Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club (Old Course)

The Bunkerless Test of Ashdown

The Old Course at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club grew from a short layout of around 4,900 yards into a fuller heathland test during the early twentieth century. Although it has no sand bunkers, natural grassy hollows, streams, heather, bracken, trees, and sloping ground provide more than enough defence.

The protected setting has played an important part in preserving this character. Changes to the forest terrain require approval from its conservators, limiting intrusive reshaping and keeping the course closely tied to the land chosen by its founders. High points open views across Ashdown Forest and the rolling Sussex countryside before the routing drops back into quieter wooded ground.

The short sixth, known as the Island Hole, measures about 125 yards from the medal tees. A deep stream and gully surround the target, while a ridge crossing the putting surface leaves work even after the tee shot finds the green. Later, the long downhill 17th requires a second shot carried across gorse, bracken, and a path.