Long Ashton Golf Club

Having not scrolled down to the UK golf guide on Google, I really am sorry not to have seen the previous review before, and given the passing timeframe , I was initially hesitant to respond at this stage. However, other readers may be totally put off of Long Ashton Golf Club by Mr Burns review and I wanted to try to cover a few points, not challenge him! As an individual paying a green fee to play at Long Ashton, Joe Burns has every right to state what he feels, it's just that I don't recognise the club from his description! It would be churlish to go through every negative point and I will not do so, but many, many visitors pay the club the compliment of saying we are a really friendly club, and as well as an excellent course which i am pleased is recognised by him, Joe and his friends missed out on the next best facility at Long Ashton - the clubhouse, it's food and the welcome that visitors receive! Joe, if you ever read this, please contact me c/o the club, and perhaps we can show you a Long Ashton Golf Club, that you failed to see! If not, just payable return visit without telling anyone - it should work the same way Ken Trowbridge Chairman

The course was excellent but more of that later. My initial feelings on the club were pretty poor. I was rebuked twice between parking and entering the clubhouse. The first was because I had parked too close to the edge of a parking bay (the car next to me had done the same so I couldn't have got out of my door otherwise) and for putting on my golf shoes in the car park I was warned that "changing in the car park was not allowed." This unfriendly introduction to the club was continued in the pro shop where I received a glacial welcome, I thought it must be that my face didn't fit or my flies were undone but my 3 playing partners who arrived at different times said it was the same for them. So to the changing room! Much of the available wall space was covered in warnings about behavior and dress and one striking poster requesting anonymous information on who had defaced another poster in the room, the perpetrator, the poster stated, would be treated severely. So off to the course past further posters on what you could and could not wear, including a memorable "sandals but only with socks" requirement for clubhouse dress." Nowhere did I see a sign asking that divots and pitch marks should be repaired though there must be a small one somewhere. Someone in the Long Ashton Golf Club committee, appears to be out of control with the photocopier and someone, maybe all of the committee thinks they are under attack! Once you are away from the clubhouse the course speaks for itself, beautiful well thought out holes, almost all offering a true test, fairways in pristine condition and greens that are the best I've played on this year...all fabulous! We were going to stop for lunch in the club house but decided not to risk spoiling such a good round, so I cannot review it. Long Ashton as a club needs to lighten up, on a hot summer's day wearing sandals with socks is risible and a defaced poster does not warrant requests for anonymous informants, the club will not be swamped by members and guests playing in thongs or running around the clubhouse in their bra and pants if they do ease up, it will be just a nicer place to be. I play some of the best courses in the country regularly as a job perk, few if any of them can match the quality of Long Ashton's course preparation but all of them treat their guests much better.

Made very welcome from most of the staff & members except the pro. I think he needs to lighten-up a tad as he should welcome visitors rather than don a suspicious scowl & grumpy attitude, especially if one is purchasing from his outlet and in the end contributing to his income. The course itself was in fantastic condition. fairways good, rough fair & greens, though not receptive were fast & true (best I've played on this year). a Great course in the Bristol area, well worth a visit. Would play again and thanks for the very informative and helpfull advise from the steward M. J. crane.

Played at long Ashton in july 2004, received a very warm, friendly & welcoming reception from all staff came into contact with.Course was in excellent condition and the two new holes to the course (6th & 7th) were outstanding and very testing (6th green in particular). Will most certainly be returning. If i lived in this area would seek membership to join.

Wonderful challenging old course (over 100 years old)whose contoured fairways provide a challenge in themselves. Not for the slicer (trouble to the right on almost every hole) and rewards straight short shots (ideal for the woman golfer !).Fast, cleverly contoured greens also make putting hazardous.

A well maintained course with good drainage for an all year golf. A good variety of holes which will test even the most compitant of golfers. The notible par3 2nd (drop hole) can ruin your card so beware.