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Suffolk is surely the most underrated region for golf in the UK.

This county of softly undulating rural landscape, slow-flowing streams, open heath and forest provides the perfect setting for challenging, yet tranquil inland golf while the North Sea coastline ensures links-lovers are also suitably catered for.

Woodbridge GC, a private members course located 10 miles or so north-east of Ipswich, is typical of the heathland treasures to be found in these parts and is regarded as one of the finest courses in the region.

The Heath Course was originally conceived by Scottish pro Davie Grant in 1893, but like many of the area's best courses, including nearby Thorpeness, Woodbridge was honed and revised by the great James Braid.

Length is not a major factor as the Heath measures just 6,299 yards from the medal tees, but the layout is thoughtfully presented to provide a much sterner test than is first apparent.

Unusually, the course has a SSS (71) higher than that of the par (70), the first indication that you are not going to tear Woodbridge apart simply by "gripping and ripping" your driver.

To play to your full potential here, discipline is the watchword, with long irons a sensible choice from many of the tees to ensure to ensure best position on sloping fairways.

Special care should also be taken on the shorter holes where picturesque greens are guarded not only by some steep-faced bunkers but also gorse.

Well defined and separated fairways lined with heather, gorse, oak and pine bring an elegant composure to golf at here, while sandy, free-draining sub-soil means the course usually remains playable even after the heaviest rain - a rarity in itself, as Suffolk is one of the driest counties in the UK.

In addition to the Heath course, Woodbridge GC also features a newer nine-hole Forest course, which makes both an excellent morning warm-up and attractive society-day bonus.

Overall: One of East Anglia's gems, Woodbridge is a peaceful test of your discipline and a classic reminder of how good heathland golf can be.

Favourite hole: The par-three 15th. A picturesque, downhill one-shotter to a sloping green surrounded with trouble.

Value for money: Visitors are permitted to play the Heath Course as Temporary Members on weekdays only at a cost of £42 good value for a memorable round.

Details: Woodbridge Golf Club, Bromswell Heath, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 2PF

Website: www.woodbridgegolfclub.co.uk

Alex Sharratt / Eurosport