Course Overview

The course was designed in 1932 by James Braid, five times open champion and Britain's greatest course architect.  It measures 6512 yards with a par of 71 off the white tees, and provides a challenge to every golfer, especially the classic dog-leg 9th, the demanding long 17th known as "˜Braids Best', and the daunting elevated tee to the 18th green.

Braid's achievement was to construct a course in harmony with the existing landscape, that did not prevent him from introducing spectacular touches of theatre. The most striking effect comes after 11 holes: suddenly this parkland course reveals an unexpected seaward aspect, looking out towards Morecambe Bay.

The signature hole is the 18th. Peter Alliss listed it in his Top 10 finishing holes! The problem it poses, how best from a high tee to carry a ravine of rough ground, water and sand to the green below. The green is guarded on the left by an Oak tree, which was already present when the course was constructed. Four bunkers provide the putting area with more than adequate protection. One of them, built into the bank below the plateau green is, perhaps the most notorious on the course. Like all good 18th holes, its green lies under the clubhouse windows of the historic and stunning Ashton Hall. A truly stunning hole!