THERE aren’t many more contented golf professionals in England right now than Felixstowe Ferry’s Robert Joyce.

THERE aren’t many more contented golf professionals in England right now than Felixstowe Ferry’s Robert Joyce.

The former West Essex pro who took over at the Ferry in March after the retirement of Ian MacPherson, is enjoying life in Suffolk.

In fact ‘enjoying’ is probably understating it – he’s loving it!

So much so, he would be happy to “hang his boots up” at the seaside club.

Robert, who spent 22 years in north London, at Theydon Bois and West Essex Golf Clubs, is a Fellow of the PGA and has a good coaching track record.

And now he’s all Felixstowe Ferry’s.

“Every morning when I come into work at Felixstowe, rain or shine, I stand and look at the sea,” he smiles.

“I look at the views and soak them in.

“It’s a beautiful golf course. I just love links golf, it’s my favourite type of golf.”

Robert has an easy manner and a wonderful knack of remembering names – a trait that holds him in good stead at a club with a big membership and plenty of regular visitors.

But why leave West Essex?

“Well for one thing, being here means I’m away from ‘The Smoke’,” he smiles.

“Don’t get me wrong, I had a good time at West Essex and they wanted me to stay.

“I could have seen my time out there, I’m sure of that, but I really wanted a new challenge.”

Living in Woodbridge and working at Felixstowe, Robert is lapping up the Suffolk countryside. And on the course itself, he was pleased to grab a third-placed start to his professional career at Felixstowe in the Winter four-ball, better-ball, recently. He shot a 68.

“That was nice for me because a lot of club members saw me tee off and plenty followed me round the course,” Robert adds.

His friend and fellow, ‘Fellow of the PGA’, Keith Preston, the Aldeburgh professional, are currently on a mission to play 100 of the top golf courses.

“It was Royal Portrush and Royal County Down last year,” Robert adds.

From lessons on the range and lessons on the putting green, to free tuition for juniors, Robert has made a delightful start to his new job at Felixstowe Ferry.