Ashburnham Golf Club: Timeless Quality on the Carmarthenshire Coast
First Impressions and Setting
Tucked away on the peaceful South Wales coast near Burry Port, Ashburnham Golf Club offers a pure and understated golfing experience that rewards those who value tradition, challenge, and natural beauty. It may not carry the same international profile as some of its Welsh counterparts, but Ashburnham or "Ash" as it’s affectionately known, has quietly built a reputation as one of the finest traditional links courses in the country.
From the moment you arrive, there’s a strong sense of heritage and calm. The setting is wonderfully tranquil, with expansive views across the Loughor Estuary, gently undulating fairways shaped by nature, and the ever present breeze adding character to every shot. It’s easy to feel as though you’ve stepped back to a simpler era of the game, and that’s a good thing.
History and Prestige
Established in 1894, Ashburnham is steeped in golfing tradition. The course was later redesigned by Harry Colt and refined by J.H. Taylor, both of whom brought their classic touch to what is now a beautifully flowing layout. Its pedigree is unquestionable: the club has hosted numerous prestigious events over the years. This rich competitive history has helped Ashburnham earn the respect of professionals and amateurs alike, even if it tends to stay below the radar in mainstream golfing circles.
Course Overview: Traditional Links with Inland Character
Ashburnham is often described as a links course, and while it certainly shares many links characteristics; firm turf, gorse lined fairways, fast running greens, it isn’t quite as exposed or duneland heavy as the likes of Royal Porthcawl or Pyle and Kenfig. Instead, it has a slightly more inland links feel, particularly on the front nine, which features some gentle elevation changes and a more parkland style rhythm.
The back nine, however, is a different proposition altogether, drawing you closer to the estuary and into flatter, more exposed terrain where the wind becomes a significant factor. The layout is subtle rather than spectacular, no towering dunes or dramatic cliff edges but it’s precisely that restraint that makes Ashburnham such a rewarding test. It’s a course that values consistency, precision, and course management over brute strength.
Memorable Holes
The opening stretch at Ashburnham is gentle but inviting. The first hole, a mid length par four, eases you into the round with a relatively wide fairway and a receptive green. But don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security, things begin to ramp up quickly.
The fifth hole is often cited as one of the course’s highlights: a long, right to left dogleg par four that demands a well placed tee shot and a solid approach into a green that can be tricky to hold. From here, the front nine works its way through tighter corridors and occasional elevation changes, with thick rough and penal bunkers ready to punish lapses in concentration.
The ninth, a straight par four with a green framed by tall trees and guarded by bunkers short and right, closes out the outward half with understated brilliance.
It’s on the back nine where Ashburnham truly shines. The 11th, a long par three playing back towards the estuary, is a visual treat, especially when the wind is up. Club selection here is crucial, as missing short leaves a tough uphill recovery and going long brings a sharp run off into play.
The 14th hole deserves particular praise. It’s a classic risk reward par four, offering the chance to drive the green for the longer hitter if the wind allows, but anything offline risks finding one of the cleverly positioned bunkers or the thick rough lining both sides. It’s a short hole by modern standards, but one that perfectly encapsulates the strategic charm of links golf.
The finishing hole, a straight par four running parallel to the first, brings you back towards the understated clubhouse. It may lack the theatrics of some modern closers, but it demands accuracy to avoid the bunkers and find a narrow green that can be tough to hold in dry conditions.
Strategy Over Strength
Ashburnham rewards golfers who think their way around the course. There’s no benefit in simply hitting it as far as possible; in fact, doing so often brings more trouble into play. Narrow fairways, penal rough, and clever bunkering place a premium on positioning and decision making.
The greens are subtle but fast, especially in summer, with borrows that can be hard to read at first glance. Some have gentle slopes that only reveal their difficulty as your ball continues to trickle ten feet past the hole. Approach shots need to be played with care, and a sharp short game will pay dividends throughout the round.
The course plays differently depending on wind conditions, making it a challenge that rarely feels repetitive. On a calm day, it’s scoreable. On a breezy one, and there are plenty of those it becomes a proper test of links skills.
Facilities and Atmosphere
Ashburnham is not a resort course, and it doesn’t pretend to be. The clubhouse is traditional, offering all the essentials: a cosy bar, a relaxed dining area, a welcoming atmosphere, and panoramic views over the first and last holes.
The practice facilities are solid, there’s a putting green and short game area, though the driving range is a short walk from the clubhouse. The pro shop is well stocked and run by knowledgeable staff, and visitors are made to feel genuinely welcome. There’s a warmth here, a sense of belonging, that reflects the club’s long standing roots in the local community.
A Worthwhile Addition to Any Golf Trip
Ashburnham makes for an excellent stop on any South Wales golf itinerary. It pairs naturally with Royal Porthcawl, Pyle and Kenfig, and Southerndown, but also offers something slightly different, a more grounded, thoughtful experience with a strong sense of identity and tradition.
It’s also worth noting that the course is excellent value for money, especially when compared with other championship level venues. For those seeking high quality golf without the frills (or the price tag) of a luxury resort, Ashburnham is an excellent choice.
Final Thoughts
Ashburnham may not scream for attention, but it certainly earns your respect. This is golf as it was meant to be: quietly challenging, beautifully natural, and full of nuance. It’s a course that demands your full attention without ever feeling forced or artificial.
For purists and traditionalists, it ticks every box. For visitors, it offers a warm welcome, a memorable test of golf, and a sense of place that stays with you long after the final putt drops.
In an age where many courses chase spectacle, Ashburnham continues to deliver substance. It’s one of Wales’s true hidden gems and once you’ve played it, you’ll understand why so many golfers return year after year.
Joe Killoran, Editor, 8 Hcp