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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