Golf has been played on Rushmere Heath since the late 1800s when it was the home of the Ipswich Golf Club. In 1927 when the majority of the members elected to move to nearby privately owned land, a public appeal and donations from founder members enabled Rushmere Golf Club to be formed.The heath is a fine natural golf course situated just on the outskirts of Ipswich. Most holes are bounded by gorse and there are many fine old oak trees providing not only natural habitat for birds and other wildlife but demanding care and accuracy from many of the tees. The course is over 6200 yards and enjoys the space and hole by hole separation afforded by the expanse of the heath. Over 400 acres of Rushmere Heath is registered common land, administered by a committee and, in addition to the 15 holes rented from the commoners, the club privately owns 17 acres which constitute the 3rd, 4th and 5th holes.