It is probably safe to say that the three finest ever English golfers have been Harry Vardon, Henry Cotton and Nick Faldo. Cotton’s dominant period unfortunately coincided with the Second World War: he won the first of his three Open Championships in 1934 and the third in 1948. And Cotton’s connection with Ashridge? For much of his ‘dominant period’ he was the Professional attached to the Club - Ashridge in leafy Hertfordshire was Henry Cotton’s home.
Cotton joined Ashridge just five years after the Club’s formation in 1932. The 18 hole golf course was laid out by Sir Guy Campbell, C K Hutchison and N V Hotchkin and later refined by Tom Simpson. It is one of England’s loveliest courses and is always beautifully maintained. Strictly speaking it is a parkland layout, although many of the holes have a heathland feel to them. Parkland or heathland, the terrain is ideal for golf and the design makes the most of a wonderfully undulating landscape.
Ashridge has something of a reputation for ‘flattering’ golfers. You are certainly encouraged to play well with several fairways running through valleys which tend to gather tee shots - the first couple of holes being prime examples. Among the outstanding holes at Ashridge are the 2nd, a very handsome par five; the 9th, where the green is perched on a shelf of land overlooking the clubhouse; the 14th, which is often described as a miniature version of the Road Hole at St Andrews, and the rollercoasting 18th, with its vast, two-tiered green.

DIRECTIONS
5 miles north of Berkhamsted on B4506.

		Ashridge Golf Club is just one of the courses detailed in Golfing Guides of Britain& Ireland to order this book click here

© 2002 Golfing Guides. All rights reserved.
Use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use.