Flexistowe Ferry Golf Club Brochure 2023 - 2024

Richard Adam Landscapes

WELCOME

Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club is the only true links championship course in Suffolk and only one of 246 in the World. We are a members’ golf club set on the Suffolk coast with over 140 years of golf behind us.

Just 12 miles east of Ipswich, Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club is easily accessible from the A14. There are so many aspects of Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club that make it special, beginning with our 18 hole Championship Martello course right next to the sea with fabulous views over the Suffolk coast and Deben Estuary, and our stunning 9 hole Kingsfleet course, which offers pleasant views across the River Deben and is a true test of golf.

A warm welcome to Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club!

HISTORY

Felixstowe Ferry GC has a rich history being the 5th oldest golf club in England.

Lord Elcho MP, President and founder of the London Scottish Golf Club at Wimbledon, knew Felixstowe well as he was a frequent guest of Colonel Tomline at Orwell Park for what was considered to be the best partridge shooting in the world. Aged 62 in 1880, he accompanied Tom Dunn the professional at Wimbledon to lay out the Felixstowe course across the sand dunes around the Martello Tower, still standing from Napoleonic times.

Initially 15 holes, sited on excellent golfing land between the sea and the road, the course was gradually reduced to nine holes as this, the fifth oldest club in England, became increasingly popular and the cross-over holes became dangerously congested!

One of our first professionals was Willie Fernie, who was the British Open Champion in 1883 and went on to be the longest serving Professional at Royal Troon.

The Martello course is named after the Martello Tower, which sits proudly alongside the 17th green. Initially the Martello Tower was also the clubhouse but when the East End House became vacant, Colonel Tomline (Club Patron) offered it to the Club as the men’s clubhouse, which it remains to this day, however now for all members!

The Club helped to pioneer ladies’ golf with a ladies section being formed in 1894 with a separate club house and a six hole course on the seaward side of the main links- sadly now all lost to the sea.

It is worth noting that it was from the Ladies’ Section that the most famous player of the Club emerged, Miss Julie Wade, who first played in the Curtis Cup in 1988 at Royal St George’s and won championships all around the world.

Soon after, the Club boasted Joanne Hockley who won several national titles and represented both Great Britain & Ireland and England.

Amanda Hockley followed her sisters golfing prowess in playing county golf for over 25 years and has served as county captain for the last 3 years.

Left, Fernie. Right, Lord Elcho and Lord Balfour

A number of links courses located perilously on obvious ‘invasion’ land were requisitioned during the world wars. This course was taken over by the military during both conflicts and suffered badly by being almost destroyed twice in the process.

James Braid may have had a design input to re-build the course in 1920, with an extra nine holes on the other side of the road, but a local press article at the time stated “Messrs Colt, Mackenzie and Allison the wellknown golf architects, were entrusted with the laying out of the course” and this was supported by an article by Bernard Darwin in Country Life when he credited Dr. Mackenzie with “fusing the old and the new with the greatest ingenuity”. Another club called Eastward Ho! (not to be confused with Royal North Devon at Westward Ho! or the present Eastward Ho! club in the USA) was simultaneously also constructed nearby.

However, at the end of WWII one of the Eastward Ho! members acquired the Felixstowe Club and along with a group of golf enthusiasts, invited 3 times Open Champion Henry Cotton and Sir Guy Campbell to rebuild the course, also changing the Club’s name to Felixstowe Ferry GC. In 1965 the members once again acquired the freehold of the clubhouse and ground.

As Donald Steel, in the finest ever written and photographed golf book ‘Classic golf links of GB&I’ (1992) wrote: “Felixstowe embodies the quality of survival that many of our links have had to possess although the Rt Hon. A.J. Balfour, Prime Minister three years after being captain of Felixstowe, in 1889, may well have had Felixstowe in mind when he wrote, ‘My ideal in life is to read a lot, write a little, play plenty of golf, and have nothing to worry about.’ And so say all of us!

Left, Sir Frederick W Wilson and Right, Lord Balfour

HISTORY

Whereas the early members and the Club’s distinguished history formed part of the Victorian/ Edwardian golfing boom, the escalation of the container port of Felixstowe in modern times has allowed many of the present membership to derive their livelihood from the Port and its environs, giving a different social structure from which the Club has prospered, while always offering its invigorating air and an ever present wind.

Views across the Deben Estuary feature Bawdsey Manor, where Radar was invented in the 1940’s. The Bawdsey Gold Medal, presented to the Club upon its formation in 1880, is one of the oldest trophies in England and is still keenly competed for each summer.

Development continued in the 90’s – 2000’s at Felixstowe Ferry with the acquirement of the practice area and the 9 hole Kingsfleet course being constructed as an addition, making Felixstowe Ferry a 27-hole club.

Looking at more recent times, in 2018 the Club was awarded England Golf’s prestigious award of ‘Championship Venue of the Year 2017’ after successfully hosting the English Women’s County Finals. Our future is also as exciting as our history, as final details on a new clubhouse are being completed, with the hope of completion in 2024! An exciting time for the club and the community!

SECTIONS IN THE CLUB

Mens Section

The club runs monthly mens medal and stableford competitions which are normally held at the weekend. There is also a monthly mid-week stableford held on Wednesdays. We enter teams into the Hambro, Tolly Cobbold Cup and the Stenson Shield county competitions. We also play friendly matches with other golf clubs.

There are a number of mixed matches and competitions held throughout the year on a home and away basis. We have roll ups on most days for members of different playing abilities. We also have a large and enthusiastic Senior section with organised competitions and matches including playing against our Ladies section and the Juniors. Throughout the summer Texas Scrambles are played fortnightly on a Friday evening followed by a themed meal in the restaurant. These are always well supported and good fun.

Ladies Section

We have a large friendly Ladies section of around 100 players of all abilities. The majority of ladies meet on Thursdays to play medal competitions, stableford competitions and fun competitions and there is an alternate day on Saturdays available for competitive golf. Roll ups also take place during the week and there are friendly matches all through the year.

We enter teams in county competitions at every level, in the Haskell, Weston, Stearn and Cranworth knockouts and have won trophies in all these events. We are proud of our County and National players but, equally, we aim to encourage ladies of all abilities and to make our golf an enjoyable and worthwhile activity.

Junior Section

The main aim of the junior section at FFGC is to provide a thriving, safe and fun environment for our juniors to learn to love the game of golf.

A typical golfing year would see our established junior golfers at Felixstowe compete in several home junior competitions, as well as inter-club matches, Opens, county matches, fun competitions and coaching. GolfSixes is a fun way for beginners to enjoy some inter-club competition in a friendly, no pressure, fun environment.

Juniors of all standards can enjoy our fun events, such as the Festive Adult/Junior competitions, Halloween and Easter fun competitions alongside their regular coaching which takes place at weekends all year round.

SECTIONS IN THE CLUB

We do not place any pressure on juniors as to whether they want to play competitively or just for fun. All juniors are allowed to progress at their own rate but we are there to offer opportunities and guidance when required.

Close links are maintained with the Suffolk Golf Union’s boys and girls’ county organisers, so there is every opportunity for further development and advancement to county level and beyond. FFGC is currently the training facility for the Suffolk Girls’ squad, with our Professionals providing the training. We also collaborate with the junior sections of other local clubs to share ideas and best practices.

FFGC is an accredited HSBC Grass Roots Centre, through which we have close links to the Golf Foundation.

This is an England Golf backed body that supports junior golf development and provides help and advice to affiliated clubs in how to make the most of their junior sections.

The Club has produced many regional and national winners and even home-grown juniors who have gone on to become full internationals. Many of our former juniors have gone on to become club professionals themselves, inspiring the next generation in the process. As a club, we can feel very proud of our junior success and this starts at grass roots level. Do you know someone who might want to give golf a try? Come along and join us!

We truly believe golf is a unique sport that can offer so much to children and adults alike including; life skills, friendship, wellbeing and fulfilment.

COURSE TOUR

MARTELLO COURSE –Par 72 (Black/White/Yellow) Par 73 (Red)

The Martello Course at Felixstowe Ferry is one of the oldest in England, having been established in 1880 and is the only links course in Suffolk and one of only 246 true links courses in the world. 18 holes, Par 72/73, right next to the sea with fabulous views over the Suffolk coast and Deben Estuary. Enjoy our hole by hole tour:

HOLE BY HOLE

HOLE 1 (PAR 4) – The first hole provides a challenging opening hole. Most golfers favour the right hand side of the fairway becuase of the road, but a left of centre drive opens up the approach to the green. Beware of the bunker on the left guarding the green.

HOLE 2 (PAR 5) – From the Medal tee the driving line is just left of the right hand bunker on this par 5. You must then decide on your second shot whether to lay up at the bunkers or go for it! There is a good landing area between the cross bunkers and the green for you to run the ball in.

HOLE 3 (PAR 4) – From the tee on this par 4, favour the right half of the fairway for the best approach to a long narrow green. A deep bunker guards the left of a plateau green with a hogs back guarding the entrance. Be careful not to get caught out!

HOLE 4 (PAR 4) – A dog leg right to left par 4 which requires a good accurate tee shot. The large bunker 200 yards from the tee is the ‘Tiger’ line. If you want to take the safer line, play to the right of this bunker. The green is long and narrow and well guarded by bunkers short right. An approach aimed to the centre of the green is the ideal line here.

HOLE 5 (PAR 3) – Felixstowe Ferry’s very own ‘Postage Stamp’! With a cross wind often blowing, this green can be tricky to hit. The green is also protected by bunkers either side. Run away with a 3 here!

HOLE 6 (PAR 4) – The toughest hole on the course. The shelter is a good line from the tee on this left to right dog leg hole. Aim your second towards the left half of the green as the ground falls away from left to right. Depending on the wind, the second shot can be anything from a medium iron to a three wood!

HOLE BY HOLE

HOLE 7 (PAR 5) – Be aware of the hidden water on the left from the tee on this par 5, which also meanders across the fairway 150 yards from the green and continues along the fairway almost to the green on this hole. Middle to right half of the fairway is a sensible line from the tee. The green is also well protected by bunkers left and right.

HOLE 8 (PAR 5) – A long par 5, usually playing wind against. From the Championship tee, the Martello Tower is the ideal line in the distance, however aiming to the right of the tower off the other tees would be recommended. A generous fairway awaits although water guards the hole along the right all the way to the green.

HOLE 9 (PAR 3) – A tricky par 3, with the green well guarded by bunkers. Regardless of where the pin is positioned, aim for the middle of the green!

HOLE 10 (PAR 5) – Another good par 5 with water along the left and out of bounds on the right, leaves little room for error throughout this hole! On your second shot, if you are fortunate enough to be able to go for it in two, aim your next shot at the centre to right half of the green.

HOLE 11 (PAR 4) – On this left to right dog leg par 4, it is advisable to play for position rather than distance as there is out of bounds left and right, all the way to the green. Again, aiming for the centre of the green with your approach will give you the best chance of getting a birdie.

HOLE 12 (PAR 3) – Make sure you take enough club for this par 3, where you are hitting over the road to a green much higher than the tee, but beware of the out of bounds behind and to the right of the green!

HOLE BY HOLE

HOLE 13 (PAR 4) – Better straight from the tee than long on this hole. A testing green awaits to keep the ball on with your second shot. Your problems are not over there as the green has a severe slope from back to front.

HOLE 14 (PAR 4) – A drive down the right on this par 4 will open up the green for your approach, but be aware of the hidden ground between the twin bunkers guarding the green. Trust your yardage!

HOLE 15 (PAR 4) – Well placed bunkers on either side of the fairway are ready to catch wayward drives. A bunker then awaits any shots missed to the right of the green and a grassy hollow guards the left. The green encourages these both into play!

HOLE 16 (PAR 3) – A demanding par 3, where you are better off being just short rather than long. A bunker awaits shots to the right of the green.

HOLE 17 (PAR 4/5) – Many claim the best par 4 on the course, if not in the County. The second shot can range from a three wood to an 8-iron depending on the direction of the wind. One of the longest and most undulating greens on the course so be sure to know where the flag is located.

HOLE 18 (PAR 4) – A good finishing hole, where accuracy rather than length is a benefit off the tee. The approach is played to a two-tier green uphill, so be sure to hit enough to get there. Another long green so be sure to know the flag location.

COURSE TOUR

KINGSFLEET COURSE –Par 35 (White/Yellow/Red)

The Kingsfleet, 9 holes, par 35, is available for ‘Pay and Play’ to everyone. It offers pleasant views across the River Deben and marshes and is as much a challenge as the Martello. This is one of the finest 9 holes and is a true test of golf.

HOLE 1 (PAR 4) – A drivable par four if you can avoid the bunkers, or play safe and aim left of the fairway bunker . However, this leaves a tricky approach over the greenside bunker to a small green .

HOLE 2 (PAR 4) – Dog leg left . The driving line is just to the right of the well placed bunker in the corner of the dog leg . Be careful to avoid the greenside bunkers on the left with your approach shot

HOLE 3 (PAR 3) – Usually into the prevailing wind this plays deceptively long Be careful not to underclub .

HOLE 4 (PAR 5) – Slight dog leg left The best driving line is to the right of the large fairway bunker on the left . Out of bounds on the right all the way to the green . The cross bunker makes you think about the second .

HOLE BY HOLE

HOLE 5 (PAR 3) – A risk-reward par three, depending on the pin position . If the pin is on the right, taking dead aim could bring the water into play . The safe shot is left-side of the green, which can still leave a chance for birdie .

HOLE 6 (PAR 4) – Dog leg right and one of the strongest holes on the course . Out of Bounds all the way down the right but play too safe and the two fairway bunkers on the left are lurking . A long and accurate second is required to avoid the cross bunker and the one greenside .

HOLE 7 (PAR 4) – Anything but a straight drive will find the bunkers both on the right and left. Be careful with club selection to this plateau green and avoid the greenside bunker on the right .

HOLE 8 (PAR 5) – Beware of the pond 250 yards from the tee – its 275 yards to carry! Take care to avoid the fairway bunkers on the approach and take note of where the pin is on the two tier green .

HOLE 9 (PAR 3) – Requires a well hit shot to carry the bunker and get the ball to stay on the green . The left hand greenside bunker will catch anyone playing too safe

SOCIETIES

At Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club we pride ourselves in offering a friendly and welcoming Club to Visitors.

The club offers two courses both of which are maintained to a high standard; the 18 hole Martello and the 9 hole Kingsfleet, with a number of catering options available for your day.

Whether you are looking for a quick bite and a round of 18 or looking for the ultimate day with a three course meal to finish, we are more than happy to help make your society day special.

We welcome Societies on both courses Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays. A society must comprise a minimum of 12 people and a £100 deposit is required to secure a booking.

Contact the club today at SECRETARY@FELIXSTOWEGOLF.CO.UK to bespoke your package which can be tailored to meet your exact requirements.

Head Office: Gateway West, Newburn Riverside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 8NX.

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 529810.

Registered in England and Wales as a Limited Liability Partnership No. OC356611.

TRIMS DRESSED, DECONTAMINATION WHICH INCLUDES FALL OUT REMOVER, TAR & GLUE REMOVER & CLAY BAR BODYWORK, SNOWFOAM AGAIN TO GET RID OF CHEMICALS, MACHINE POLISH TO GET RID OF SWIRLS & LIGHT SCRATCHES, CERAMIC COATING BODYWORK TO ADD UP TO 12 MONTHS PROTECTION

Interior: HOOVERED, STEAM CLEAN, SEATS, FLOORS & MATS, STEAM CLEAN DASH & OTHER DEPARTMENT TO RID OF BACTERIA, DASH & TRIMS DRESSED, GLASS CLEANED & DRESSED. THIS PACKAGE ALLOWS YOU TO JOIN THE MAINTENANCE SCHEME & HAVE DISCOUNTED WASHES EVERY 4/5 WEEKS

MEMBERSHIP

Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club is club owned, and run by its members who take pride in the club's friendly atmosphere, comfortable and welcoming clubhouse and beautiful 18 hole Championship links course, The Martello. We also have a splendid 9 hole course, The Kingsfleet, as well as indoor/outdoor state of the art practice facilities.

We are pleased to offer a number of different categories of club membership. These have been created with different benefits attached to each, so that there is a category of membership to suit everyone, as we recognize everyone has different budgets, playing abilities and lifestyles

We

Full Membership – for those who play regularly Intermediate Membership – for different age groups from 18 - 29

Junior Membership – under 18 Country Membership – for those that live over 35 miles away

Second Club Membership – for those who are members at another 18 hole club as a full member Social – for those who do not play golf but want to enjoy our social functions

Kingsfleet Membership – membership of the 9 hole course

Range Membership – membership of the driving range facilities only

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

There are a number of benefits in being a member of Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club and one of these is that all members - both golf and social - are able to enjoy a 10 - 20% discount off all food and drink purchased using their "Green Card" in the club's bar and restaurant and a 10% discount on FFGC merchandise purchased in the pro shop.

The opportunity to being a member at the only true Championship Links in Suffolk.

Both the courses are open almost all year round, enabling you to play anytime.

A County Card is included in membership, which offers preferential rates at participating Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex clubs.

You also have personal access to a 'members-only' section of the club's website, where you can enter competitions and social events, book tee times, contact other members and source information on all club activities.

All golf members are able to invite up to three guests during week days and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. These guests are charged our "Members' Guest" green fee.

Martello members are also able to enjoy reciprocal golf at seven different golf courses in Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire allowing you to enjoy different courses with friends.

Kingsfleet members are able to receive preferential rates at three other 9 hole courses in the area.

Regular social events are also set up for our members, which include quiz nights, themed nights, Sunday roasts, fish and chip suppers, and many more…

Please give us a call or come and discuss the option that suits you, your budget, your lifestyle and your ability. Alternatively you can email us at: SECRETARY@FELIXSTOWEGOLF .CO .UK

Woodbridge 18 Grundisburgh Road Woodbridge IP12 4HG 01394 380083

Ipswich 412 Woodbridge Road Ipswich IP4 4EJ 01473 274040

Ryder-Davies and Partners are pleased to be bringing a brand new veterinary surgery close to Felixstowe town centre. The new practice will ensure that our exceptional facilities and friendly team are available to all our clients and their pets in a warm and welcoming environment. We are all very much looking forward to seeing our old clients and welcoming new clients at the new practice in the near future.

THE PRO SHOP

Our PGA Professional Andrew Robinson provides a fully stocked shop giving professional advice, high customer service and competitively priced products which include clubs, clothing and other golfing accessories from leading brands.

In addition to the shop Andrew also provides group and individual golf lessons. The Pro Shop has a state of the art GC Quad launch monitor. This enables indoor teaching, club fitting, ball fitting and is available for corporate/social golf usage.

TUITION

Andrew Robinson, our PGA Professional became a fully qualified Professional in 2008. He now has a wealth of experience in teaching all levels and aspects of the game. With that experience, Andrew is currently the head coach for both the suffolk county ladies and girls squads.

Andrew coaches at Felixstowe Ferry from our state of the art all weather driving range practice facility and also has an indoor swing studio with GC Quad launch monitor technology.

Regular group beginners classes are run for Juniors, Ladies, Men and mixed, which is a fun and relaxed way to learn golf along with meeting new people. Private individual tuition is also available for those who prefer or want to progress their game to the next level.

To book a lesson with Andrew online, please go to: https://andrewrobinson.foremostgolf.com/booking/ consumer

To make contact with our Professional please:Call on: 01394 286834 (option 3) Email: andrew.robinsonpga@yahoo.co.uk

Or pop into the Professional Shop which is open 7 days a week.

PRACTICE FACILITIES

We have a state of the art under cover and outdoor practice bays to help improve and fine-tune your game. There is also a grass area to drive from. Our facility is restricted to Club members and Green Fee paying visitors. We also have a Range membership available.Tokens for the range are available in the pro shop.

This area also has a putting and chipping green with a bunker available for practice. There is a second practice putting green close to the Club House.

THE CLUBHOUSE

Our members bar and lounge is situated on the ground floor of our clubhouse.

With plenty of seating, the front of the clubhouse has views over the 1st tee and 18th green, while to the side is our practice putting green. Somewhere to relax, meet up with friends, eat and drink.

The bar has a variety of draught products, including local cask ale, along with a comprehensive wine list, to be enjoyed by the bottle or the glass. There is also a selection of bottled beers, and a full range of spirts and soft drinks.Our comprehensive coffee machine can make a range of hot drinks, along with traditional cafetiere coffee for any number of guests.

Catering is available for every occasion.

The main lounge bar also has a dining area, seating guests on round, square or long tables. Always an inviting, light space for lunches 7 days a week. Always advisable to book for Sunday lunch, a very popular time of the week for our clubhouse!

Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, code available, just ask a member of the team.

There is an extensive bar menu, breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day.

A specials board is freshly prepared by chef, and available 7 days a week.

Of course, our famous fish and chips a very popular meal by visitors and member alike.

FUNCTIONS

The club is pleased to be able to offer for hire its restaurant and lounge where we can offer a comfortable light spacious environment for guests to enjoy.

Anniversary and birthday celebrations, afternoon teas, baby showers or a celebration of life, you will be well looked after by the team, from enquiry to delivery.

With a private dining room available upstairs, our Deben room offers spectacular views over the sea and Deben estuary. This room is suitable for small social gatherings. Bespoke catering is available to order by our Head Chef depending on your needs and requirements.

VISITORS

Visitors are more than welcome to come and play at Felixstowe Ferry GC, whether they are looking to play our Martello course - the only links course in Suffolk and one of only 246 true links courses in the world, or our Kingsfleet course - with picturesque views of the River Deben and surrounding countryside.

"

Martello Course Testimonials

Felixstowe is a hidden gem" - Top 100 Courses.com

“

Felixstowe is a must play course for any golfer in a 50 mile radius” - GolfEmpire

“

5 of the last 6 holes showcase the very best of links golf” - National Club Golfer

Visitors are able to book up to 14 days in advance on the Kingsfleet course and 7 days in advance on the Martello course. We welcome visitors to both courses and would recommend booking in advance, either via our website or contacting our pro shop.

OPEN COMPETITIONS

Here at Felixstowe Ferry GC we hold a number of open competitions throughout the year.

In our usual programme we hold a Ladies Open, Mixed Open, Junior Open, Seniors Open and Seniors Autumn Open, which all are very successful with players coming from afar to take part.

We also hold the Coronation Cup which is a Suffolk Golf Union Order of Merit event over 36 holes.

Finally, we hold a winter fourball once a month from October to March each year, inviting pro’s as well as amateurs to take part!

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Our club works in partnership with many local and national companies via our ‘tee sponsorship’ programme. In addition, we also link up with partners for high profile days and promotional opportunities.

If you are interested in promoting your company, product or services at Felixstowe Ferry GC, please contact the office at: SECRETARY@FELIXSTOWEGOLF.CO.UK where we can discuss possible opportunities further.

Head East towards Felixstowe on the A14. Go straight across the Dock Spur Roundabout. Take the first exit on the next roundabout and the second exit on the following roundabout. This will take you into Colneis Road. Follow to the end and turn left into Ferry Road following it round to the right. This is a narrow lane. At the end you will see the Club House and car park opposite.