British summer time arrived last weekend. I know this because I lost an hour's sleep, although clearly someone forgot to tell the weather.

But wet and windy as it might be now, the nights are getting longer and eventually the sun WILL shine, making it the perfect time to consider taking up golf.

‘Golf is a good walk spoiled’ Mark Twain

I know so many people who held this view, never having set foot on a golf course. Most of them are now slaves to the game. Because golf is a good walk enhanced.

For starters, at Haverhill Golf Club the course is set in some of the most beautiful parkland in Suffolk, complete with the River Stour running through it, gently rolling hills and valleys and an abundance of woodland.

Haverhill Golf Club holds the Golfmark Award, meaning it is a safe and fun environment for junior and novice golfers to discover, learn and develop their skills.

‘Golf is a game whose aim is to hit a very small ball into a even smaller hole, with weapons singularly ill-designed for the purpose’ Winston Churchill

And therein lies the challenge! But once you’ve hit your first small ball, once you’ve seen it finally drop into that even smaller hole there is the irresistible urge to do it again, only a little better. Which is probably why they put so many holes on a golf course!

And at Haverhill Golf Club you’re obviously not left alone to master the skills of the game. The Professionals at Haverhill come with a wealth of experience and run coaching sessions in groups and individually if required, and teach Junior through to adult level whether you are a complete novice or a skilled golfer wishing to improve to a professional standard. The club offer free taster sessions for adults, juniors and non members.

‘Golf is so popular simply because it is the best game in the world at which to be bad’ A.A. Milne

I wonder what Mr Winnie the Pooh meant by this? Could it be that you can play under little scrutiny and therefore your errors are not spotted? Perhaps he was alluding to the beauty of the surroundings within which you play regardless of your skill level? Maybe the opportunity to exercise in the fresh air with minimal potential for injury?

Or perhaps he was just referring to the joys of the ‘19th hole’ always awaiting you at the end of a game, played well or played badly.

Whatever the interpretation, all the above are true.

‘Golf is the only game where the worst player gets the best of it. He obtains more out of it as regards both exercise and enjoyment, for the good player gets worried over the slightest mistake, whereas the poor player makes too many mistakes to worry about them’ David Lloyd George

Maybe this is close to what A A Milne meant. It’s certainly true that you don’t have to be an expert to get enjoyment out of a round of golf. But as so many newcomers to the sport discover, once you’re in you’re hooked, and a competitive personality will have you striving to improve with every swing.

At Haverhill Golf Club you meet every kind of player on the course, those that are there for socialising and a bit of fun, and those who play as if their lives depend upon it. And whilst all are welcome, etiquette is just as important as the rules of play. Treating other players with courtesy, taking care of the course, and pacing your play correctly means that all golfers can enjoy their round.

‘Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening - and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented’ Arnold Palmer

As one of the finest players ever, Mr Palmer is unsurprisingly passionate about the game. But it’s clear that golf has a lot more to offer than a good walk, and now is the perfect time to find out at Haverhill Golf Club.

Alongside the stunning course the Club has excellent facilities, with a well stocked bar, freshly cooked food daily, including breakfast and a fabulous Sunday lunch. There is also the Golf Shop which provides everything a golfer could possibly need, at very competitive prices, and hire and catering facilities for your private functions.

For a limited time only, you can take advantage of a 3 month trial membership at Haverhill Golf Club, half price subs (terms & conditions apply), plus discounts for 22-25 year olds on 5 and 7 day passes. You can access this great offer here.

Please click here for further information about Haverhill Golf Club.

‘I know I am getting better at golf because I am hitting fewer spectators’ Gerald R. Ford

Try not to be this person!