Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club
Course Information
Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club, East Sussex is a 36 hole Club with the 18 hole, par 72 (6537 yard) Old Course and 18 hole, par 68 (5606 yard) West course. A private, heathland golf course.
36 holes | Par Old Course 72; West Course 68 | Old Course 6537; West Course 5606 yards | Private | Heathland
About Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club
Golf Club Overview
Address: Off Chapel Lane, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5LR United Kingdom
Tel: 01342 822018
Golf Pro: Tim Cowley | Tel: 01342 822018
Website: https://www.royalashdown.co.uk
Golf Club Facilities
Click the following link to find out what facilities are available at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club and read frequently asked questions.
Visitor Information & Green Fees
Price Guide: £££££
Old Course Dress Code
The dress code on the Old Course is that of any traditional golf club. While golfing attire is allowed in the Spike Bar, gentlemen normally wear a jacket and tie in the Dining Room.
Shirts must be tucked in at all times
Midweek Guide: £120.00 per round Old Course, £35 per round West Course *
Weekend Guide: £120.00 per round Old Course, £40 per round West Course *
- Societies Accepted to Play
- Society Deals Available
- Voucher Deals Available
- 7 Day Membership Available
* Any prices shown are guide prices, please confirm with the course prior to booking.
Courses & Scorecards
| Course | Tee | Par | SSS | Yards | ||
| Old Course | White | 72 | 72.6 [138] | 6537 | ||
| Old Course | Yellow | 72 | 70.7 [133] | 6292 | ||
| Old Course | Red | 73 | 73.6 [128] | 5550 | ||
| West Course | White | 68 | 67.2 [117] | 5559 | ||
| West Course | Yellow Win | 68 | 66 [110] | 5302 | ||
| West Course | Yellow | 68 | 66.1 [110] | 5179 | ||
| West Course | Red | 69 | 69.9 [119] | 4991 | ||
Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club Reviews
Looking for Royal Ashdown Forest golf reviews? On this page you’ll find up-to-date, independent feedback from golfers who have played Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club in East Sussex, providing feedback on course conditions, value and pace of play. The Golfshake independent reviews also cover important factors like facilities & service, hospitality, practice facilities, and food & drink. Access the latest, unbiased reviews to help you make an informed decision about your next round at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club.
GOLFSHAKE RATING
4.7
AVERAGE RATING 3.9
(based on 147 reviews)
5 star
45
4 star
64
3 star
29
2 star
3
1 star
6
HIGHLY RATED
97%
would play again or recommend
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What the club says: Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club has two great courses to enjoy and it is not just us that thinks so. Golf World magazine assembled a panel of experts to decide the top 100 courses in England and, given that there are over 2,000 of them, that is no easy task.
The panel voted the Old Course #42 in the country and included our West Course in the next best 100 saying of it, "Like its sister a superb moorland-heathland with no bunkers. Some really excellent holes and, for some on the panel, should join its sister in the main list.”
Set in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, one of the things that golf lovers most appreciate about playing here is that so little has changed over the club’s 125 year history. Heather, humps, hollows, pools and streams remain nature’s defence against shooting a low score.
Situated approximately 30 miles (48 km) south of London in East Sussex, there are only four other courses in East and West Sussex that make Golf World's top 100 and none, apart from Royal Ashdown, that can boast two in the top 200 courses in England.
This beautiful golf club was founded in 1888, and within a year had opened a designated ladies’ course set in mature heathland. Today both award winning courses are available to play in the same day. Without question this is the best 36-hole golf club in Sussex — and not a sand bunker in sight!
Whereas the Old Course remains very much a classic heathland layout the West Course snakes its way through the heart of the Ashdown Forest, that spreads for over 20 square miles in this most beautiful part of Sussex, and has been named the best course under 6,000 yards in the UK by Golf World magazine.
What about after golf?
Each course has its own area of the clubhouse: The Old Course clubhouse may look somewhat austere perched half way up its hill but is a great place of fun. The West Course extension opened in 2004, with all the modern facilities, seating for up to 60 people and is open year-round.
Society Day on your calendar?
Let us help. In fact, let us take care of every last detail.
The quality of the courses, the reputation of the dining rooms and the friendly ambience of the Club make this a favourite venue for Old Boys' matches, society days, charity days, and corporate events.
Here at Royal Ashdown we especially welcome enquiries from event organisers seeking a venue that can provide two 18-hole courses for golfers to play in one day.
We’d love to host your foursome, your group or any occasion you see fit to spend the day on one of the finest tracts of golf in the British Isles. And one last things, the old temporary tee boxes on the West are all being upgraded, with completion due this year. So come next Winter they will all be in top condition.
Do you have feedback from your last round? Share your thoughts and help fellow golfers to plan their next round. Submit Review
Reviews for Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club
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The golf courses reviews are the personal opinions of members of Golfshake who completed a review after playing the course. These opinions do not necessarily represent the views of Golfshake.com
Kim Humphreys rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed Sep 17 2025
Service knows no bounds at RAGC
I played Royal Ashdown recently as part of a group and experienced fantastic service from the Club. We went out with a lack of waterproofs when the heavens opened. One of our group called the pro-shop to explain the situation.and asked if an umbrella could be supplied somewhat in hope. To his amazement the pro duly came out in a buggy with an umbrella. What service. Given the poor weather the club also offered us an additional slot on the old course. Such a welcoming and friendly club. I doubt you will find that service anywhere elseReviewer Rating
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James S rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Jul 11 2025
Course in god condition, suffering slightly from lack of rain, but we did get a shower at the art of the round. Some greens were a bit slow, but overall ran true. A very enjoyable afternoon.
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Peter S rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed May 19 2025
A lovely setting
The course was not at its best with sand and bare earth equal to grass on most of the fairways. The greens looked great but were a little 'woolly' and surprisingly slow. Whilst there are a few 'tight' fairways, with trees and heather lurking, if you play those sensibly you can enjoy the holes with more space. And the scenery does make up for any course difficulties you may encounter.Reviewer Rating
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Ralph P rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Apr 7 2025
Second time round here. In better condition that when I played it similar time last year as much drier. Course was in good condition overall and greens were receptive and rolled well. Heather although not fully out as yet makes it a decent test. Well looked after by the club on a large charity/society day.
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Paul H rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Sep 13 2024
A testing short course
We got a good midweek deal to play the West Course, with the Old Course over ?100 ... it is shorter, but in a very good condition and very testing with narrow fairways, small greens and plenty of ditches, plus some water ... I didn't have time to checkout the practice facilities or the clubhouse.Reviewer Rating
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Dave P, Crawley rated 2 out of 5
Reviewed Mar 25 2024
Quirky
Played the west course after there had been a lot of rain over last few weeks. All mats , these were ok and playable. balls were plugging in fairways but pick and place was taken. Most of the fairways were just about OK but in some run off areas it was very boggy. Unfortunately the green were Very wet and heavily sanded making then a real lottery. Some nice holes along the way and a few so so. Would like to play when conditions are good but wont be coming back in similar conditions. PS good welcome in clubhouse and bar.Reviewer Rating
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Ralph P rated 4.5 out of 5
Reviewed Mar 23 2024
First time round here on a charity day. Excellent course if a little damp at present due to incessant recent rain. Bit boggy in the lower areas but otherwise perfectly playable. Struggled to get the pace of the greens but they were receptive. Hospitality from the club was excellent in all respects as was the food both before and after the round. Will head back in summer to play when dryer as the layout and views from certain areas are brilliant.
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Marek L rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed Jan 20 2024
Windy 9 of first 12 holes, striaiht into it. However Par 3 11th 3wood to Pin high! Couldn't hit anything off tee and approach shots were not much better. Chipping ok and putting average. Course having a lot of drains put in but does not affect the play. Greens were hard due to frost. No bunkers so no issues there and all tees were from the winter astroturf
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Marek L rated 3.5 out of 5
Reviewed Oct 14 2023
Improving with new drainage system
rough was lush and wet. But, fairways were generous. Some signs of issues on greens but didnt affect the game. Plenty of signs to show drainage is improving with some exposed ditches in play and plaenty of sanded tracks. However none affected the play at all. How this slope index is so low, I have no idea. Should be at least in the 120's!!Reviewer Rating
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Nigel R rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Jul 14 2023
Challenge
Nice and flat but lots of bracken as can be expected. Friendly course well worth a visitReviewer Rating
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Marek L rated 4.5 out of 5
Reviewed Jun 5 2023
Short but demanding
No bunkers but plenty of gorse and run off areas. Plenty of hidden valleys and ditches. Greens were fast and some growth meant a little bumpy on certain greens. How this is only 110 course slope off the Yellows can anly be because of distance. It is a much tougher course than the Course index indicates.Reviewer Rating
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Nikki L rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed May 25 2023
Trip down memory lane
Haven't played the West course at Royal Ashdown for 13 years but was so pleased to find it exactly how I remembered.Really slick greens with plenty of subtle run offs.Loads of gorse to punish stray shots as well as the rough being up due to the wet weather and sunshine we've been experiencing.Pro shop is well stocked and the pro there was really friendly.Definitely won't be leaving it so long next time.
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Mark W rated 3.5 out of 5
Reviewed May 27 2022
Tight and challenging course
Course was in great condition, greens fast, rough knee length in places so needed to keep it tight and on the fairways, but a really enjoyable game! Need boards on the tees though showing hole layout, length, stroke index etc., as the marker stones were extremely difficult to find and overgrown in places.Reviewer Rating
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Matthew B rated 2.5 out of 5
Reviewed Apr 27 2022
Great course fairways were a bit divot ridden and some dead patches greens were hit and miss some had dead patches some were slow some were lightning quick hard to stay consistent
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John R rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Apr 14 2022
Easy to find and and sufficient parking. Club house is being renovated at the moment but facilities are good. Food and staff were excellent. I played the Old Course which is tough. For high handicappers and short drivers the challenge is hard because of loads of heather and in some cases narrow fairways. The greens were also very fast. It is an undulating course and in generally very good condition. Nobody said golf was easy but this course is challenging.
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Bill B rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed Mar 15 2022
Good Course, unfortunately played after heavy rain.
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Andy T rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Jan 26 2022
Memory Lane - Lovely Course
This course is very dear to me in terms of sentimental value as my family had been head greenkeepers there for over 60 years but strangely since I've been playing it's only my second time playing. A natural course (no bunkers) is both challenging and unforgiving in places. It is reasonably short but you have to get your numbers right. The greens and fairways were in reasonable order. We were there as part of a group of 12 so a deal was struck. The hospitality was excellent and very friendly and I was able to re-capture so old times as well. Highly recommended and next time I would dearly love to play the old course,Reviewer Rating
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A Golfer rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Jan 6 2022
Immaculate greens
Steeped in history, lovely course very well laid out and immaculate greens.Reviewer Rating
Danny S rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed Sep 6 2021
(Round played: Jul 2021 - Score: 98 Handicap: 16.3)
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Andrew S rated 1 out of 5
Reviewed Aug 9 2021
Royal Ashdown West Course
What a shocker! Probably the worst condition golf course I’ve ever played in 35 years of playing the game.Such a poor reflection on the Club and the Royal Ashdown Old course.
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Stuart B rated 1 out of 5
Reviewed Aug 9 2021
Could be good but...
Promised so much but course did not cope well with the rain. Greens were mainly awful, very patchy and difficult to putt on. Such a shame. Clubhouse staff were very good though. Would like to play again but would need assurances about the condition of the course.(Round played: Jul 2021 - Score: 102 Handicap: 27.2)
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Derek L rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed Jul 25 2021
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Alex, Oxford rated 1 out of 5
Reviewed Jun 24 2021
Bad condition
Played the west course in an open tournament, it's an absolute dog track. Both greens and fairways lacked any kind of grass cover, was a lottery if you hot the fairway whether you would get a good lie or a scabby one. Pick and place within in 6 inches is irrelevant if there's nowhere good to place within that radius!Same condition as most munis, wouldn't pay more than £15.
However will say nice clubhouse and staff.
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Richard G/Surrey rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Mar 24 2021
Worth a visit
We played the Old course on the last day before lockdown 2.0 in early November. It was our first visit and I will definitely be back one day, hopefully to play the West course as well. We had a friendly welcome and despite lots of rain in previous weeks, we were blessed with fabulous weather, adding to the already stunning scenery. The course itself held up very well in the wet conditions; only on two holes was it actually an issue and then only minor really, so a good off season option as many courses were waterlogged that week. Definitely glad there was no wind on the day though, that would've really increased the test. Some of the holes were pretty straightforward but enough interest with hills, heather and trees. Will be a fairly challenging walk for some. Would recommend.Reviewer Rating
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Graeme W rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Sep 6 2020
Short, but tricky
Although a short course, there are many challenging holes requiring good shot placement.Reviewer Rating
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Steve B rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Jul 31 2020
lovely challenging course
tough course long carries and greens interesting. great course would love to play again to make the most of it!Reviewer Rating
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Russell H rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed Jul 5 2020
Fabulous old course without any bunkers but plenty of heather and varied terrain.
Simply stunning views and plenty of challenging holes. Don't be put off by the Royal - very welcoming indeed and if you play the West as well its one of the best 36 holes anywhere.
(Round played: Mar 2020 - Score: 93 Handicap: 16)
Simply stunning views and plenty of challenging holes. Don't be put off by the Royal - very welcoming indeed and if you play the West as well its one of the best 36 holes anywhere.
(Round played: Mar 2020 - Score: 93 Handicap: 16)
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Colin H rated 2 out of 5
Reviewed Jun 25 2020
Very tough course , no bunkers but don't let that fool you difficult to keep it on the fairways. Greens could do with some work . Can't comment on every thing as some facilities are not open
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Marek L rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Nov 21 2019
Holding up well in the wet
Lovely short course. Tricky holes and different each one. Greens are a good pace and not "damp" but enough to leave craters when hitting from high. Not a lot of run but what do you expect at this time of year. Overall well worth a visit....especially with the offer of 18 holes plus food for ?5 less than the Green Fee!!!Reviewer Rating
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Keith W rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Sep 30 2019
Great course
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Showing reviews 1-30 of 109 reviews
The golf courses reviews are the personal opinions of members of Golfshake who completed a review after playing the course. These opinions do not necessarily represent the views of Golfshake.com
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Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club Frequently Asked Questions
The following information is subject to change and based on the latest updates and checks on Golfshake from the golf club, golf facility or venue.
Is there a driving range at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club?
Yes there is a driving range at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club which will be accessible prior to visiting and open for use.
Is there a golf clubhouse at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club?
Yes there is a golf clubhouse at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club.
Is there a golf pro shop at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club?
Yes there is a golf pro shop which you can access prior to your round of golf or visit to the golf club.
Are there changing facilities at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club?
Yes you can access changing rooms and facilities at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club.
Can you hire buggies at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club?
Buggy hire is available and will be subject to availability. Call prior to your visit to confirm you requirements.
Can you hire golf clubs at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club?
Yes you can hire golf clubs but these will be subject to availability. Contact Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club prior to your visit to confirm your requirements.
Is there a bar at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club?
Yes there is bar.
Is there a restaurant at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club?
Yes you can order food for dining at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club
Is there accommodation at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club?
No, we are unaware of accommodation being available.
Are there functions rooms available to hire at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club?
No, we are unaware of any function rooms being available.
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