Ashbourne Golf Club
Clifton,
Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 4BN
Tel : +44 (0)1335 342078

wrote on: Feb 10, 2004

Was Will playing ?
Trevor

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Phill Crocker wrote on: Oct 1, 2001

We had a really enjoyable day here. The lady in the pro shot was really cheerful and genuinely seemed pleased to see us. Although the course was quite wet when we played it was one of the most interesting courses I've played.
I would advise getting a buggy if possible as it is rather up and down and our legs were a bit stiff by the end. The par 3 ninth is about the hardest but fun hole I've played, even as a high handicapper, I prefer holes like this as some obvious thought has gone into it. At £15 for a visitor it must rank as one of the best value courses I've played. I will definitely go back when the weather is better, on a clear day; the views would be
spectacular.

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Neil Cameron wrote on: Aug 1, 2000

I can only assume that Mr MacKenzie didn't score too well on his visit to Ashbourne! The course was extended to 18 holes in 1999 and has matured very quickly. The greens were all laid to stringent USPGA specifications and are playing well. The course is not particularly long off the yellow tees (6000 yds) but the course has been designed to make even 300 yard par 4 holes an interesting challenge.
The newer part of the course is on top of the hill and because the newly-planted saplings are small, protection from the wind is minimal. The fairways are undulating and play a little like a links course. Some of the tee arrangements on the back nine are a little confusing to a first time visitor, but that doesn't detract from the holes themselves.
The 9th hole at 190 yards full carry to a table top green is difficult as stated by Mr MacKenzie, (but who said golf is easy!!) The 12th is difficult, requiring either a Driver with 250 yds carry to clear the lake or laying up short followed by a long iron to the green. At 400 yards it should be manageable in two whichever way you choose to play it.
The views of the surrounding countryside are breathtaking, looking over Dovedale and the Derbyshire Dales.
The 18th, a dog-leg, has a small lake to the left of the green, adjacent to the clubhouse, making the approach shot fairly tricky. The front nine (par35) is probably easier than the back nine (par36) but if the mid or high handicapper plays the 9th as a par 4, instead of 3, and the 12th as a par 5 rather than a 4, the course shouldn't present the
horrendous problems Mr MacKenzie alludes to.
Greeen fees are currently £438 for 2000 and ,I feel, represent tremendous value for money with a full membership standing at only 450 or so.
I'm sorry that Mr Mac K didn't enjoy the course. Perhaps the less interesting flatter courses in southern Derbyshire would be more appropriate?

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c/o John Milne wrote on: Jan 1, 2000

I found this to be one of the best new courses I have played. Within a year of opening it has already been chosen to hold the Derbyshire boys championship for this year and possibly permanently. A few changes may be needed but improvements are being made all of the time. With its stunning views and links like holes it is a real test of golf.
Although very open on the top area of the course, the holes spread themselves out over a large area and onto the old nine-hole course where the trees line the fairways. The par fives offer a all round test with the second hole being nearly 570 yards but the eighth only being just under 500. The par fours also have a range of distances, perhaps the hardest of all being the stroke index one, twelfth. With a natural lake to carry from the tee shot, many of the average golfers lay-up although it is very possible for the low handicappers and big hitters to clear the water. It is however the par threes that offer the real test of skill. The ninth is possibly the hardest hole on the course being uphill and having a water hazard short right. This 200yard hole is a tough golf hole.
I believe the jewel of this course however has to be the par four eighteenth. It has a dogleg right with a water hazard on the corner. The green is surrounded by bunkers on the right, and another water hazard right with the beautiful new Clubhouse just behind.
Altogether I would recommend this course to anyone who enjoys a good test, it has a great atmosphere and definitely has a future to look forward to.
Bob Smith hdcp 7

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A MacKenzie wrote on: Nov 1, 1999

Not a very good golf course, it is new, featureless and fails to inspire. There are many bad holes and no good ones. The initial problem stems from the fact that it is so high up and exposed to the elements. I don't really think the designer knew what he was trying to achieve here and ultimately came up with an abomination of a golf course.
The 9th is a terrible par three, almost impossible for weaker players and ladies, with only the 8th hole getting my approval on the entire course. The 12th is the epitome of this golf course, it is an absolutely dire hole with a large artificial pond in the worst place possible. The water hazard is impossible to carry for the longest of hitters so they must hit a mid iron off the tee and the shorter hitter struggles to carry it with their second, stupid!!! There are many more example of bad holes and unless you enjoy playing poorly designed golf courses stay well away. 41%
A MacKenzie

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