The Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club is located in the middle of the Royal Ashdown Forest, and they lease the land from Her Majesty’s Government on the provision that they are not allowed to dig into the ground. The result is one of the world’s most natural golf courses, one that does not possess even a single bunker! The amazing thing though is that Royal Ashdown Forest needs none, and if you were not aware of this fact going in, it is doubtful you would notice. The course offers many heroic, one-of-a-kind shots, with plenty of elevation change (both uphill and down!), and spectacular views. The walk through the forest is simply inspiring, and the occasional long walks from green to tee (unusual for a course this old), only serve to enhance the fairy-tale feel. The course is beautiful, yes, but beware, for this is also one of the most difficult courses in Britain, one justified by its world top-100 ranking. The clubhouse, at first glance a bit out-of-date, in fact with an almost Norman Bates/Alfred Hitchcock feel to it up on the hill, eventually reveals itself to be one of England’s friendliest 19th holes. Not a thing has changed about it in over 50 years (a fact of which the club is quite proud!), and they love having visitors, making it easy to strike up an entertaining conversation in the upstairs bar. Royal Ashdown Forest is so unusual in the world of golf, and it may take some getting used to, but after a few holes you’ll respect it, a few more and you’ll appreciate it, by the back nine you’ll want to play it again, and at the end of the day you’ll have fallen in love with it!