A to Z: E-ast Sussex to F-ive Lakes

Felixstowe Ferry.

In the third of our series, we continue our trip through the alphabet to discover courses you might not have thought of for a day out, but which we strongly recommend.

We want to hear your views, too, so tell us on the forum if we’ve left out any under the appropriate letters.

Home to two terrific courses – the East and West – but you can only play the West as a member’s guest. Even so, the East was described by a bunch of pals who visited in the summer as probably the best they had played in England. Immaculately maintained parkland layout with large USGA-specification, rolling greens, it’s one of the ultimate tests and well worth a visit, despite a green fee of around £80.

Edenbridge Golf and Country Club

01732 865097

Two parkland courses – the Old and Skeynes – set in rural Kent with great views close to East Grinstead. Water is a feature of many holes. Friendly clubhouse atmosphere.

4th at Elsham.

Elsham Golf Club

01652 680291

Over 100 years old and with a clubhouse opened by Tony Jacklin – a regular here in his amateur days - Elsham is in a secluded parkland setting in North Lincs near Brigg. Easy walking and a good test for all abilities. The club welcomes large and small societies.

Elton Furze Golf Club

01832 280189

Less than two miles from the busy A1, west of Peterborough this woodland layout demands good course management and a tidy short game. The greens are comparatively small but tricky. The closing three holes are as tight and challenging as any within a 50-mile radius.

Ely City Golf Club

01353 662751

Lee Trevino held the professional record of 66 when he opened an extra nine holes in the 1970s during an exhibition with the then club touring pro Hugh Baiocchi. Current club pro Andrew George broke it with a 65 only two years ago. Parkland setting with views to the local cathedral.

European Club, Brittas Bay, S.Ireland

0404 47415

Opened in 1992 it has already established as one of the finest links courses on the East coast. Set among dunes overlooking the Irish Sea it has become a Mecca for golfers seeking the ultimate seaside test.

Faithlegg House, Co.Waterford, Ireland

051 382241

This superb parkland course has already staged several European Ladies Tour events. Set on the banks of the River Suir it’s full of mature trees and natural water hazards. Greens are immaculate. Societies and visitors welcome.

Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club

01394 286834

One of the oldest clubs in England, it was first formed in 1880 and after it was used as part of sea defences in World War Two it was re-opened by three-time Open champion Henry Cotton. Regarded as one of the finest seaside links in East Anglia the Martello course now is now complimented by the 9-hole Kingsfleet course. No visitors at weekends.

Fishwick Hall

01772 798300

Ninety years old, the course sits on the highest point above Preston in Lancashire and was once the site for a battle between Oliver Cromwell’s Cavaliers against the Royalists. Overlooks the Ribble Valley with some challenging parkland holes.

Fereneze Golf Club

0141 880 7058

Less than 30 minutes from Glasgow city centre this moorland course is situated close to the town of Barrhead in Renfrewshire. Many holes named after distant hills, with the 5th demanding a drive across a gorge and the 8th needing to skirt a reservoir.

Five Lakes landscape.

Five Lakes Golf Hotel

01621 862307

The Lakes course, designed by Neil Coles, was opened by Nick Faldo, Ian Botham and Nigel Mansell in the early 1990s with generous fairways and large greens and lakes coming into play on seven holes. The later Links course provides contrasting narrow fairways and compact greens. Hotel complex on site.

Forest Pines Hotel

01652 650770

Three-inter-linking nines, which carved their way through pine, forest. Designed by Senior Tour pro John Morgan the courses offer superb greens to USGA standard and excellent and friendly facilities. Pro David Edwards is fast gaining a reputation with his trick-shot exhibitions.

So there they are, enjoy them, and if you do try them out then let us know what you thought.