Dominic couldn't maintain both courses so brilliantly without the help of his trusted companions, especially Hadley, who's always by his side.

A historic moment for @RoyalAshdown 👏 Congratulations to PGA Professional Fenella Buss on becoming the first female Head Professional in the club's 138-year history, and potentially the first woman to hold the role at any Royal club worldwide. Having built her experience at The Grove and through her PGA journey, Fenella now begins an exciting new chapter at one of England's most prestigious golf clubs. With a strong focus on member and visitor experience, academy development and growing participation in golf, she has clear ambitions for the future. An inspiring story of dedication, progression and opportunity within the profession. Read more about Fenella's journey and plans for Royal Ashdown Forest: bit.ly/3PZdqiZ

The Ashdown Forest is always a peaceful scene, but at 6:30am when it's just greenkeepers and the occasional dog walker, it's about as serene as it gets.

It's Amateur Championship month, so we remember Freddie Tait's triumph 130 years ago when he beat 1892 Open Champion Harold Hilton. Tait stood among our greatest early members (including Horace Hutchinson and Abe Mitchell), and he'd go on the win The Amateur again in 1898.

The final test on our West Course - a Top 100 course in it's own right, recognised in both the Golf World GB&I Fun and GB&I Under £70 lists.

Our two courses, the Old and the West, are both Top 100 ranked in their respective categories, yet offer two very different tests and experiences.

In May 1893, Robert Birch persuaded Lord Cantelupe, son of the Earl De La Warr, to seek royal patronage. Securing this status was a defining moment in our early days, establishing the traditional heritage we uphold today.

A simple par 3 at first glance, but the more you play the 9th, the more trouble reveals itself: in the chasm of heather short of the green and in the severely sloping surface that can quickly turn a great tee shot into a bogey.

Entries are open for our Scratch Open, the Winkley Smith Challenge Cup. Just £95 provides a 36 holes of golf and our superb hospitality, including a bacon roll on arrival, a two-course buffet lunch, and tea and cake after the second round. Enter online: bit.ly/4w7vNCf

Summer has well and truly arrived in the Ashdown Forest, and the bright purple heather is only a few months away. Visit our website to enjoy one of the best experiences in English golf - 2-ball play around our bunkerless layout: bit.ly/4lq74UA

No bunkers, no problem. The natural contours and punishing heather provide the perfect recipe for a formidable test. This beautifully rugged landscape is the secret of our peaceful courses.

Our stunning clubhouse, home to our convivial membership, the Ashdown Golfers who play the West Course, and a welcoming space for visitors and societies alike.

Vibrant heather waiting to catch wayward shots, tall pines, and greens carved into the natural, rolling landscape. Three defining features of our Old Course.

Our light, airy, traditional clubhouse is filled with historical nuggets dating back to our club's founding, adorned with famous names that have influenced how we think and play the game we all know and love.

The tranquillity of a forest sunrise. There is nothing quite like it.

The stunning Ashdown Forest famously inspired A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh. Being rooted in the surrounding landscape means our unique bunkerless routing relies on sprawling heather and natural undulations to provide a wonderful test of golf.

The last few months have seen essential winter work completed by Course Manager Dom and his team. Extensive silver birch and bracken removal has opened up our courses, getting vital light onto the surfaces to promote healthier turf.

Our West Course delivers something special for golfers of every standard, at great value. Visit our website to find out more.

Behind every great Head Greenkeeper is an even better dog. Dom handles the agronomy and the team, but Hadley is solely responsible for final quality control and morale support across the forest.

Steeped in 130 years of history, the clubhouse remains a sanctuary for the traditional game. Since our 1888 origins, it has offered panoramic views over the Old Course, providing the perfect setting to relax and reflect on a round.