Stoke by Nayland (Gainsborough) - Essex - England

Great venue for a society weekend away which is exactly what we did. Good facilities and conveinence of hotel on site. Not somewhere worth flying to play but if you live within an a few hours worth checking out as a reasonable weekend away.

I can’t help but feel the previous reviews have been a little harsh. Having said that, I played this course on a beautiful summer day and the course was in great condition so that may have blinded me a little but I can only comment on my experience.

Overall, I felt that both courses at Stoke by Nayland were beautiful. The courses play across an undulating, tree-lined property that really is an enjoyable walk. There are some cracking holes (I loved the long par 4 4th and 5th and, as has been mentioned before, Hole 10 is great with a scary second shot across the lake). There are also some weak holes (I didn’t like hole 8 with the driving range on one side of the fairway and hole 9, a par 3 that has been ruined by having the ugly hotel just yards from the green).

Overall though, I can’t help but feel both courses get rough justice in the rankings as there are certainly one or two Essex courses rated above these which I don’t see as being justified. If you can get a deal on the green fees (I played twilight) then this course offers good value and is worth visiting.

I played here on 05/12/2019, and have to say how very disappointed I was. I was really looking forward to playing this course, after hearing positive things about it from other golfers.

The course is set within the grounds of a hotel and clubhouse complex. These facilities are very nice, however, I am here to review the golf.

The majority of the tees were mats, and were set so far forward, that there was no real length to the course. This, matched with 18 temporary greens as well! I understand there has sometimes got to be an element of protection to greens during the winter months, however, we hadn’t had rain for 3-4 days, had a lovely sunny day the day before; and the frost had cleared by the time we went out. The green staff could have put the flags back on the greens.

As it happens, I never saw a member of the green staff on this course.

Mats on tees, and temporary greens, made this a very boring golfing experience, and I will not be going back anytime soon.

Had high expectations for the Gainsborough course but was left feeling a little disappointed and didn't leave a lasting memory for me. some nice holes, especially the 10th but found much of the layout a little bland and nothing to write home about. considering where it is on the Suffolk/Essex border i'd suggest staying in the car a little longer and try soemwhere a little more original...

Both courses at Stoke by Nayland are actually pretty good and offer a great feeling of solitude in pretty, undulating countryside. The Gainsborough was not originally considered the better of the two layouts, the Constable was always regarded as having the edge locally until the Gainsborough was lengthened ahead of the Europro Tour event. Both courses close with excellent one-shot holes over water and the 10th on the Gainsborough is perhaps the pick of the 36 holes, with a knee-knocking tee shot over water and an approach over more water... it's a cracker.

Had the pleasure recently of playing the Gainborough Course. its a pleasant undulating parkland course set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. There are several good holes but the 10th an 18th live long in the memory. The resort itself is ideal for a weekend away, 2 good courses for the golfers and a spa treatment area for the non-golfers.

I used to play here in early 90’s on society days but did not really take much in then. My memories are of a good golf course that was fair and there was a decent buzz around the clubhouse. I have returned recently (after about 12 years or so) and the golf course now has changed from being good to very good. Improvements to the course are obvious and also a hotel and spa have sprung up – why did I leave it so long? Loads of water around the course, especially at 10 (brilliant hole) and 18 (18th is a little like the last at Forest of Arden) ….. thoroughly enjoyable golf course – special mention about the staff too – customer care is clearly high on the list. It will not be 12 years until I return next time, doubt if it will even be 12 months.