Ashbury Golf Hotel

Great place to come to get away for a few rounds. The courses were waterlogged when we played, but still enjoyable. Yes, it is a bit of a pain to stick to the cart paths and sometimes will result in you having to walk back to change clubs, however the amount of play these courses get it is necessary. The accommodation and food is basic but the price more than makes up for it, making it great value for money all things considered. People who pay £250 for 3 nights, 6 rounds all inclusive and then moan because their skirting board was chipped or TV had a bit of dust need to get a life. What the hell were you expecting? Most people spend most of their day golfing with any downtime spent in the restaurant or bar using the room purely for sleeping and showering. I'd rather money be spent on maintaining the courses than fresh flowers in the room everday. To the person below who said "if you hit a good tee shot off the 2nd you are penalized by your ball rolling out of bounds" - Poor course management is not the courses fault!

Payed a green fee with 3 friends last Monday on the Kigbeare. First impression of the complex was how busy it was. So before tee off we thought this must be good. How wrong we were. Green drivable with two of our shots ending up on 2nd tee hidden behind some bushes close to 1st green! Straight away we found the green bumpy and the bunkers in a poor state. The 2nd hole was beyond laughable. We hit our tee shots and made off down the fairway. We had to dodge practice balls flying through or over the practice range nets, one hitting my partners buggie. We soon discovered that if you hit a good tee shot off the 2nd you are penalized by your ball rolling out of bounds. The fairway was on a very steep sideways slope. Along with the layout, condition and the buggies having to stay on the buggie paths, it all added up to a five and half hour round! This is a low quality course that is very dangerous to play. Best described as a Butlins with golf clubs.

Having visited this place for the past 5yrs speaks for itself, our party of four really enjoy the whole package. The rooms are basic clean and comfortable, the food is plentiful and varied so it suits everyone.The bar is well stocked with a variety of real ale and the usual cream flow beers so again cateres for all. I for one cannot praise this place enough,staff, management right down to the cleaners are all pleasent.Golf wise the Kigbeare is a must for all new comers, breath taking 16th.I have just booked for 2011 with the same group and long may it continue.

Had a four ball last Monday pm and played the Kigbeare course.The course was immaculate and the views breathtaking .The staff were very helpful and my only slight reservation was lack of direction posts on some holes. That said next time i play the course i will be more familiar with it.The 16th hole is awesome.I will return when i have recovered the walk!!!Mike Brown Alan Leo Tony Elson and Nick Birdy Bandit!!!

Well, I have just got back after a four day break. This is probably the seventh time I have stayed there. I actually vowed never to go back after last year but somebody else booked so I went along with it. Firstly the good. The courses are excellent and all of the other facilities and activities make it great value for money. The accomodation is clean and it does the job. The food is plentiful and although its nothing special it is edible and does the job. Now the very bad. The staff are so rude!!! Most of the waiting staff are ok but there is an overriding attitude from the top down. The customer is seen as a real inconvenience at this place. I have just arrived back today and during my four day break I must have seen a six or so disagreements with staff. There was an argument in the pro shop because the staff were downright rude. On another occassion I was in the pro shop whilst they were slagging of the new mnanagement team. the list goes on. I would also advise anyone to be very careful when booking as they have a habit of sending out promotional discounts in their email newslatter and although I have booked a party a day or so before, they would let us have the discount and were rude in the process. In summary, the golf is great, the courses are challenging and the scenary is breathtaking but the longer serving staff need serious lessons in hospitality. Not for the sensitive. If only Mr Essex (the owner) took the time to look into this.

Without a doubt the best golf holiday I have ever been on. We stayed at the Ashbury Golf Hotel in June 09 and the weather was fantastic. The hotel accomodation is fine. They describe it as basic and state people don't go there for quality accomodation but it was more than basic. Very nice rooms and comfortable beds. Restaurant was nice and food choice was varied. Food was always hot. Bar prices were average and there was plenty to do each night. As for the golf, well there isn't much more you could want. 3 full 18 hole courses, a combination of 27 holes which gives you 3 more courses to play plus an 18 hole par three course. All courses were in excellent condition. Every hole had an alternate green to allow the green keepers to reguarly maintain the main greens. All fairways were cut to a nice length and the tee areas were very well kept. Each hole had detailed information boards at the start including the days pin position on each green. There were marker posts on each hole. All the courses were challenging in their own way. The main course, the Kigbeare, is a very challenging course. You have to use a buggy on most of the courses, mainly due to the long distance between holes. Buggy prices are very reasonable. They are half price Mon - Thurs so it's only £8 for a whole days hire. Value for money is superb. All golf is included in the price, thats 27 holes per day. Overall I cannot fault this course or hotel at all. We rebooked for next year while we were there and they have even booked our tee times already giving us what we want.

I have recently stayed at the Ashbury Golf Hotel with my golf society. We stayed for a long weekend on my recommendation from 26-29 September 08. We were absolutely blessed with the weather and had bright sunshine throughout. The accommodation, though fairly basic was good and tidy. The overall facilities in and around the hotel was, well, truly great. Food was average but fine, the beer well priced with a full selection. The only thing which let the venue down was some of the staff (waiters) lacked in communication skills and came across as rude. This wouldn’t put me off as a whole the staff was pleasant and helpful. On day 1 we played the Oakwood– The course was in overall good condition considering the extra rainfall this summer. Some greens were a little bumpy/soft, but this has to be expected with the amount of traffic on these courses. On day 2 we played the Kigbeare- This course was in splendid condition, the greens were all running true, apart from the 16th which had recently been spiked. Still you can’t have everything. This was the first time I had played this course on its new lay out. Day 3 saw my first round on the Beeches – A splendid course with some fantastic views. The course was fantastic and played really well. The old Kigbeare holes were well received, though they gave a little bit of extra travel time around the course. This is a really good challenging course. You have plenty of sideways sloping on fairways and difficult lies. Day 4 saw a return to the beaches for our final day. We only ever saw the green keeping staff on our final day. How do they keep the course so well maintained considering the traffic on the courses? This proved once again that the Asbury Golf hotel is number 1. I am now searching for an excuse to head back west from Sussex to this truly fabulous venue.

Visited Asbury Golf Hotel over the weekend of 05-08/09/08. A group of us have been coming here for quite a number of years now, and this was my second visit. I can see in the space of 12 months how much it has improved. Bearing in mind the amount of rain we have received (Friday and Saturday were particularly bad), all except a handful of greens were in play. The temporary greens are not like those you experience at the local muni but just as good as the main green. Last year the better courses seemed to be Kigbeare and Pines. This year by far the best course was the new Beeches layout. It was superb. Now onto the accomodation and food. This place cannot be beaten for value. There is a buffet breakfast including full english or cereals. There is a buffet lunch with multiple choices. Followed by 3 courses for evening meal. On our last evening there was even free wine! The rooms are adequate with hot water from the power showers constantly (this cannot be underestimated when you are cold from a windy, rainy day). There are numerous activities for the evening or you can just sit at the bar. I don't want this to sound like I'm working for the hotel but the golf, accomodation, and activities are all great and I cannot recommend it enough. If there is anyone out there who knows of better value - please do, because we would love to try it out.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.