Brett Vale Golf Club

I'm a member at Brett Vale so I'm obviously going to have some bias. BV isnt the longest course in the world....but it defends itself with some narrow fairways, intimidating tee shots (the 9th has OOB all down the left...and by left I dont mean 30 yds left....I mean 10 yards left!!) some excellent par 3's (the 183yd 4th is possibly one of the best in the county) and the wind. It's rare other than in the height of the summer to get a calm day here as the wind rolls across the flat Anglian landscape. Sure a couple of holes can be reduced to a driver and a flick with a wedge...but not if your driver is misbehaving. The course is set in some beautiful contryside and only on a few holes will you see other golfers on adjacent holes. The course is "linksy" in its layout in that it doesnt have two loops of nine but winds its way out through the countryside to its most distant point (the 8th) and then weaves its way back. The course came under new management in 2007 so any comments prior to this about the friendliness or otherwise of the barman can safely be ignored (believe me...I know exactly who the person was that other reviewers were talking about!!). Along with an improvement in "customer relations" also came an improvement in green quality. Each year since 2007 the greens have improved step by step in all respects, remaining fast and true for longer and longer each year...suffice to say that...when the greens are at their best they are truly the equal of anywhere else I've played. Other improvments have been made with several new bunkers added. The clubhouse itself is a sympathetically conerted barn, the bar is small and friendly and there is an outside terrace where one can soak up the sun whilst sipping a coolr beer or indulge in some nicotine inhalation. there is a small range for you to warm up on but due to distance limitations you can hit nothing longer than an iron, also there are three par 3 holes along with a decent practice putting green...i.e. the green is representative in terms of pace and quality of the greens that you will find out on the course. All in all it wont be the longest or toughest course that you will play but in all probability it will be one of the more enjoyable ones as it provides thinking players the opportunity to score well.

I played the course in perfect weather in August 2009. The pro-shop staff were unbelievably friendly and helpful and even gave me a free stroke-saver booklet. Now that's a first. Practise facilities were as good as you will get. The course was beautiful but quite short. The fairways were so hard at this time of year that I hit a 3 iron off the 15th tee that travelled 250 yards. I reached the par 5 17th comfortably in 2 wit a drive and a 7 wood. The stroke index 1 (13th) is a real test. Members friendly, as was the barman after I had waited ten minutes for him to come off the balcony and serve me.

Played this delightful course on Tuesday 20th on the recommendation of a work colleague. What a gem? The course itself is located in beautiful undulating countryside and was in excellent condition. The greens weren't the best I've ever played but were true.Although not overly long,the course provided a fair test, particularly with a stiff breeze blowing. Very much a thinking mans course. As to previous comments regarding staff and members, everyone was friendly and cordial; we were even given complementary course planners. Overall a great place to visit and play. Oh! and turn that water tower into the clubhouse!!

A quite beautiful course, with spectacular views over the lovely Suffolk countryside and many eye-catching lakes and natural features. Lots of wildlife - even saw a woodpecker. Difficult in parts, with tight ob on many holes so don't pull out the driver unless it's behaving itself! Thoughtful tactics pay dividends. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the attitude of the barman/manager (?) who stood on the clubhouse balcony and shouted rudely at some players ahead of us coming in! Catering a bit basic and far too many carts zooming players in a hurry from hole to hole so it all feels a little rushed (pack 'em in, pack 'em out). All in all, a super course if you don't mind a grumpy clubhouse!

A lovely course with several quite technical holes, picturesque water features and some outstanding mature trees. Sadly let down by the attitudes of the club barman and some 'locals' out on the course towards the slower players in our group, who's comments didn't reflect a facility intent on encouraging the novice player. A nice course none the less.

A very friendly club where newcomers and visitors are made very welcome. Don't be fooled by the early holes. It is a very scenic little course where water comes into play on holes 5 & 6. Recently the club came under new management who are working very hard to make it even better than before. One of the few clubs in this area to have been open all winter and only recently has had a trolley ban. Usually most greens are in play except in the worst of weather conditions.