Rushmere Golf Club
Rushmere Heath,
Ipswich,
Suffolk
IP4 5QQ
Telephone 01473 725648
E: generalmanager@rushmeregolfclub.co.uk
Golf has been played on Rushmere Common since 1895, the course was designed by James Braid.
The course is on the North Eastern side of Ipswich on the way to Kesgrave and Martlesham. Over the years it has been the subject of scrub fires started by bored kids which of course is a problem of being on Common Land surrounded by a housing estate. In the past the Club secretary had to make sure that the rakes for the bunkers are taken in each night for fear of them disappearing. Occasionally the odd dog walker will pass by as you are about to play a deft little wedge into the well-manicured greens.
In the past the club had always been a great host for the Suffolk Winter Alliance but that has changed in recent years although the numbers of Alliance Golfers has grown. It had generally been a great advertisement for the club which is a good winter course due to the excellent heathland drainage.
It is quite a challenging course in some respects but has also racked up the highest number of “Holes in One” that we have reported on our websites.
The heathland fairways are lined with gorse and purple heather which although great to look at makes it even more important to hit the wide fairways.
The front nine 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.
During the 2017 there was been extensive “Bunker Work” on the course which has improved what was always one of the weakest areas
The heathland course benefits from good drainage and often remains open throughout the year when others in the area have to close.
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 catch wayward shots.
During the 30 plus years that I have played at Rushmere I have to say that I have generally enjoyed my visits no more so than when my club won the prestigious inter club County competition, The Hambro Trophy. I was lucky enough to be Club Captain and when we beat the other main club in the area, much to their supporter’s surprise and annoyance. The course is well worth a visit drop in to PGA Kelvin Vince’s Pro shop you are sure to get a very warm welcome.
A good place to visit for Winter Golf.
Please note that the above views are purely an opinion based on a recent visit. For full details about the golf club we would recommend you visit the club yourself and form your own opinion. We are happy to publish your review as long as it is constructive, any detrimental views must be substantiated. We reserve the right to decline any review supplied and accept no liability with regard to any errors that will be corrected upon a reasonable request from the club if they are proven to be incorrect.