a members guest, but even as a visitor this is an extraordinary place to play golf.