Suffolk Heathland Mixed Pairs

We kicked off our UK events of 2022 earlier than normal in the year by heading to the delightful county of Suffolk and to two of its finest heathland courses, Purdis Heath (Ipswich) & Woodbridge.

Day 1 (Purdis Heath)

The group arrived at the course to a cold, blustery morning and with the threat of rain in the air. Fortunately the wet stuff did not hang around for long and we were left with a strong breeze and testing conditions around this fabulous heathland layout ranked the #1 course in Suffolk. A major remodelling program of all the bunkers on the Purdis Heath course has been completed within recent years elevating the club even higher up the “Top 100” rankings.

The first fourball home consisted of Richard & Rosemary Kennett and after holing a fantastic putt on the 18th signed for a pace-setting 40 points. This was going to be a tough score to beat in the difficult conditions. It wasn’t until deep into the field that their score was surpassed, when the duo of Tony & Rosie Williams from Brookmans Park carded a fabulous 42 points. Rod & Margaret Ashton & Steve & Liz Hurley followed  and came up just agonisingly short when both pairs handed in great scores of 41pts. It was going to be all to play for tomorrow with 7 pairs within 3 shots of the lead heading in to the final 18 holes.

After play we made our way to our accommodation for the night, the historic Seckford Hall Hotel. Built in the 1530’s it now houses furniture that was once used in Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, including the chair that King Henry VII is said to have died on. In the evening the group enjoyed a fantastic meal in The Great Hall with much laughter and banter and maybe a little too much wine for some!

Day 2 (Woodbridge)

Just a short drive from the hotel, we arrived at Woodbridge the following morning to a slightly warmer climate but still with a strong breeze continuing the tough scoring conditions. The course has seen a vast improvement in the last few years reflected in its rise up the Top 100 rankings with the removal of gorse, scrub and trees and a bunker refurbishment undertaken by the renowned architect Martin Hawtree.

Mike & Wendy Martindale were in the third group out and returned to the clubhouse to post a wonderful score of 39pts. Match 5 must of had a fabulous time together. Both pairs from Surrey golf clubs, Richard & Rosemary Kennett from Surbiton & Howard & Hilary Ashton from West Hill, produced the best golf of the day, scoring a scorching 43pts apiece. This now placed the Surbiton duo atop of the leader board with 83pts. Could anybody catch them?

Overnight leaders Tony & Rosie came just shy after signing for 35pts leaving only two pairs out on the course with a realistic chance of catching the Kennett’s. Both Rod & Margaret Ashton & Geoff & Fiona Robb produced solid rounds but not quite enough to deny Richard & Rosemary Suffolk Heathland Mixed Pairs Champions.

Many thanks to both clubs where we received a fantastic welcome from both the members and staff. Our UK events resume at the end of June when we return to Wales and the fabulous Vale Resort in Glamorganshire.