ASHTON-on-Mersey shares its South Manchester location with some illustrious sporting neighbours.

The multi-millionaire footballers of Manchester United and Manchester City, along with the rugby stars of Sale Sharks, have their training bases barely a mile away.

Indeed, the road that leads to their Carrington headquarters skirts past the sixth green at Ashton where golfers will have just had to negotiate two demanding holes that run parallel to the River Mersey.

The risk of balls landing in water at this nine-hole parkland course also comes from the brook which meanders across the early holes and then provides a fiendish test at the short par four eighth.

The stream guards a new green which was only opened last year, its subtle slopes and out of bounds at the back merely enhancing the reputation of Ashton’s signature hole.

A change for 2010 is an elevated tee at the 13th, a par three where the front of the green is protected by a large bunker.

One of the Ashton’s main challenges comes from the narrow fairways which require accuracy from the tee. Most holes have two tees, adding variety to a course recognised as a fair test for golfers of all standards.

A clue about Ashton’s charm comes when visitors drive along a cobblestone road that leads past the ancient St Martin’s Church towards the club. It’s a quaint approach but everything is modern once you reach a clubhouse that is the envy of many other clubs.

So too, for that matter, is the Ashton ambience – a warm and friendly social atmosphere that exists among its membership and which is openly acknowledged on the local golf circuit.

The clubhouse is an ideal location for sharing memories of golfing experiences or enjoying a social function. Indeed, it is a popular venue for private bookings, especially with a balcony that overlooks the final green and offers superb panoramic views across Sale. The M60 and Trafford Centre are close by.

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Established: 1897
• Address: Church Lane, Sale, Cheshire. M33 5QQ
• Telephone: 0161 976 4390
• Fax: 0161 976 4390
• E Mail: golf.aomgc@dbhmail.co.uk
• Web: www.ashtononmerseygolfclub.co.uk
• Club Professional: Kris Andrews, kris@krisandrews.co.uk
• Pro Shop Telephone: 0161 962 3727
• Course Yardage: White Tees 6,180 - Par 71 Yellow Tees 5,875 – Par 71 Red Tees 5,670 – Par 74

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