Ashton and Lea Golf Club Ltd

This is a great course that should prove to be a test for even the best players. High handicappers should bring plenty of golf balls along for the ride...They have made really good use of all the natural water features that reside on the site. I have played the course more than once and the greens and fairways are always in good nick. All in all this course is well worth a crack if you are ever in the area. Good value for money as well.

Played this course after a couple of days fairly heavy rain and with some local courses either closed or on winter greens. We made a last minute decision to visit Ashton as the course we were meant to play was closed. The pro was extremely accomodating and welcomed us to play despite the short notice. The course is an easy walking, relatively flat parkland course, with good use of natural water hazards coming into play on several holes. That said, don't be misled into thinking there is a huge amount of water on the course with lakes everywhere as this is far from the case. They've just used what is there naturally, streams and ponds, extremely well to bring them into play on several holes. The stroke index 1 4th is a good hole after a fairly gentle start, with water coming into play for stray shots both off the tee and on approach to the green, with OB to the right. This is the start of a run of 5 good holes, with the 8th in particular a belting slight dog leg right because of the position of the green. Into the back 9 the short par 3 11th is a good hole, looks great off the tee and leaves difficult shots if you miss the green either side. The 13th is a real "risk reward" hole, and 14 and 15 need a bit of thought off the tees. The remainder of the holes are fairly straight forward provided you get your tee shots away. Greens were fairly slick and true considering the weather we've had, fairways were in very good nick, tee beds well looked after. Sand in bunkers was solid but understandably so - I'm sure they're fine in decent weather. Catering was pretty good, though we only had bar snacks, and the staff very friendly. The Pro shop was well stocked and, as I said before, the pro was very helpful and made you feel very welcome. A good day's golf at a course that I wouldn't describe as tough but one that is far from a walk in the park - it's just a fair test of golf. I wouldn't hesitate to return to and encourage others to give a go.

Played at the back end of March after a rubbish winter (weather wise), and the course was undergoing major maintenance work so most greens were temporary. So with all that in mind it was a very enjoyable mornings play. The course is in great nick, for this time of year, and contains some smart little holes. Not the longest and not the most challenging but very enjoyable. The pro's are very helpful and friendly too. I'm just very surprised this is the first feedback anyone has ever left.

I have played Ashton & Lea on several occasions. Member Jack Thorpe has always graciously invited me to play the course whilst I have been on vacation in England. I personally, being a 17 handicapper, and having a tendency to fade right, find the course somewhat difficult. Damn those little brooks down the right hand side of the course, what is so attractive that my ball keeps going over there for a closer look ??? I love the old Roman road that meanders through the course. Damn those Romans, didn't they realize this was a golf course ??? Love the place, I'll be back in July of 2004, and, with a bit of luck, I'll beat Jack this time. Lovely bar, friendly member's, great food, no rain, ;-)) Have fun guy's, just keep swingin'. God Save the Queen, God Bless America.

enjoyable to play this time of year, greens v good considering recent weather (Aug 01) flat open course not much trouble but still a pleasure to play. fairways excellent condition plenty of grass

Has improved recently but is still a fairly featureless course. Greens are currently (May 2001) in very poor condition. An average course to play, poor in wet weather, slightly better on sunny days (as are all courses). Food and hospitality in clubhouse is good.