Heacham Manor Golf Club

This relatively new, chiefly unheralded links on the Norfolk block overlooks The Wash and is close to the fabled links of Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk. It has a variety of linksy and parkland holes and unusually features several lakes, most notably on the par-3 7th.

The modern coastal course with man-made lakes also features the tantalising river Heacham which comes into play on a number of holes, including the short par-4 penultimate hole.

It’s a fair test of golf with generous fairways which means you can regularly let fly with the driver safe in the knowledge that you shouldn’t run into too much trouble, apart from some well placed bunkers, if you’re wayward off the tee.

Being a resort course, there are four tees to play from and it’s important you select the right ones for your game and handicap because the course can be a serious challenge from the back tips, specially when the wind is blowing.

Heacham Manor is a splendid all round stay and play venue with various accommodation options within the stunning manor hotel plus on-site cottage self-catering. Another big plus is that it now boasts smart new locker rooms, bar and spa – all conveniently located opposite the manor house within the Avocet Barn.

It’s the perfect base to discover Norfolk’s many on-course attractions and look out for some top value North West Norfolk Golf Tour packages.

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Click here to find out where Heacham Manor ranks in Golf World's Top 100 Resorts UK & Ireland

Opened in May 2009 Heacham Manor hotel is the first golf hotel in the West of Norfolk. The Championship length 18 hole golf course has been designed to incorporate the natural features of the area of important landscape it lies within. A challenging course with some of the best greens in the area the Heacham Manor varies between links and parkland styles and affords views of the Wash. The Natural features of the Heacham and Ringstead Rivers run through the course and the design maximises these to the full potential, the rivers being an integral part of 6 holes.

The course begins in a parkland style playing up Redgate Hill through established and newly planted trees. This landscape soon changes to a more links style with greater mounding, more shrub planting and raised undulating greens adding to the test. The front nine remains predominately links style with three large lakes to negotiate. The first and second lakes are linked by a winding stream fed from a weir which protects the front of the short par 3 fifth hole. The third and largest lake provides the setting for the signature 7th hole par 3 7th. This hole demands a well struck shot to carry the lake 170 yards to a guarded green.

The next few holes return to a parkland setting with excellent views of The Wash afforded from the 14 tee. The eleventh also incorporates the large lake which challenges you to take on the green with your second shot. The 15th plays from an elevated tee down towards the Hotel and in full view of the Lounge Patio and conservatory. The final three holes cross the Heacham river providing a good test at the end of the round. The 18th hole is a reachable par 5 but beware the Ringstead river on the left waiting to catch any errant approaches.

Visitors are welcome at any time but advance booking of a tee time is required and a handicap certificate will need to be produced. Societies are also welcome, for prices please call and ask to speak to the golf manager.

Heacham Manor Hotel, is the ideal venue for a golf break, for couple, individuals or small groups.  Our West Norfolk Tour includes two nights accommodation, dinner bed and breakfast at Heacham Manor Hotel, with a round of golf at Heacham Manor, the traditional Links course of Hunstanton and the Tree lined Kings Lynn. From just £110 Per person per night.

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course does not have: Driving Range
• Course has: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course has: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course does not have: Handicap

• 2.5 out of 5 Has potential, but needs work 21 July 2009

  By acwgolf

  On arrival, there is no pro shop, no putting green, just a few buggies and the hotel reception. When we finally found the reception, the computer systems were not running and the receptionists spent a long time trying to confirm our tee time. Although not a major problem, the layout and design of the course was poor, and it took a long time to eventually find the first tee, and throughout, the problem occurs throughout the course, with the next tee not being in sight of the green you have just played. The wind will often be present, as it is a links course, which adds difficulty when playing. The fairways were the length of thin rough and the greens the length of fairways. However, having only just opened this year, you cannot expect perfect greens this early. However, the lack of a putting green, a net, or even a changing room lets the course down. However, over the next year, the course could become similar to that of Hunstanston, if work is done.