I've been asked by almost every golfer I've discussed Hertfordshire with what my favourite course was so far. Until last week I was struggling to give a strong, confident and resolute answer! More often, my answer would be a two or three part recommendation based on elements of a few courses I had enjoyed and the elements I found most rewarding as an amateur golfer. In variably, most players and professionals who've been in the game long enough suggested that; "I couldn't have played Ashridge yet".

I recently read that one writer of a prestigious golfing magazine said of Ashridge, that has he lived local to the area it's the type of course he would aspire to be a member and I genuinely share that sentiment. Taking onboard the overall setting of this beautiful landscape, adding the original architects; Hutchinson, Campbell and Hotchkin and knowing the influence injected by Sir Henry Cotton it is hard to find the right words to explain just how special Ashridge feels.

For example, even on the best courses Ive played I can usually reel off 1 or 2 holes that stuck in my memory as favourites; when asked this of Ashridge I must of initially spouted 6 or 7 holes and when asked again I listed another 4 or so which weren't in the original list; in honesty the course is magnificent. I had the luxury of teeing off at 17:00 on an autumn evening where the course was quiet and I had most of it to myself. I'm told Ashridge has a limited membership capacity which is a fantastic news in an age where many clubs are packing their books full of members making the courses too busy to play or leading to impossibly long rounds.

The landscape, design, fairways and the parkland scenery make you feel instantly transported into a natural world, the feeling encapsulates you throughout the course and the roaming deer of the national trust make it extra special. The design is staggering, with a great use of the natural landscape which seems untouched with the holes simply carved into it.

With the combination of tight fairways, decent elevation changes and ample bunkers the protection has a variance hole to hole, the greens are especially challenging with many holes being catered for with large tiered greens.

For me, Ashridge is a close as Hertfordshire could come to Sunningdale, which is not an easy thing to say let alone achieve.

The clubhouse, appears on the outside to be quite modern, but inside oozes a traditional quality with an extensive pro-shop, bar and changing facilities. The management team and the professional were both helpful and respectful.

Favourite Hole: what a tough choice! The 1st or the 18th would probably get my vote, even still I want to list the 9th too!

Clubhouse , Pro-Shop, Extensive Practice facilities all in great condition and perfect to compliment the course and club. The pathways and the carpark are even perfect.