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Welcome to UK-GolfGuide's page which contains feedback from site users who have played at Ashbury Golf Hotel.

Whilst UK-GolfGuide.com attempts to turf out the more unhelpful or just plain daft contributions, some may slip through. If you have played the course or hold a different opinion to those of the contributors, feel free to use the Add your Comments icon to provide a broader spread of views. If you have a gripe with the club then take it up with them directly - please don't use this facility for airing grievances!.

If you have played this course and would like to add your comments then feel free to Add a Report.

Alan Cooke (England) 06/11/07

We played three of the courses during a 3 night, long weekend (as we have done many times) and, as before, were impressed by the value and also the changes that have taken place.

The new course, 'Kigbeare', is longer than the other courses and quite dramatic in places - the par 3 3rd and the par 5 16th in particular if I remember correctly. There are quite a few 'blind drives' that may not appeal to all golfers, but I enjoyed them. The greens on this course are large and much quicker than the others. Due to the long distances between green to tee, buggies are mandatory for this course.

'Oakwood'is also a good course but, to be frank, at this time of year, and bearing in mind the amount of 'traffic' that it has probably experienced this summer, some of the greens are slow, damaged, and need attention.

'Pines' is OK, but not my favourite layout. However, as distances between green to tee are shorter here, walking is the best option.

As there are 4 long 18 hole courses here plus an 18 hole par 3, and as our costs included 'full board' accommodation, my ratings are based on the total package.

Overall, we would recommend Ashbury to anybody with the following caveats:

(1) The accommodation is not sophistocated but clean and comfortable

(2) The food is varied, appetising and plentiful, but not 'cordon bleu'

(3) The courses are of different standards and style, but there is sufficient choice to suit most

Buggies are available at very low cost, but have to keep to the buggy paths. As a result, depending on how accurate you are, walking can be quicker and involve less distance.

Ratings

Value for Money	10
Challenge	7
Off Course	7

Gordon Johnson (England) 10/10/07

We visited this course first weekend in October with a party of 16. All I can say is what a place. If it's a golfing holiday your after this place is superb. We stopped in the Ashbury Hotel , the rooms are basic but it's the value for money, convenience and the facilities that make this place special. There's no hassle travelling from hotel to courses, evreything is excellent value, the food wasn't bad at all. We had three nights stop , breakfast, lunch and dinner , Day one 18 holes on Beeches, Day two 18 holes Asbury then 9 Holes Kigbere, Day three 18 holes Kigbere then final day 18 holes on the Pines all for £200 a man ! The Kigbere being the better of the courses in terms of condition and difficulty. The greens on the Beeches were damp and very wooley. Overall this place is a gem the facilities in the evening are also fantastic sports bars, swimming pool, sauna, ten pin bowling, crown bowling, playsations. Are we going back ? too right we are even with the long drive from Sheffield I don't know of any other place like it.

Ratings

Value for Money	10
Challenge	7
Off Course	10

Kevin Hewitt (Wales) 23/07/07

A group of us visited this place on 20, 21 & 22 July 2007, playing the Pines Course, Beeches Course and the new Kigbeare Course during our stay.

The Pines Course was in poor condition - it being very wet with very soft greens making some shot selections a lottery, and the holes on the front nine are a little too close together for comfort - I could see there being problems when the place gets busy.

The other two courses were excellent with the Kigbeare being very impressive considering it has only been open since this March. The par 3 holes on both the Beeches and Kigbeare were very strong holes with shots across valley and over water, and some equally impressive par 4s and par 5s, the one which stood out for me were the Par 4 10th and 11th on Beeches, the 10th including a severe 180 foot drop, and the 11th being a lengthy tree-lined affair, and the Par 4 2nd & Par 5 16th on Kigbeare, the 2nd being a lengthy par 4 along a valley with out-of-bounds along the right, and the 16th being a long par 5 with a blind up-hill tee-shot, a further blind second shot and then a drop of about 100 feet for the third shot.

The hilly nature of the Beeches and Kigbeare courses mean that a buggy is essential, in fact they are compulsary.

Overall impressions were that the complesx is impressive - most of the add-ons were very cheap, e.g. course planners for each course only cost 50p! buggies were only £8 to hire, food was reasonable at £4 a head. All of the courses have good signage including information regrading pin positions on each hole.

When I return to the complex I would probably just concentrate on the Beeches and Kigbeare Courses as they are so much better than the Pines.

Ratings

Value for Money	10
Challenge	9
Off Course	10

N Franklin (Wales) 02/06/07

I have been to Ashbury for the past 2 years and will be returning with a group of 23 others in Mid June for my 3rd time, I love this place it is excellent value for money, and you have now got an extra course to choose from. I am not a regular golfer but do enjoy the golf and the other facilities Ashbury has to offer. I think the Buggies are a great idea, especially Beeches which is the Hilliest of them all!!!

Ratings

Value for Money	10
Challenge	7
Off Course	10

John Greenwell (England) 08/09/06

played and stayed here with my socierty a few times in the past 3 years.

as previous comments the greens are slowish but it makes it easy to stop a ball on.

fairways ok and lots of usefull signs on each tee to help you round.

purporse built alternitive greens a good idea but are very small in size, there was 6 in use over all the courses when we last went.

some holes very close to each other and can be very dangerous to play at times.

a buggy is a must as these courses are very hilly so playing two rounds a day while pulling your trolley is not a good idea.

we never had any over long rounds, as buggys speed the travel time to your ball up.

take three or so clubs with you if ball away from buggy path to save walking back and fourth.

rooms suitable for weeks stay.

food fine but limited choice on table de-hote menu.

lots to do after golf done for the day with bars and swimming pools. indoor bowls and snooker.

tenpin bowling ally and course fishing all available and at no extra cost.

a top place for socierty groups just make sure you get a club locker, these where like gold dust on our visits.

Ratings

Value for Money	8
Challenge	6
Off Course	10

K Riley (England) 14/05/06

I have been to Ashbury 11 times which is testament to the set up. Considering the cost, the extras you get in term of facilities and the four (soon to be five) courses to choice from, its a great society venue. You may want to avoid it a weekends between Easter & Sept if you're a 2 ball as the courses do get very busy and 5 hours rounds can be the norm if you're behind large societies. Indeed the pro-shop aren't keen to send out 2 balls on weekend mornings at all. It is a victim of its own succesful format, but as the golf doesn't cost you extra over the daily tariff, its difficult to complain. The courses are at least okay and reasonably varied (back nine of Beeches is best, closely followed by back nine Oakwood, Pines is clearly the weakest). Tees and fairways are okay, but greens are generally very slow. The problems regards congested holes is far better now than it was 10 years ago and yes buggies can be a pain at times (but they're cheap and optional). Overall, a good venue, best as a group and possibly best in early Spring / late Autumn when the courses are quieter.

Ratings

Value for Money	8
Challenge	6
Off Course	9

Ben Watson (England) 12/06/05

4 Courses to choose from, all in great condition at the early June time I played there. Greens and fairways were a tad on the long side meaning that you got very little run on the ball, but with the courses relativly short (5500 Yards) this increases the challenge.

There are some fantastic holes, most noticably the 14th on the Beeches course. A 350 yard par 4 that drops 180ft from tee to green, incorportating giant "steps" into the fairway for you to land your ball on. The distance becomes relative to the height equation... I shall forever bost about my 220 yard 9 iron to 7ft from the pin!

Huge points lost for the buggy paths which slow play up (at no fault of the occupants), but its a personal choice whether to use a buggy or not. I walked all the courses and found it much eaisier than the one day I did use a buggy.

Hotel is comfortable and as many have said the staff are friendly and eager to help. Food is plentiful and served almost all day.

All in all a great little complex, well worth a visit on holiday. Prices are fairly cheap, and golf is free during the stay.

Ratings

Value for Money	7
Challenge	5
Off Course	8

Jon Ponsford (England) 11/02/05

Have recently returned from a special four-day break at the end of January. We managed to play every day in crisp cold conditions. The courses are very well signed, and the course planners very good. Considering the time of year and the previous appalling weather the fact that 3 courses were open and playable is a tribute to the plentiful green staff and the construction of the greens.

The food and alternative sporting facilities are fantastic. As mentioned by many others, the staff are friendly and helpful, the bar prices are very fair, and the large TV screens offer a good atmosphere to watch football etc.

Only one thing spoilt it for us, BUGGIES. There are about 250 of them, with another 50 or so on order. For us a major part of playing golf is the exercise it offers, and whilst walking to your ball the consideration needed for the next shot. Not racing down the buggy path, de-camping and walking across the fairway with 2/3 clubs in hand to find your ball, then hitting it, remembering to pick up the other clubs, walking back across the fairway, and riding 50 yards further and waiting for your partner to go through the same exercise. The courses aren’t particularly hilly, and whilst we were there we only saw 3 other pairs walking (with a trolley) and one other guy carrying (as I was) and don’t think I’m a super fit youngster, I’m in my late 60’s and huff and puff up any hill. Can you imagine even the 18-hole par three course (which is very challenging) was infested with buggies. And lest any one comments “you don’t have to take a buggy” failure to take one is greeted by such surprise by every one and their constant charging up and down the paths is enough to put any one off.

So as good as the facilities are we will not be returning. But for those that enjoy that style of golf you will go a long way to find better value.

Peter Hood (England) 18/09/04

Grass on greens too long, poor putting as a result. Too many golf holes for the area - toomany wayward balls and golfers coming at you from all angles - dangerous. Cannot take buggies off the track - totally unnecessary idea in this day and age - slows the game down abysmally

Bruce Miller (England) 08/06/04

Recently came back from a fantastic weekend playing golf at the Ashbury Hotel. The value is excellent and the hospitality is second to none. They made my group feel so welcome that we will be booking up again for next year. The courses are kept in good condition considering the amount of holes they have there. Some of the par 4s are reachable in one, however there are many hazzards sotake care. The Beeches course was the best for us really challenging and the views were supperb especially the par 4 14.

J Jack (England) 15/03/04

Have played here in a group of 4, both in 2001 & 2003. Now booked up for june of this year.

The value here is unbelievable, yes I have played on better courses, but never have i been to a more well run, friendly place.

Everything you want or need is close at hand, with staff never in too much of a rush to help.

Its also well worth investing in the course guides that they sell in the shop. As many of the tee shots are blind.

The courses are definately set up for the thinking golfer, as oppose to the big hitters..

The only slight problem we have had is the greens.

They can be an absolute nightmare to read, slow on one hole, fast on the next.... but then its the same for everyone so it evens out i guess...

Alan Cooke (England) 23/01/04

My partner and I have been going to the Ashbury Golf Hotel, twice a year, for the past 3 years. As the facilities, food courses are such excellent value, we see no reason to stop this. All the staff are very friendly and helpful too.

There are now three 18 hole courses that all give us great fun and, as we go in late Feb and late October, the strength of the wind can make them very interesting indeed. They don't pretend to be the best courses in the UK, but they seem pretty good to me, especially as they probably see very heavy traffic in the Summer months. The greens and fairways are usually quite good, and I think that the rough is OK. Remember, it's not supposed to be easy to play out of.

Regarding other peoples comments about buggies, yes you do have to keep to the tracks, but this enables them to be used in even the wettest of conditions, so don't complain about this - you will not be forced to use a buggy if you don't want to!

I'm sure that all but the most picky of golfers would enjoy a stay here.

Brian Ayres (England) 11/11/03

I have just returned from a 4 day break at the Ashbury and cannot fault much at all. Facilities great, service suberb, food always excellent, courses excellent. Anyone looking for a golf holiday, go to Ashbury. Only advice, don't take buggies as can be more walking involved than those who carry or have trollies.

justin (united kingdom) 18/07/03

excellant course, our group has been visiting the course for a 4 day break for the past 2 years and are due to return this year. The food, staff & accomodation are excellant value for the money that you pay and the courses are fun too, there are some very interesting holes. Harry Putter's comments about the course are very unreasonable. I am a member of a very good golf club where the standard of course & player are above standard, but the ashbury is designed for the lower + higher handicapper golfer to play together & to enjoy their golf. I think that moaning about the greens etc could be an excuse for not putting well! This course is there for the enjoyment of all, and anyone who wants to play championshp golf should stick to a championship course & quit complaining about a very good golfing society venue. My advice to anybody wanting a great golfing break for exceptional value is to get some friends together and visit the Asbury, you will not be disapponted.

Harry Putter (u.k.) 30/06/03

Cant fault the food. Cant fault the staff. As for the courses, well........ What they have done at Ashbury seems like a good idea, but they have crammed far too many holes into far too small an area. Holes run up and down to each other and as a result, wayward shots are on other fairways, resulting in people waiting to play while the wayward players (there are hundreds!) play their shot. A lot of the holes are short, in fact reachable from the tee, so it backs up even more. Couple this to the fact that they are blind with no bells as finish indicators and it makes for a dangerous place to be..... If you take a buggy you will probably end up doing more walking than if you had walked the course anyway. Buggies are restricted to set paths, so you cannot take them onto the fairways, resulting in a walk to your ball checking the lie and a walk to the buggie to get the right club and back again. The greens are too long. Whether they leave them this long because of the amount of traffc this place generates I hazard to guess, but a well rapped putt always seemed to stop short, and they dont take the line you think either. Things should ease when they open a further nine holes in September, but until then, take a crash helmet.

Douglas Bench (England) 29/01/03

My friend and I visited in Oct 2002 for three days. Extensive changes have been made to part of the course, and you are asked to play off tee pegs through to green. This does not distract from the magnificent job they have done. This is a wonderfully varied course, with straight up and down holes only evident in one place. The tee signs are a wealth of information, and allow you to play the hole with confidence as to what you are aiming for. Distance markers on all holes(even to temporary greens)really allow a high handicapper like myself (20+) to enjoy the course and go for the greens! My reccomendation is that we are returning this year, and that more are joining our party after hearing the stories.

A wonderful place designed to allow you to enjoy great golf.

jamie (england) 09/09/01

Having spent three days at Ashbury first holes we played were pines and beeches

I found pines greens were in a poor state of play particulial 2,3.4.

But on the whole the course was well looked after except the rough was to long.

Beeches were in better condition; a buggy was a must on these long holes.

The next we played willows a well looked after area, but one criticism was

To many signs I think I counted six or seven on the 2nd tee.

But my favourite was Oakwood the greens were the best I have seen in some years of

Playing golf a most pleasurable afternoon a well looked after 18 holes well recommended to my friends.

Adam (England) 24/08/01

Spent three days at the Ashbury Hotel from August 17-20 2001. The courses they have there are excellent value for money - especially as they are all free while you stay at the hotel. The fairways were well looked after and despite having to play on a couple of alternate greens the greens were in good condition aswell. My only criticism is that the tee area on all holes had been left to grow too long, and at times it was as if you were playing a teed up ball from out of the rough. Good shots got punished on occasion due to the slopes on some of the fairways and the bad shots seemed not to get punished - which made for a better competition with the higher handicappers able to make scores not too far away from the lower ones. All in all an extremely enjoyable weekend - with beer at £1.95 a pint aswell you can't go wrong . . .

Andy Lamb () 02/11/00

I recently spent four days here in aparty of four.We played every hole on The Oakwood,The Willows,The Beeches and the Pines and 9 of the Acorns course. The courses are all brilliantly laid out with a plethora of on-course information on each tee designed to ensure you are as well porepared as possible. The greens were excellent and whilst the low handicapper would expect to score well the Beeches in particular offers a challenge.All staff in the shop were helpful tothe point of indulgence as was eveyone we met at Ashbury.Undoubtedly the best value golf and accommodation we have experienced.