Royal Ashdown Forest (Old)

Address Royal Ashdown Forest GC
Chapel Lane
Forest Row
East Sussex
RH18 5LR
Architect Archdeacon Scott
Founded 1888
Yards 6518
Par 72

 

Professional Martyn Landsborough
01342 822247
Secretary Douglas Neave
01342 822018
Website
http://www.royalashdown.co.uk

Famous for having no bunkers, you might be forgiven for thinking that this course is easy. Not so, in fact totally the contrary this place is tough. The narrow fairways, hollows and streams create a natural environment that is very, very challenging and we haven't mentioned the heather or the gorse yet. Indeed the heather and the gorse is as thick as you will find it anywhere and somehow it seems to get thicker as the round continues.

This is a thinking man's (or ladies) course and one of those courses where a local caddy would be extremely useful. In order to generate a score you have to avoid the heather, which not only provides a natural boundary for the fairways, but also protects many of the greens.

There are some great views from the highest part of the course and some excellent golf holes; particularly the par 3's of which the 6th and the 11th stand out. The 6th is very short, but fraught with danger, whereas the 11th is 250 yards downhill, with superb views of the North Downs.

Add this one to your list of must plays.