Course Overview

The course, measuring 6512 yards with a par of 71, and designed by James Braid in 1932 (5 times open champion and Britain’s greatest course architect), provides a challenge to every golfer, especially the classic dogleg ninth, the demanding seventeenth known as ‘Braids Best’, and the daunting elevated tee to the final green.

Braid’s achievement was to construct a course in harmony with the existing landscape, that did not prevent him from introducing spectacular touches of theatre. The most striking effect comes after 11 holes: suddenly this parkland course reveals an unexpected seaward aspect, looking out towards the open bay.

The signature hole is the 18th. Peter Alliss said it is in his Top 10 finishing holes ! The problem it poses, how best from a high tee to carry a ravine of rough ground, water and sand to the green below. The green is guarded on the left by an Oak tree, which was already present when the course was constructed. Another four bunkers provide the putting area with more than adequate protection. One of them, built into the bank below the plateau green is, perhaps the most notorious on the course. Like all good 18th holes its green lies under the clubhouse windows of the historic and stunning Ashton Hall. A truly stunning venue!