Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club (Old Course)

Overview: Royal Ashdown Forest’s Old Course is an 18-hole heathland layout at Forest Row, set among the open ground, heather, gorse, hollows and streams of Ashdown Forest. It is unusual for its lack of sand bunkers, relying instead on natural hazards and demanding positioning. The white tees are listed at 6,537 yards and par 72, with the course’s elevation providing long views across Sussex and toward the North Downs.

History: The Ashdown Forest and Tunbridge Wells Golf Club was founded in 1888, and the Old Course opened the following year. W.R. Lee is credited with the original layout. Harry Hunter altered the course in 1892, Hunter and club professional Jack Rowe made further changes in 1897, and Rowe made the last significant early revision in 1922. Queen Victoria bestowed royal patronage in 1893.

Did You Know? The 11th is a 249-yard par 3 from the elevated tee, with views toward the North Downs. The course has also served as an Open Championship Regional Qualifying venue and hosted the Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship in 2011.