Southwold Golf Club was founded in 1884, making it one of the oldest golf clubs in East Anglia. Originally the Southwold Golf and Quoit Club, the members appear to have settled for golf only at a very early stage. With the agreement of Southwold Corporation and the trustees, a nine hole course was laid out on part of the land left in trust forever to the people of Southwold by landowner William Godyll in 1509.

In 1901, following advice from James Braid, Harry Vardon and Tom Dunn amongst others, the course was extended to 18 holes , by building a bridge over a railway cutting to access the heathland beyond. Early photographs in the clubhouse record James Braid playing at Southwold in 1898. The full 18 hole layout was first played in 1901.The course is a 9-hole layout, but has 18 different tee boxes, giving a varied challenge and a good test for golfers of all abilities.

The par 3 first is one of the most challenging opening holes in the county, with tough bunkers, out of bounds to the right and dense gorse to the left.

The par 5 second sweeps down towards the town, with a partially hidden green which makes judging approach shots difficult.

The third and fourth holes both feature cleverly placed bunkers, making the approach to the green more tricky.

A pit to the right of the fifth fairway grabs many wayward tee shots, whilst the green is in the shadow of a large water tower, visible from many miles away.

Hole six is a long par 4, some 470 yards off the medal tees and the least sheltered hole on the course making the wind a major factor.

From the seventh tee there are stunning views across the marshes to the harbour, and the village of Walberswick beyond. Water to the left marks the boundary of the course.

The eighth is a sweeping dogleg with gorse on both sides , and a road running behind the green.

The ninth plays back over the pit to the heavily bunkered green beside the clubhouse.