As the golf world this week focuses on the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale and the U.K.’s “Golf Coast,’’ a two-hour train ride away is one of the sport’s great “unknown’’ destinations: East Anglia. If you’ve never heard of it… you should. If you’ve never been… hop the next flight to London or Norwich and be prepared to experience the UK and golf each at their Georgian- and Victorian-age bests.
Located 100 miles northeast of London – an easy two-hour train ride – East Anglia is as steeped in golf as it is in Anglo-Saxon history.
https://www.golfeastanglia.com/
“The golf here is world class, but nobody talks about it,’’ said Andrew Carroll, founder/CEO of Golf East Anglia, the region’s only golf tour operator. “You just have to come here.’’
Oscar Wilde did. The legendary Irish author was a frequent visitor to Suffolk and to Royal Cromer, designed by Harry S. Colt.
“I find Cromer excellent for writing, but the golf even better,’’ Wilde wrote.
By the way, as course designer, Colt’s was the first name on the Captain’s Board.
Credit: Golf East Anglia
Royal Cromer’s par-4, 14th hole, called “Lighthouse” is one of the more recognizable holes in the UK. Former European Ryder Cup Captain Tony Jacklin – a fan of the East Anglia area – once flew in by helicopter to play Royal Cromer’s 14th hole.
From Royal Cromer, you can experience Sheringham’s cliffs – highlighted by its cliffside green on the fifth hole; Royal Norwich’s parkland layout; the cross bunkers at Royal Worlington, originally built in 1893 by Tom Dunn and considered one of the world’s finer nine-hole courses; and Royal West Norfolk’s stark serenity along the North Sea.
Sheringham Golf Club (Sheringham Golf Club)
“We just had a group of Americans here and they loved it,’’ said Carroll, who recommends spending a minimum of three days playing golf and exploring East Anglia’s history – from its wool-manufacturing towns such as Suffolk and Lavenham, to the University of Cambridge.
Golf East Anglia can set it all up – from golf to lodging to golf – with a variety of packages and options.
“We’re very much in bespoke mode,’’ Carroll said. “No two groups are alike – and no two people are alike, so we offer ‘starting points’ because they don’t know.
“You tell us how long you to stay and we can deliver some options.’’
Best time to visit? September and October as the weather is still good and the holidaying crowds have thinned.
And with a spend, including lodging and golf, that can begin as low as $300 per day, East Anglia is an ideal destination for those seeking a different side of the UK and its hidden gem golf courses.
Feature Photo The Lighthouse hole at Royal Cromer (Royal Cromer)