Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club

Course Details

  • Holes: 18
  • Par: 68
  • Length: 5,538 yards
  • Slope Rating: 117
  • Course Rating: 67.2

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Royal Ashdown Forest play without any bunkers?

You'll quickly discover that the absence of sand doesn't make it easy-quite the opposite. The course uses natural gorse, heather, and tricky undulations as formidable hazards, demanding precise shot-making and strategic thinking on every hole. It's a truly unique challenge that forces you to rethink your approach.

When is the best time of year to play Royal Ashdown Forest, and what are the course conditions like then?

We highly recommend visiting in late spring or early autumn when the heather is in bloom and the ground is firm but not baked. You'll find the course plays fast and true, offering ideal conditions to appreciate its natural beauty and strategic demands. Avoid deep winter if you prefer firmer fairways.

Is Royal Ashdown Forest a challenging course, and what should I expect from the layout?

Absolutely, it's a proper test of golf, especially if you're used to courses with traditional hazards. The layout is wonderfully natural, winding through the Ashdown Forest with tight fairways, deceptive slopes, and streams that are always ready to gobble up an errant shot. Expect to use every club in your bag and think your way around.

What's the overall experience like at Royal Ashdown Forest, and is it worth the green fee?

Playing here is a step back in time, offering a pure, unadulterated golf experience amidst stunning natural beauty. The unique challenge of no bunkers, combined with the serene forest setting, makes it incredibly memorable and, in our opinion, absolutely worth the investment. It's a genuine highlight of English golf.

What practical tips do you have for playing Royal Ashdown Forest for the first time?

Our best advice is to embrace the natural hazards and focus on accuracy over brute force-a wayward shot into the gorse is a guaranteed lost ball. Consider taking a caddie or at least studying the course guide carefully, as local knowledge of the subtle slopes and hidden streams will save you strokes.