Golf is a great way to get exercise, socialise, and relieve stress. It is a popular sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Here are some of the benefits of playing golf:

• Exercise: Golf is a great way to get exercise. Walking a golf course can burn up to 500 calories per hour. It is also a low-impact sport, which means it is easy on your joints.
• Socialisation: Golf is a social sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It is a great way to meet new people and make friends.
• Stress relief: Golf is a great way to relieve stress and improve your mental health. It is a relaxing and peaceful activity that can help you clear your mind and forget about your troubles.
• Personal development: Golf can help you develop important life skills, such as focus, concentration, and problem-solving. It can also help you build self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Recreation: Golf is a great way to have fun and enjoy the outdoors. It is a relaxing and enjoyable activity that can help you forget about your troubles and just enjoy the moment.

If you are looking for a sport that is good for your health, your social life, and your mental well-being, golf is a great option. It is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, and it offers a variety of benefit including amazing nature and wildlife. Why not give it a go.

 Have you ever thought that you would quite like to have a go at golf but didn't really think you would be able to get started? Maybe none of your friends fancied it or they tried to talk you out of it and into something else. I can honestly say, you don't need anyone with you to start golf and the quicker you do it the quicker you will be enjoying all the amazing things that this game has to offer. It is definitely a lifestyle and one that can stretch many decades.

I have been married to a golf pro for 29 years, we bought a golf course with driving range 15 years ago and it wasn't until July 2014 that I was "forced" to play!!
At the time I was hosting monthly business network events at our course and the group had been invited to enter teams into a golf day at another local course, my name was put on the sheet in the ladies team. I nearly died!! I don't play golf, I told them. They couldn't believe it, then told me I would have to learn before 31st August as I was on the sheet and they needed a ladies team.....haha.

It was comical really. I had clubs, my own golf course, and a teacher on tap, so why hadn't I started to play golf. Probably one excuse after another, babies, business, time, but most probably the fear of embarrassing myself. I had introduced loads of women into golf, talked and listened to them about golf but not actually had the courage to do it myself. I think the expectation of others was and still is the hardest thing to overcome. People say to me all the time, "you must be really good, you've got your own course and your husband is a Pro but unfortunately these things don't make you good. Yes, granted I did have an advantage, but it still takes courage to take that first step to learn something new. 

One thing that I did know about golf, which probably gave me an advantage, was that the majority of average golfers (which 90% of us are) hit more bad shots than good ones in a round but only talk about the good ones!! Once beginners get out on the course they will soon notice that they aren't as bad as they thought they were and if they stay calm and enjoy the experience, the good golf shots will happen. I am a great believer of getting out on the course as quickly as possible. Try and find quiet times on the course so you don't feel under pressure, take a few lessons to get you started, either in a group or on your own, get the pro to introduce you to some other ladies who are just starting out. Just have a go. Ashton is a great place to learn. There is no pressure to dress like a golfer or have all your own golf gear, it is available to hire. We are really cheap for golf at £9 per round. This week we will be starting ladies group lessons for beginners so you can come along and give it a go with the Pro.  We have a great Pro at Ashton, Paul Woodhouse who, I must add, is also co-inventor of a very exciting new type of putter, which launched just before Christmas. (The FGX Putter) We are so excited for Paul and his business partner in their new venture. Martin, my husband and Ryan, our son have just received theirs and are desperate to get out and try them. Review to follow but it is so positive. I will keep you updated on that one. Anyway, if you fancy having a go at golf give Paul a ring or text him on 07852 870455 or call us at Ashton on 01524 752221.
​It will be great to meet you.
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As a breed, golfers are supremely optimistic. There must be something intrinsic to the sport that makes it so.


Maybe it won’t be raining at the golf course.

Maybe we can get nine holes in before the storm.

Maybe I can clear the water with my three-wood.

Maybe we’ll find it, after all, they cleared the leaves out of the woods recently.

We should be able to find it; it didn’t go that far into the rough.

I think we can get round before dark.

I can still chip in and make par.

If I make this putt, it will only be a bogey and there are plenty more birdie opportunities to come!

They are probably out of my range but I’ll wait just in case I hit the drive of my life, a strong gust of wind comes up, it hits a sprinkler head and ends up near the group in front who are, after all, only 325 yards away!!

Why is all this optimism important?

Multiple studies show optimists live longer and are generally healthier than pessimists. Optimists are also less likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes or smoke cigarettes. Optimists are generally supported by others. People who feel supported by others take better care of themselves. In addition, such social support may lower blood pressure and stress hormones, which helps the immune and cardiovascular system. (according to research carried out at the University of Utah).
According to the study, having an optimistic mind-set may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and early death, and optimism is associated with a range of favourable physical health outcomes and with greater success in work, school and relationships.  GOLF=OPTIMISM=HEALTHY

I have to agree with the study. I always feel 100% better after being out on the course, irrelevant whether it was a good round or not. It gives you an incredible sense of achievement which nothing else can match. Playing golf can be the best form of exercise for you and your friends. It builds on that optimism which in turn makes you feel good. Never dwell on the bad shots, look forward to what might be your best shot ever from the most difficult place. (I know we put it there but we don't care about that now as an optimist!!)

If you don't already play golf and would like to start, Ashton Golf Centre, Lancaster, is the perfect place. You don't need anything to get going. Pop in or give us a call and we can get you started on what could possibly be the best lifestyle choice you will make. Think...Good times, great weather, fabulous places to visit, great fashion, living longer, getting fitter and and and...... CALL TODAY 01524 752221

Just wanted to mention that there is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing.

​Many people, once they retire want to start golf but for some reason feel the barriers put them off. At Ashton we have spent many years breaking down these barriers, helping lots and lots of men and women Get Into Golf in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Everyone has to start somewhere and Ashton is definitely one of the most popular for those starting out on their golfing lifestyle.
A word of warning IT'S ADDICTIVE - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

Maybe you have thought about playing but never quite got around to it, perhaps because you thought it was too late to learn?
Think again, your senior years can be the very best time to enjoy the game! You can dedicate the time to it and enjoy hours of exercise and enjoyment outdoors.

Here Are Ten Reasons You Should Take Up Golf: there are many more reasons, but hopefully this will encourage you to come and see us.

⦁ Age is not a barrier: You are never too old to learn golf and it doesn’t matter what shape or size you are either. Golfers, even professional golfers come in ever shape and size imaginable.

⦁ You’ll live longer: Really they do, 5 years on average according to a Swedish study.

⦁ You’ll Stay Healthier: Golf help keeps you physically active and, if you walk, a round of golf really helps you keep the weight off with an average 1500 calories burn over 18 holes.

⦁ Golf Keeps You Mentally Active: Golf is not just a physical game but a mental one as well. It calls for strategy, creativity and problem-solving, all of which help keep your brain active, one of the key ingredients in fighting off the aging process.

⦁ Great Way to Bridge the Generation Gap: You can play with your son or daughter, grandkids or who ever you meet on the first tee. Golfers don’t care how young or old you are just that you enjoy the game!

⦁ Improves Your Social Life: Golf on and off the course is a very social game. It’s a great way to make new friends or start a new relationship quickly and easily without any awkwardness!

⦁ The Enjoyment of Communing With Nature. The birds, the bees, the flowers and the breeze. The views, the wildlife and the smell of fresh cut grass, just a few of the simple pleasures you will enjoy each and every time you play. Every season offers a variety of wildlife and beautiful nature, from white frosty branches in winter to the amazing bluebells in spring.

⦁ The Never Ending Challenge of the Game: With golf, every day is a fresh start on your never-ending challenge to shoot a lower score, par a specific hole or hit a certain type of shot well.

⦁ Great value recreational: Golf is really a great value when compared to many other activities.

⦁ The camaraderie of the 19th hole. There you can set the world’s problems to right and complain about the younger generation over your favourite beverage.

Next Steps:

⦁ If you have never played or have not played in a while, start with some lessons with our PGA Golf pro, Paul Woodhouse: give him a call on 01524 752221 Special offer for beginners

⦁ Get a yearly ticket so you can play as much as you like at Ashton. Amazingly good value compared to other activities. Less than £1 a day. If you play twice a week for 30 weeks a year you'll save £600. the more you play, the more you save. #BargainGolf BUY ONLINE HERE: www.ashtongolfcentre.com/playmoregolf.html.
If you want to meet others let us know and we will introduce to some lovely people

⦁ Give yourself a high five for getting out the house and doing something that will make a real difference in your life! 3

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​​Golf Provides Perfect Prizes and Gifts

You know how hard it is to give the perfect gift to a client or special someone. Well, when that person is a golfer it’s easy to give a small gift that makes a big impact. A golf book, logo-ed hat or towel from St Andrews can quickly and cheaply enhance any relationship. Most golfers love a golf cap, logo-ed T-shirt or jumper, with underarmour being a popular choice and its a bit #trendy as well. 

Golf Holidays  or short overnight stay at a top class venue are winners, as are gift cards for rounds of golf at a very special course. A new pair of golf shoes in classic white is a nice idea but try to buy from a Golf club not a discount store, as you have a better guarantee and better quality. Believe me, playing golf in cheap shoes is a bad idea. My personal fave all day long is FootJoy. As golfers like to play all year round, in any weather, good and I stress GOOD, waterproof brands are a great present. (Galvin Green or Sunderland of Scotland) We would also definitely recommend a voucher for a series of lessons from the local PGA pro (Click to message Paul) because we all yearn to play better!

Think carefully, however before giving impressive gifts such as clubs or even bags. Golfers tend to be very loyal to their brand. I play with PING irons and COBRA woods. If the friend you are buying for has a Titleist visor, Titleist bags, Titleist woods and Titleist irons, unless there has been some serious rumbling about the performance of his current equipment, it’s a pretty sure bet that a new set of Callaway’s may not hit the mark. Although I have seen a lot of golfers change everything after a bad round, because without doubt, it is obviously the clubs...dare I mention PGA Pro and Golf lessons again here?? HAHA. I have also found an entire bag, clubs, hat and jacket torn to shreds in our woodland. They say golf brings out the best and the worst in people LOL

Care should also be taken with novelty gifts such as the must-have Kermit the Frog head cover, which may be somewhat wasted on those unfamiliar with the Muppets. Most of them don't actually fit the club properly, fall off and end up in my lost property box. So if you want to give one of them a second chance they are only £1. I think Kermit is still in the box!! Spiderman and KungFu panda have been sold. (all money goes to Martin and Andy's Christmas Do :)) 

When all else fails, simply opt for a dozen Pro V1 golf balls, they are expensive but a great present and available from most good Pro Shops. In the unlikely event that the recipient does not appreciate that particular brand, they are more tradable than gold bullion!

From Ashton, you can buy vouchers for individual green fees, golf lessons or if that someone is really special why not buy them a yearly ticket. Click Here For more details.
Well I hope that has given you some ideas. Happy Hunting and I image #BlackFriday will be a great day to get a golfer Gift.
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Great to see so many people over the weekend. We hadn't expected it to be so busy after the New Year, thought you'd all have spent up! Well, a new golf season is starting and I think after the bad weather of 2012 we are all hoping that this year will start early. The course has held up really well despite the awful conditions and we are proud to say we haven't had to close any of the holes due to weather. This has surprised many of you, especially when you tell us of some of the conditions you've had to endure at other golf courses and are amazed how dry we are. The greens have been cut today as the grass was starting to grow!!! Now all level for your enjoyment. Got to get the fairways slit which helps with the drainage and plan for new pathways round the course for easy walking.
I'll keep you updated. Thanks for your support.
From Martin

As we come to the end of summer 2012, who would have believed that the weather could have been worse than 2011. Well sadly it was and for most of you it has interfered with your golfing enjoyment. But as the kids start back at school the sun has decided to come out and lots are getting in their golfing fix. This year has seen more and more people starting golf who don't seem to be bothered by playing in the rain. As we keep telling you, there's no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing!! A big thanks to all our customers for the lovely comments about the course and their appreciation of keeping the course like it is despite the wet weather. This year we have attracted a lot of customers from across the whole of Lancashire, especially Chorley, Blackburn and Bolton. For people to drive to Lancaster on a regular basis for 9 holes from these towns just because they "love it" tells us we are doing the right thing. We've had some great business networking events including The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce young business professionals who enjoyed a great golf lesson from Simon with the help of Ryan Lake, great networking and not forgetting....great buffet!
As the year continues we will see many sports students from our local high schools, colleges and both the universities using our golf facilities as part of their education and with the help of Simon Lucas, will learn how to analyse their swing and improve their golf. Great news too that Brambles School will be bringing their pupils all the way from Leyland to use the driving range and introduce them to golf.
We have linked up with gymophobics, a women only gym in Lancaster to promote a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise for women and will be offering discounted green fees at certain times of the day so you can burn over 700 calories whilst playing 9 holes!!
Here's hoping that the autumn is a mild one so that we can all continue to play as much as possible and get the fresh air and exercise we need.
Don't forget the Ryder Cup!! Starts Friday 28th September at 06.30 Chicago time (12.30 GMT) Good luck to team Europe, Watch it live at Ashton Golf centre.
If you want to learn to play golf call us for a chat, pop in for a coffee or check out www.lucas-golf.co.uk we are here to help.