The Long and Winding Road to Kintyre – a Golfing Destination!

By Tom Kelly - TheHomeofGolf | May 2, 2019

Machrihanish courses are worth the journey
…so is the gem at Dunaverty

The aim was to get around 5 golf courses in Kintyre in 3 days! Throw in a few historic sights, some distillery tours, artisan producers, a few hundred miles driving, a ferry journey and it would be fair to say, it was going to be a tight squeeze!

OK… so, where are we heading?

Kintyre - The Home of Golf

Entering the Kintyre Peninsula, we faced torrential rain and wind speeds of 40-50 mph. The 3 day plan looked shaky from the start but this weather wasn’t forecast to last for long.

The harbour village of Tarbert is your entry point into Kintyre & is the start of the Kintyre Way. The Kintyre Way is a 100-mile walking route that weaves its way down the Kintyre Peninsula to Machrihanish – more details below.

The Long and Winding Road

The road, from Tarbert to our base in Campbeltown inspired Paul McCartney to write the song ‘The Long & Winding Road’. This was the last song released by the Beatles before their break up in 1970.

Kintyre was a place McCartney was fond of & called home for many years. He also raised the awareness of the area with his single ‘Mull of Kintyre’. When he released it in 1977, it became one of the biggest selling ‘non-charity’ singles of all time. The video, with the Campbeltown Pipe Band, was filmed on the beach at Saddell Bay, on the east coast of the Kintyre Peninsula.

We found a load of ‘non-golf’ things to see & do in Kintyre (details below) but first up on this golf trip was Dunaverty golf club, at the very south tip of the Kintyre Peninsula.

Dunaverty Golf Club
www.dunavertygolfclub.com

The strong winds didn’t detract from appreciating what a delightful links course this is. The key feature that you cannot miss on the course is Dunaverty Rock. The course was founded in 1889 but the rock obviously dates back a lot longer. The rock, and the castle that once stood here, have seen their fair share of Scottish history. The Dunaverty Massacre of 1647 being the bloodiest.

The Course

As you play up the first hole towards Dunaverty Rock, your sea view gets better and better. The views from the fifth tee are breath-taking, as the ink-black Conieglen Burn flows into the aqua blue waters, where the Irish Sea meets the Atlantic. The views only get better as you head up Mount Zion (10^thhole) and onto the 11th tee. There are views out to Sanda Island, Northern Ireland, Ailsa Craig, the Ayrshire coast and the cliffs overlooking the Mull of Kintyre on a clear day.

Dunaverty GC - The Home of Golf — 5th tee overlooking the Conieglen Burn

On paper, this course stretches out to 4,799 yards and is a par 66. Some may consider this too short and pass it by, but I would recommend stopping here. If you haven’t played it before, I suspect the course will have the upper hand. There are some blind shots but they are only blind the first time you play them. I am sure that you will want to play it again and wreak revenge.

There is no protection from the wind here and you could almost double the length of the holes against the wind, when it blows hard. The stretch of holes along the shore line from the third to the eleventh are a delight. I am sure you wouldn’t be the first to wave through the group behind, on the 11th tee, so you can stop to admire the surroundings.

It’s not all about the views here, as there are some tough holes. The 17th is one of the best and a real challenge, into the wind on a breezy day. A good drive down 17 will still leave you a long iron to the green, that sits just over the Conieglen Burn. I have no doubt that this hole will have wrecked some good scores in the past.

Scottish Golfing Legend

The Club has produced some fine golfers over the years but none more so than Scottish golfing legend, Belle Robertson MBE. She has won many international titles in her time but I suspect winning the Curtis Cup for the first time on American soil in 1986, must rank right up there – what a feat!

Dunaverty GC may not get the wider attention that its neighbours at Machrihanish Golf Club and Machrihanish Dunes get but don’t be put off by that. This is an absolute gem of a course and I’m happy to shout about it! Put it on your list and bring your camera.

Machrihanish Golf Club
www.machgolf.com

I didn’t play a lot of links golf as a youngster. So, when I played Machrihanish golf course, in my twenties, for the first time, it was a real treat. I remember walking off the 18th, thinking ‘this is the best course I’ve ever played’.

Jennie Dunn, the professional, will keep you right before your round. Her pro shop sits on one of the most famous first tees in golf. She must be the envy of many pros across the land.

Machrihanish - The Home of Golf — Jennie Dunn’s Pro Shop – Machrihanish Golf Club

The Course

Your tee shot on the first hole is what everyone talks about here. Yes, it’s fun, it’s intimidating but so is the rest of the course.

At first glance, it may look like a typical 9 out, 9 back sort of links course but it is so much more than that. Some holes are sunk into the dunes, some are more exposed.

The first eight holes head out along the coastline, all at slightly different angles. What this means is that the ever-present wind always appears to be coming from a marginally different direction.

Machrihaninsh GC - The Home of Golf

The ninth hole turns you back and from the tenth you are heading back in the opposite direction to the first eight holes. The front nine has one par 3 and eight par 4s, whereas you will encounter two par 5s, three par 3s and four par 4s on the inward nine.

UK Top 50 Course

This course is in the UK’s top 50 courses for a good reason and I’m sure you’ll agree, if you enjoy true links golf. The views match the quality of the course, with Islay, Jura & Gigha all in sight on a clear day. As the course is west facing, you may encounter spectacular sunsets, if you’re lucky.

Machrihanish Dunes Golf Course
machrihanishdunes.com

Machrihanish Dunes lies a few miles north of Machrihanish golf course by car. The course only opened 10 years ago but you would not guess that if you hadn’t been told.

Machrihanish Dunes - The Home of Golf

The golf course sits on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which means that the area is under protection. You can’t build on it, move or remove anything from it, without the utmost scrutiny and consultation. It also means no use of heavy machinery is allowed, no chemical fertiliser, no laying down of cement cart paths, etc. This course had to be built by hand, the way it used to be.

David McLay-Kidd – course architect

The task that lay ahead of course architect, David McLay-Kidd, must have been daunting, to say the least. The course sits on 260+ acres of dunes, yet McLay-Kidd only disturbed 7 acres in the construction of the course. The majority of this work was to shape the tees and greens.

The fairways were simply mown into shape. Hebridean Black Sheep ‘employed’ to keep the rough down and the bunkers created from natural scraps and eroded areas.

Machrihanish Dunes - The Home of Golf

There will be quirks or blind shots that you may not agree with but this course is the result of what nature provided. It is clear that McLay-Kidd couldn’t flatten a sand dune, here and there, to straighten out a hole or to prevent a blind shot or to shorten the walk to the next tee.

The Course

You are sure to get a genuine, warm welcome from Peter the starter. He is knowledgeable of the course and more than happy to keep you right, before you tee off.

Machrihanish Dunes - The Home of Golf — 1st green – Machrihanish Dunes

The first few holes head out to the most southerly point on the course. This is where you’ll find two of the three Par 3s, back to back, at the fifth & sixth holes, right on the Atlantic. By this stage, you’ll have experienced some large greens, with some serious contours.

The seventh takes you back inland again, before you tackle the longest hole on the course at the eighth. The tenth leads you back to the beachfront, where panoramic views to Islay, Jura & Gigha await.

Machirhanish Dunes - The Home of Golf — 16th tee – Machrihanish Dunes

The final stretch along the stunning coastline is at 15 and 16. The par 5, 16th is stroke index 1, so be sure to keep it on the short stuff. The seventeenth serves up a blind shot, a dog-leg and a water hazard for your penultimate hole. Once you’ve negotiated 17, a gradual climb up the 18th lies ahead, with the green tucked into the left.

This is a great course. You can play it from the back tees and grind it out or you can play from the front and have fun. The weather will always have its part to play here; the course will give you good bounces and bad… but that’s golf!

I suspect you’ll enjoy this course a lot more second time round – check out the ‘stay and play’ packages at the Ugadale & Royal Hotels – both of which are attached to the golf course (details below). Heads up – look out for the unlimited golf deal!

Machrihanosh Dunes - The Home of Golf Machrihanish Dunes – Starters Box

A blast from the past…

As I was saying my farewell to Peter the starter, I recognised a face from the past, coming off the course. It was Jimmy Kidd, father of course architect, David McLay-Kidd. I used to work in the golf office, next to Jimmy at Gleneagles Hotel when he was the Estates & Golf Courses manager there. It was a pleasure to see him again, after so many years and to hear his views on Machrihanish Dunes.

Jimmy was playing with one of Scotland’s finest golfers, Belle Robertson MBE, whom I have mentioned above. I watched her walk off the course and realised that she had obviously been carrying her clubs, all the way round… at the age of 82 – what an amazing lady!

Carradale & Tarbert Golf Courses

I had intended to visit Carradale GC, (www.carradalegolf.com) a lovely 9-hole course with picturesque 360 degree views. However, the weather was as bad as we had encountered and we couldn’t see more than 100 yards, never mind the views to Arran! It was the same situation at Tarbert GC (www.tarbertgolfclub.com) on the same day – apologies to both but I’ll get there next time for sure.

It’s Kintyre – it’s time to take time

There is no doubt that Kintyre is not the easiest of places to get to but it is worth it, once you get there. The golf courses are excellent and each present their own challenges.

Everyone will have a view point on what the courses are like; a lot depends on the weather, a lot depends on how you play and adapt. My view is that this is a great golfing destination for a 4-5 day break. However, don’t do what I did and try and cram in too much, in too short a time.

Kintyre is all about slowing down, recharging batteries – switch your phone off and finish that book you got two Christmases ago.

There is good accommodation, great local produce and many things to do. Do something you haven’t done for a while or try something new. Take a look at the list below to fill the non-golfing hours. Enjoy!

Things to do when you’re not golfing in Kintyre

The Kintyre Way

Kintyre Way is a fully waymarked footpath through Kintyre, from Tarbert to Machrihanish. The route is 100 miles long and weaves its way down the peninsula. It’s broken into 7 stages and there is accommodation at the end of each stage. You may find this website useful for more info – www.walkhighlands.co.uk

Kintyre Beaches

The Kintyre Way is for serious walking but if you fancy something shorter and flatter then there are plenty beaches to choose from. This year Machrihanish Bay, on the west coast of Kintyre, came runner up in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2019 for best beach in UK. So, there’s a good starting point.

Further north on the west coast you’ll find Bellochantuy beach. On the east coast, you’ll find Carradale Bay, Saddell Bay & Torrisdale Bay, all close to each other.

Saddell Bay – where Paul McCartney filmed his song ‘Mull of Kintyre’

Kintyre Gin/Whisky Tours

Kintyre Gin – The Beinn an Tuirc Distillery
www.kintyregin.com

If Gin is your thing, then a Kintyre Gin Tour might appeal. The Beinn an Tuirc Distillery is north of Campbeltown on the east coast, just south of Carradale. It lies in the Torrisdale Castle Estate. Tours/tastings start from £7.50 – fear not, anyone driving gets to take away their taster! We tried their Kintyre Gin & Kintyre Pink Gin and both get the thumbs up from us!

Kintyre Whisky

Campbeltown itself was once a thriving whisky town in the 1800s, with over 30+ distilleries. A popular mode of transport of getting whisky to Glasgow was by the Glasgow Steamers, large steam powered ships. They would sail down the Clyde several times a day to collect whisky from Campbeltown.

Many Glaswegians would board these boats and sample large quantities of the Campbeltown whisky after disembarking. The inebriated crowd would then make their way back to Glasgow on the Steamers – this is how the word ‘Steaming’ (drunk) originated…. or so the story goes!

Today, only three whisky producers remain in the area and all provide tours & tastings. I’m not suggesting you get ’steaming’ but you may want to try the following whisky tours in the area:

Glen Scotia Tour – www.glenscotia.com

Springbank Whisky – springbank.scot

Glengyle Distillery – kilkerran.scot

Kintyre – Places of Interest

Mull of Kintyre lighthouse & viewing point – www.nlb.org.uk

Skipness Castle – www.historicenvironment.scot

Torrisdale Castle –www.torrisdalecastle.com

Kintyre – Outdoor Sports

Hire bikes from www.carradalebikesandbuggies.co.uk

Pete’s Surf School – www.liveontheedge.co.uk

Kayaking – kayakmajik.co.uk

Kintyre – Indoors

If the weather gets the better of you, there’s always the Campbeltown Picture House. This is no ordinary picture house, as it is one of the oldest purpose-built picture houses in Scotland (1913). It has undergone extensive renovation recently, as part of its centenary, which was completed in 2017 – www.campbeltownpicturehouse.co.uk

Hotels to stay at in Kintyre:

Argyll Arms Hotel, Campbeltown – argyll-arms-gb.

Royal Hotel, Campbeltown – machrihanishdunes.com/stay/the-royal-hotel/

The Ugadale Hotel, Machrihanish – machrihanishdunes.com/stay/the-ugadale-hotel/

The Royal Hotel & The Ugadale Hotels are both connected to Machrihanish Dunes golf course. Make sure you book your golf through them for the best golf/accommodation deals

Here’s a 59 second ‘YouTube’ blog summary!

Tom Kelly – www.TheHomeofGolf.com

Gleneagles – King’s & Queen’s Courses 100 Years Old

By Tom Kelly - TheHomeofGolf | April 8, 2019

Gleneagles is a special place. I’ve thought that ever since I was 4 years old!

Let me explain – as a kid, my holidays were spent golfing at Taymouth Castle on the edge of Loch Tay in Perthshire. To get there from Edinburgh, we would drive through Glen Devon and passed Gleneagles. We would do this trip at least 6-8 times a year for 12 or 13 years.

Over that time, I never played the King’s Course or the Queen’s Course. It was always out of reach, a dream.

I must have been about 12 when I first thought to myself that I was going to work there. Gleneagles didn’t know this at the time and they wouldn’t find out for another 9 years.

At the age of 21, I drove up to Gleneagles Hotel and I sat and waited for around 4 hours for the personnel manager. I didn’t have an appointment but I never saw that as an issue, after all, I was dealing with a childhood dream here.

I somehow convinced the personnel manager to employ me. Ten days later, I started my first ever full-time job, working in the golf office, next door to Ian Marchbank’s pro shop and right in front of the 1st tee of the King’s Course.

My dream had become a reality.

For the next three years, I golfed over the King’s and Queen’s courses, with the pros and greenkeepers, almost every evening in the summer and whenever we could in the winter.

Gleneagles is a special place; it certainly is to me.

GLENEAGLES

Life and activities at Gleneagles have changed a lot since my day. Yet, the emphasis on excellence remains the same today.

This is a significant year for Gleneagles. I am sure you already know that the Solheim Cup is being held at the PGA Centenary course from 9-15 September. But did you know that the King’s and Queen’s courses celebrate their 100th anniversary on the 1st of May this year?

GLENEAGLES KING’S & QUEEN’S COURSES – 100 YEARS OLD

Gleneagles Hotel, with its golf courses, was the vision of Donald Matheson, General Manager of the Caledonian Railway Company, in the early twentieth century. His railway lines ran through the area and so he was familiar with the beauty of the surroundings. His vision of a grand country house hotel began.

He instructed James Braid, five-time Open Champion (1901-10), to design the King’s and Queen’s courses. Both courses opened in May 1919 but it would be another five years before the hotel finally opened in 1924.

Both courses complement each other well, with the King’s being the tougher challenge. The Queen’s course is an easier walking course and slightly less demanding on your golfing brain.

If you are going to play 36 holes, make sure you play a round on each – King’s course first and then the Queen’s course would be my preference.

GLENEAGLES KING’S COURSE

The King’s course is James Braid’s finest inland design and one of Scotland’s top inland courses.

Don’t let the wide fairway at the 1st lead you into a false sense of security. This hole is all about how you deal with your second shot to the green. A monster drive up the middle is meaningless, if you come up short with your second – please take my word for it on this one.

As you tee up on the third, you will be playing into the prevailing westerly wind for the next 6 holes. This is a tough stretch. The third will have you thinking, the fourth will have you breathless and wondering how anyone hits this green in two shots, into the wind. The fifth is simply a great par 3.

The ninth is another great hole where left is good, right is bad. By the time you’ve completed 10 holes, you’ll need your break at the half way house. My standout hole on the back nine, is the 13th (Braid’s Brawest) with some great bunkering. The 14th is your classic short par 4 with a long narrow green – this hole has ‘risk & reward’ written all over it.

The 16th is another great wee par 3, where there are some tough bunkers to avoid. The final hole would be my favourite, if it didn’t mean it was the end of the round!

The 18th (King’s Hame) is where you have to take in a few deep breaths and admire the views, they are spectacular. Once you get your attention back to the job in hand, you will want to take advantage of the two saddles on the fairway. Catch the downslopes and the 18th gives away 50-60+ yards on a good day and turns the hole into a par 4. Miss the fairway and you could be chopping out sideways and adding a 7, 8 or 9 to your scorecard.

Whatever you score on this round, you’ll look back and realise that you’ve had to think a little harder about each shot than you would on most other courses. You’ll also come away with a sense that you’ve just played some of the great holes in Scottish Golf.

GLENEAGLES QUEEN’S COURSE

The Queens course is shorter than the Kings course and is not as tough a challenge. It is a Par 68 and is a more relaxing to play. Relaxing doesn’t mean easy BTW.

The opening six holes normally head into a prevailing westerly wind. It’s a challenging start, into the wind, but not as tough as the opening stretch on the King’s. By this I mean that you can see what’s in front of you on most holes and the elevation changes aren’t as severe.

The standout hole, in the opening six, is the 6th which runs along the Braco Road to a raised green. The course becomes more reminiscent of the King’s after you turn at the par 5 7th.

A very scenic run of holes lie ahead, from the 12th hole onwards. How well you play the back nine, is often decided by how well you play the par 3s. There are two back to back par 3s at 13 & 14, with water looming close by on both. The third par 3 is at 17 and is a real test. Par is good at this hole, take it and run, as doubles, trebles and more are never far away.

As you stand on the 18th tee, take your time, take in the view and remind yourself why you play golf. You’ll know what I mean when you get there. Enjoy!

GLENEAGLES PGA CENTENARY COURSE – SOLHEIM CUP

I’m not going to write on the PGA Centenary Course this time round. The eyes of the golfing world will descend upon this course for the Solheim Cup (9-15 Sept) and plenty will be written about it over the coming months.

GLENEAGLES COURSE OFFERS

To mark 100 years of the King’s and Queen’s courses and the fact that this year’s Solheim Cup is at the PGA centenary Course, Gleneagles are offering a couple of packages to whet your golfing appetite, over the coming weeks.

For £201.90 per fourball you can play on any of their courses from 1-30 April 2019. There are timing restrictions, so check the website for details: www.gleneagles.com or contact 0800 389 3737.

As we move into May, the offer changes and Gleneagles offer a package for £100 per person (1-15 May) to play either the King’s or Queen’s courses. This is a discount from their standard rate of £150 per person at this time of year. The offer applies to afternoon rounds only and tee times are restricted – check www.gleneagles.com or contact 0800 389 3737.

The next few weeks would be a great time to take advantage of Gleneagles’ reduced rates. If you have got the time to play 36 holes, make sure you play both the King’s and Queen’s. You won’t be disappointed, after all Gleneagles is a special place…. have I mentioned that already?

Tom Kelly – www.TheHomeofGolf.com

Four good reasons to golf in Midlothian!

By Tom Kelly - TheHomeofGolf | August 21, 2018

Midlothian sits just south of Scotland’s capital. It’s an ideal spot for a few days break and it has more than enough things going on, to keep you occupied, without necessarily having to venture in to the city of Edinburgh.

The area is a perfect place for outdoor activities such hiking/walking, as the Pentland Hills have over 100km of waymarked routes, for all levels of fitness.

There are historic landmarks and buildings to visit, of which Rosslyn Chapel, as seen in the film, The Da Vinci Code, is one of many.

From skiing, mid-summer, at the Midlothian Snowsports Centre at Hillend, to taking a walk on the wildside at The Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World, there is something for everyone! I’ve listed a number of activities in the area, at the end of the blog and also listed some accommodation nearby.

….and of course, there’s always golf – I visited four clubs in Midlothian this month and here’s what I found!

Newbattle Golf Club, Midlothian
www.newbattlegolfclub.com

Location

The Home of Golf - Newbattle Golf Club — Newbattle Golf Club

Newbattle Golf Club is 2 miles from the Edinburgh City bypass, 25 minutes from Edinburgh Airport and 60 minutes from Glasgow.

The Course

Newbattle Golf Club can date its origins as far back as 1880 when the club was called, Dalkeith Golf Club. In 1896, the club changed its name to form Dalkeith and Newbattle Golf Club.

Dalkeith and Newbattle Golf Club continued until 1934, when a final name change to Newbattle Golf Club was established. This also coincided with the club moving to its present site.

The 5,912 yard par 69 layout was designed by the well known golf architect, Harry Colt in 1933 and opened in 1934.

Surrounded by trees, the majority of this Midlothian parkland course sits on gently sloping land. The River South Esk separates the first two holes and the last two holes from the rest of the course. Linking the two sections of the course is the Maiden Bridge, built by the monks of Newbattle Abbey in the late 15^th century.

Holes

A large tree at the first hole invites you to play down the left, which is no bad thing as this is the best angle into a green. This first green slopes away from you and there is out of bounds not far behind.

The second is a great wee hole. It’s a 262 yard dogleg right, par four and you tee off from an elevated tee down to the fairway below. The hole is called Maiden Bridge, after the bridge that sits behind the green, as mentioned above.

The first real test comes at the 5th hole where you’ll have 438 yards of a gradual incline to the hole. You are rewarded with great views on the 5th green/ 6th tee over the Midlothian countryside to Arthur’s Seat in the heart of Edinburgh.

The 6th is another tough 423 yard hole and plays into the prevailing westerly wind.

If you find the first six holes a tough challenge, then there is a bit of respite over the next six. Four of the par 4s average around 329 yards between the 7^th & 12th. These par 4s are broken up with two good par 3s at the 8th and the 11th.

The 8th is a great par 3. It’s only 169 yards but it’s downhill and, as you’re playing into a corner of the course, surrounded by trees, you’re never 100% sure what the wind is going to do!

The par 3, 11th is flat and a little bit longer than the 8th, at 171 yards. The green has five bunkers around it, although, depending on where you’re teeing from you may only see three…. but, trust me, the other two are there!

Another good hole appears shortly after, in the form of the par 5, 13th “Lucky Dip”. This dogleg left is on, for the big hitters, as you may have a the prevailing wind behind you and the last third of the hole is down hill.

Your last really tough hole is the very next one at the 14th. This 236 yard par 3 plays into the prevailing wind to a green guarded by three bunkers. Par here is a great score and bogey is certainly no disgrace!

The final four holes are par 4s and all are around the 360 yard mark but it’s the 17th that’s the real standout hole for me.

From an elevated tee, you play over the River South Esk down to the fairway below. If you decide to go for the green with your second then your shot will be back up to an elevated green. With trees on both sides of the green and bunkers front right and left, narrowing the entrance, accuracy is key here.

There are a number of really good holes on this golf course that will test your game. It’s a relatively easy walking track and one that I will return to without hesitation.

Opens

Only one Open left at Newbattle and that’s a Seniors Mixed Open Greensomes on Wednesday 5th September.

Broomieknowe Golf Club, Midlothian
www.broomieknowe.com

Location

The Home of Golf - Broomieknowe Golf Club — Broomieknowe Golf Club

Broomieknowe GC is 2 miles from Edinburgh City bypass, 25 minutes from Edinburgh Airport and 60 minutes from Glasgow.

The Club/Course

The club was founded in 1905 and the original course was designed and laid out by Ben Sayers of North Berwick. The course was untouched until 1932 when none other than five times Open Champion, James Braid was hired to alter and extend Sayers’ layout.

The course would remain the same for 60 years until the construction of the Edinburgh City Bypass in 1992. Whilst some ground was lost at this time, another five holes were built on adjacent ground. By the time this work was complete, Broomieknowe GC measured 6,172 yards with a par of 70.

The course is a parkland layout, with its main defence being tight, tree lined fairways and well placed bunkers throughout.

Holes

The first three holes allow you to get off to a gentle start, on the basis you’re hitting it straight. Length is not an issue but anything too far right or left will leave you chipping out of trees or being blocked out for your second.

A distinct change in layout comes, beyond the walled path, at the short 4^th, which plays over more undulating terrain.

The 5^th hole is a great 167 yard, par 3, which plays down to a green, guarded at the front by three bunkers. Trees and bushes aren’t far from the other three sides of the green.

Holes 6 & 7 are two really good testing par 4s and it’s no wonder that they are stroke index 4 & 3 respectively.

You get a chance to get a stroke back at the 8^th hole. It’s a 467 yard, par 5 (back tees) and the green should be in range for the longer hitters.

The 9^th is another good hole, which plays slightly up hill. This hole offers up another chance for the longer hitters to score here.

The real tough test, on the back nine, comes at the 12^th, 13^th & 14^th holes. 3 back to back par 4s averaging 440 yards each! The 12^th and 14^th are stroke index 1 and 3 respectively.

On the 12^th & 13^th it’s all about avoiding tree trouble and keeping it straight. As you tee off from the 12^th tee, you may want to have a good look to your left and analyse the 13^th green. It is a sunken green, with a severe slope at the front. It’s this slope that you’ll want to avoid, with your approach to the 13th.

As you stand on the 14^th tee, you face and uphill 443 yard par 4, which, if it’s into the prevailing wind, will provide the toughest challenge of the day!

The 15^th is a good par 3 with a bunker sitting to the right of the green. This may force you to play a bit tighter up the left, on this tree lined fairway.

The 16^th & 17^th aren’t dissimilar to the 1^st and 2^nd where it’s all about getting the ball on the short stuff and avoiding the avenue of trees, lining the fairways. The 18^th has an angled tee, which turns this hole into a slight dog leg right. A couple of bunkers guard the front of the green, so as long as you’re not blocked out by trees, it should be a straight forward finish to the round.

I would definitely recommend this Midlothian course, as it is a good test of golf, over a variety of holes and undulating terrain. There are some tough holes on this well maintained course but equally, there are opportunities to get something back on the shorter holes.

On a Monday to Thursday, you can play Broomieknowe for as little at £20! This is incredible value, so, form an orderly queue, it’s definitely worth it.

Opens

A couple of spaces left in their Opens at the moment, however, I think this blog might come out too late for the one on 21 Aug!

Gents Senior Open – 21 August 2018
Ladies Senior Greensomes Open – 6 September 2018

Glencorse Golf Club, Midlothian
www.glencorsegolfclub.com

Location

The Home of Golf - Glencorse Golf Club — Glencorse Golf Club

Glencorse Golf Club in Midlothian, is 3 miles from the Edinburgh City bypass, 20 minutes from Edinburgh Airport and 55 minutes from Glasgow.

The Course

The club was founded in 1890 and was designed by Willie Park. The 18 hole track at Glencorse Golf Club is unusual, in so much that it has eight par 3 holes, yet it is possibly one of the toughest courses to play to your handicap.

The 5,217 yard course is short and it may have a par of 64 but the ‘Standard Scratch’ is 2 shots above at 66. The reason for this is that seven of the eight par 3s are over 200 yards long, in fairly tight surroundings!

The Glencorse Burn runs through the course and is a lovely feature to have. The burn does affect 10 holes and is maybe another reason for the standard scratch being two shots above par.

The course also provides great views of the Pentland Hills and surrounding Midlothian scenery.

Holes

As you tee it up on the first, you immediately get a taste of what this course is all about – challenging par 3s. It is a 225 yard, par 3, over water, to a green guarded by 2 bunkers.

The challenge continues at the 2^nd and 4^th where you’ll find two good par 4s before you reach the 5^th, the toughest par 3 on the course. The 5^th hole is named ‘MacGregor’s Rest’ in honour of, club member, George MacGregor OBE, who was selected five times for the Walker Cup and captained the side twice, in a glittering amateur career.

From the tee, you look down to a flagstick 237 yards away. The hole is completely surrounded by tall mature trees and the Glencorse Burn runs across the hole, separating the fairway from the putting surface. The large green has a slope at the front, which will cast any weak shots back into the burn. This is an intimidating hole, with an amphitheatre feel to it – par this one and you’ll be feeling pretty good!

The following five holes are perhaps where you’ll want to make a score. From holes 6 through to 10, there are four par 4s under 335 yards and only one par 3 at 164 yards.

In contrast, the five holes from 11 to 15 are as tough as you get. Three of those holes are par 3s, all over 210 yards. The first, of these par 3s, is at the 11^th and it has water running the length of the hole, down the right hand side!

As you come to close out your round, one of the highlights is the views from the 18^th tee, over the Pentland Hills and down over the course and clubhouse below.

From an elevated tee, the 18^th is a short downhill par 4, once again, over water. The elevation changes, the Glencorse Burn and prevailing westerly wind will make this lovely finishing hole feel a bit longer than the 319 yards printed on the scorecard.

Glencorse is not the sort of course you come across everyday, as it possibly has the toughest collection of par 3s in Scotland, if not UK. You may find yourself laying up on some of the par 3s with water in front, and having to rely on your short game, to get up and down.

It’s a fairly easy course to walk around, although, there are some big elevation changes but not too many. It is a short but challenging track that has lovely views and it’s certainly worth a visit.

Opens

Glencorse GC has some Open events over the next few weeks, which is always a great way to play a new course or a course you haven’t played for a while:

Gents Open – 25 August 2018
Ladies Greensome Open – 26 August 2018
Gents Texas Scramble Open – 9 September 2018

Kings Acre Golf Club, Midlothian
www.kings-acregolf.com

Location

The Home of golf - Kings Acre Golf Club — Kings Acre Golf Club

Kings Acre Golf Club is 2 miles from the Edinburgh City bypass, 25 minutes from Edinburgh Airport and 60 minutes from Glasgow.

The Course

Kings Acre is a diverse entity. It caters for business and charity functions and events, as well as dealing with its golf academy and 18 holes golf course.

Kings Acre golf course opened its doors in 1997 and its 18 hole course was designed by golf architect, Graeme Webster.

The Academy

The golf academy at Kings Acre includes:

Driving Range (floodlit) – 30 covered bays
Six target greens – laser measured, from the bays to the green
Three water features/hazards & 10 bunkers
2 teaching studios
A separate short game practice area to the left of the driving range
4 hole, par 3 course for juniors

Opening times during the summer –

Mon – Fri 8am to 9pm
Sat – Sun 7am to 8pm

The Course

The clubhouse is where both the outward and inward halves head off from and the conservatory area has great views of those teeing off from the 10^th and those approaching the 18^thgreen.

The course is just over 6,000 yards and plays to a par 70. It has four par 5s, six par 3s and eight par 4s – only one of the par 4s is over 400 yards and only two of the par 3s are over 200 yards.

The ground is undulating throughout, with some gentle climbs here and there. The only severe elevation changes are at holes 15 to 17, where you’ll want to conserve some energy for the climb back up the 17^th.

Kings Acre golf course is a fair test of golf. It has plenty trees and well placed bunkers, in its armoury, but the large contoured greens will also present a real challenge to all levels of golfers.

Holes

The standout holes for me are at the par 5 third, which at 554 yards, you’ll hope the prevailing wind from the west is helping. There are 7 bunkers all around the green, so your approach will take a bit of planning.

The ninth hole, Tom’s Track, has OB on the left and fairway bunkers on the right. Get a good drive away and your second will be fairly straight forward, to a subtly sloping green.

The par 3 eleventh is a great hole, over a traditional stone built wall to a raised green with three bunkers on the left hand side, with no margin for error on the right. It’s 188 yards but plays a bit longer as you’re playing uphill.

By the time you complete the 14^th hole, you can’t allow your concentration to lapse, as you have three potential card wreckers ahead of you at 15, 16 & 17. It’s not so much length that you have to focus on here, but more keeping the ball in play!

The 15^th is a 497 par 5. You tee off from a great, elevated tee position but it is a sharp dog leg to the right, with out of bounds running all the way down the right hand side.

The 16^th is a long par 3 that requires accuracy and the 17^th is a short dog leg right par 4 where a safe tee shot will leave you an uphill second to the green.

Kings Acre welcomes visitors and members alike and positively encourages those who haven’t played for a while (or at all) to come along and use their Midlothian facilities.

Accommodation

Kings Acre also has a cottage that can be rented out and it sits on the course, only minutes from the clubhouse. This is an ideal base for playing golf and exploring the area. Website details here: https://www.kings-acregolf.com/accommodation

What to do in Midlothian & surrounding area

Dalkeith Palace & Dalkeith Country Park
www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk

Newbattle Abbey
www.newbattleabbey.com/tours

Rosslyn Chapel
www.rosslynchapel.com

National Mining Museum Scotland, Newtongrange
www.nationalminingmuseum.com

Crichton Castle
Crichton Castle website

Pentland Hills
www.pentlandhills.org

Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Hillend
www.midlothian.gov.uk/hillend

Ryze Trampoline Park, Dalkeith
www.ryze.co.uk

Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World
www.edinburghbutterflyworld.com

Laser Tag – Edinburgh Combat Challenge
www.edinburghcombatchallenge.com

Pony trekking – Lasswade Stables
www.lasswadestables.com

Dalhousie Castle Falconry, Bonnyrigg
www.falconryscotland.co.uk

Stewart Brewing, Beer Tour
www.stewartbrewing.co.uk

Accommodation in Midlothian and surrounding area

Dalhousie Castle
www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk

Braid Hills Hotel
www.braidhillshotel.co.uk

Craigie Hotel, Penicuik
www.thecraigie.co.uk

Kildonan Lodge Hotel
www.kildonanlodgehotel.co.uk

Prestonfield House Hotel
www.prestonfield.com

Melville Castle
www.melvillecastle.com

Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh Airport
Hilton – Edinburgh Airport website

Dalmahoy Hotel
https://www.dalmahoyhotelandcountryclub.co.uk

Dakota Hotel
http://edinburgh.dakotahotels.co.uk

Norton House Hotel
https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/nortonhouse

Kings Acre Golf Club – cottage
www.kings-acregolf.com/accommodation

West Lothian Golf Courses (Part 2)

By Tom Kelly - TheHomeofGolf | August 14, 2018

Golf in West Lothian

The Home of Golf - Linlithgow Golf Club — Linlithgow Palace from the 4th green at Linlithgow GC

There are many good golf courses sitting just outside Edinburgh, in the three Lothian regions. The purpose of this blog is to give you an idea of what sort of courses you will find, when playing golf in West Lothian.

This second blog on Golf in West Lothian features (in no particular order) Pumpherston GC, Uphall GC, West Lothian GC, Linlithgow GC and Kingsfield Golf & Leisure. These courses all offer great value. 18 holes will cost you from £20/£35 per round, depending on which course you play and when you play it.

In addition to golf, there are many things to do and places to visit for all age groups in the region. There are hills to climb, country parks to walk around, canals and historic buildings to visit. You can even wander around some of the film location spots from the TV Series ‘Outlander’. I have listed a small handful of ‘what to do in West Lothian & surrounding area’ at the end of the blog plus I have added in some accommodation details.

Pumpherston Golf Club

www.pumpherstongolfclub.co.uk

Location

Pumpherston Golf Club is located just outside Livingston and only 20 minutes by car from Edinburgh.

The Home of Golf - Pumpherston Golf Club — Pumpherston Golf Club © Google Maps

The Course

The course, originally nine holes, was extended in 2002 to 18 holes, by Graeme Webster. Over the extension period, the greens were constructed to USGA standard and numerous water features were added.

In addition to the water hazards, there are plenty trees, bunkers and out of bounds, to test your confidence, as you plot your way around! You will also get some great views over the surrounding countryside.

Golf in West Lothian - The Home of Golf - Pumpherston Golf Club — Pumpherston Golf Club – views from 4th green

Holes

As you set off, the first hole that will make an impression on you is the dogleg right 2^nd hole, where a well placed drive is essential, if you’re going for the green with your second, avoiding the water!

The third is another dogleg right but this time a hollow at the right hand side of the fairway will swallow your ball up and feed it into the thick stuff, if you’re off target!

You’ll want to keep your ball left, on the fifth, as your eye will be drawn to the five bunkers down the right!

By the time you’ve finished the sixth hole you’ll have completed 3 dogleg right holes but the next few holes are a lot straighter.

You’ll encounter water twice at the seventh and face a tough par 3 on the eighth. The ninth hole returns you to the clubhouse but make sure you play it down the left again, as water looms front right of the green.

The back nine holes are made up of three par 3s, three par 4s and three par 5s. The first of the par 5s come at the tenth and is the longest hole on the course.

As you head to the eleventh hole there is a bit of a walk down to the older part of the course where you’ll stay until the 17^th hole.

The course feels a bit tighter and out of bounds, water and bunkers feature on most of these holes. There are a number of holes that you would perhaps pick out as your standout hole. The par 3 thirteenth with water running the length of the hole and the fourteenth, which has water on the right.

However, it is the par 4 sixteenth at 255 yards (back tees) that most people remember. It maybe one of the shortest par 4s you’ll ever play, but the green is surrounded by water on three sides. With a narrow entrance for your approach shot, a par 4 certainly isn’t guaranteed at this short hole!

The par 5 seventeenth is another good hole, veering left then turning right as you approach the green.

To get to the 18^th hole you have a bit of a walk back up the hill to the tee. On this hole, you will see well placed bunkers and water features, both which will influence your choice of shots on this lovely par 5 finishing hole.

Pumpherston GC is a good layout and I feel the old and the new holes work well together, adding variety all the way round. The club has a handful of Opens in August & September and if you haven’t played the course before, one of these would be a good opportunity to try it out:

Opens

Seniors Open – 23 Aug 2018
Seniors 3 man Texas Scramble – 11 Sept 2018
Mixed Open Greensome – 22 Sept 2018

Uphall Golf Club

www.UphallGolfClub.com

Location

Uphall golf club lies apx. 9 miles from the west of Edinburgh on the A899 Broxburn Road.

The Course

Uphall GC is a 5646 yard, par 69 course, which is split into two sections by the A899 road, leading to Broxburn.

Seven holes lie on the clubhouse side of the road, where a burn works its way through the undulating ground. The other eleven holes surround the MacDonald Houstoun House Hotel on relatively flat, tree lined parkland terrain.

Holes

Your first real challenge here is the par 3 third hole. It is a tough hole at the best of times; however, when the prevailing westerly wind is in your face, you’ll do well to walk off with a 3.

Across the A899 to the fourth where you’ll have to deal with 395 yards of tight tree lined fairway, with not too much margin for error, left or right.

Holes 5 to 13 include one par 3 and one par 5, the rest are par 4s that work their way back and forth over a fairly open parkland.

The fourteenth is another straight, tree lined 412 yard par 4 that needs two good, straight shots, if you’re to hit the green in two.

As you cross back over to the clubhouse section of the course, you’ll have two back to back par 3s, The Double (15^th) and The Burn (16^th).

The 15^th green doubles with the 2^nd green and there are 3 bunkers waiting at the front and right of the green for any wayward shots.

The 16^th is short but you’ll have water to cross and tall trees around the green to negotiate. Hit the green and you’ll have a birdie opportunity, miss the green and you’ll do well to finish with a bogey!

The 17^th is a short par 4 heading away from the clubhouse and the 383 yard par 4, 18^th hole brings you back home.

On the clubhouse side of the course some holes maybe termed ‘quirky’. The first time you play it, you maybe asking yourself on the second green a) what other hole is the green shared with b) where are the other players likely to be playing from & c) who has priority?

Most double greens have players approaching from opposite directions but the 2nd & 15th double green at Uphall has players from both holes, approach from a similar direction. It maybe the only double green in Scotland that operates this way!

The 3^rd and 15^th holes cross each other, so that’s something to look out for when teeing off and approaching the greens. However, after you’ve played it for the first time, all will become clear. The professional will keep you right as well, before you tee off.

Uphall golf course maybe short but it has some interesting holes, which will test all levels of golfers. The course is not expensive to play, offers great value for money and it won’t take you an age to get around.

West Lothian Golf Club

www.westlothiangc.com

Location

West Lothian GC is located between Bo’ness and Linlithgow and is about 2 miles from the M9 motorway. The course is only 20 minutes from Edinburgh, 30 minutes from Stirling and about 50 minutes from Glasgow.

The Course

West Lothian is a 6249 yard Par 71 championship course. Once again, we have a course split by a road, although this is a much quieter road than the A899 at Uphall GC.

The outstanding feature of West Lothian Golf Club is the fact that it is on top of Airngath Hill and the views are nothing short of spectacular.

The views facing west, lead you right up the Firth of Forth and the Forth Valley. Looking north, your eyes are drawn to the Ochil Hills and southwards, you’ll look over Linlithgow and Linlithgow Palace. The views to the east, are dominated by the three bridges at Queensferry. However, looking passed the bridge, you’ll see Berwick Law in North Berwick and the Bass Rock.

This is another course that had a distinct links course feel to it when I visited. Having said that, there are plenty trees on the bottom half of the course, which will remind you that you are on a parkland course.

West Lothian is unusual, in that it actually has 19 holes – it uses an additional hole, after the eighth, for those only wanting to play nine holes and finish at the clubhouse.

The official ninth hole leads away from the clubhouse and this is the one you use if you’re playing the full 18 holes. Nice idea for those pressed for time.

Holes

Holes 1, 2, 16, 17 & 18 are on the flatter side of the road, by the clubhouse and the remaining holes are on the other side, which lie on the slopes of Airngath Hill down towards the Firth of Forth.

The first heads out towards the Hope Monument, which sits to the right of the first green. The Hope Monument dates back to 1859, commemorating Brigadier Adrian Hope, killed in India, 1858. Adrian Hope was Lieutenant Colonel in the 93rd Highlanders and youngest son of General John, Fourth Earl of Hopetoun.

The second takes you back to the clubhouse before you head down the hill at the third. There isn’t too much trouble on the first five holes if you keep it straight but it gets a bit tighter from six onwards.

Throughout the round you’ll find that the holes change in four different directions – the good thing about that is you get a bit of respite from the prevailing westerly wind, if it’s blowing.

A climb up the long fourteenth will get you back on flatter ground where you’ll cross back to the clubhouse side of the course for the final three holes.

The 18^th is a par 3 and a very scenic one at that, with views over the Firth of Forth, as you play from an elevated tee down to the green, nestled next to the clubhouse.

West Lothian is a lovely course with spectacular views that constantly change with the light and weather during the day. If you haven’t played West Lothian golf course before, I’d certainly recommend it!

Opens

The club still has a Gents Open on the 1^st September (entry £10) and they also do an 18 hole package, which includes Coffee/Tea and a hot roll on arrival for £35 (weekday) & £40 (Sat-Sun). More details on their website: www.westlothiangc.com

Linlithgow Golf Club

www.linlithgowgolf.co.uk

Location

The course is only 25 minutes from Edinburgh, 30 minutes from Stirling and about 45 minutes from Glasgow.

The Course

Linlithgow golf course sit on the slopes of a hill, which has views out over the Forth Valley, Linlithgow and the Ochil Hills to the north. It’s a par 70 and is 5,851 yards in length from the back tees.

The club has had an association, for over 65+ years, with the MacKinnon family who owned ‘Drambuie’ until 2014. Back in 1950, Gena MacKinnon helped Linlithgow GC, by buying land and leasing it to the club, so the course could be extended to 18 holes.

Holes

Many of the holes are laid out across the slope, so your ball will run off the fairway. The key thing on the tee is picking your landing spot and trying to work out what the ball will do when it lands there.

The first hole is named ‘Drambuie’ for reasons mentioned above. Up ahead you will see a banked green, of which there are a number on the course due to the slopes. Rolling off the sides of these greens can leave awkward shots back onto the putting surface.

The opening six holes are not particularly long but with elevation changes and sloping terrain, they will seem longer than the scorecard suggests.

Two back to back par 3s at 7 & 8 are followed by one of the longer par 4s at the 9^th. On this hole, trees, out of bounds and a dip in the fairway are the main points to consider but if the prevailing westerly wind gets up, it will make it the toughest hole on the course.

No respite at the tenth, where you’re met by a 232 yard (back tees) par 3 and once again, it’s into a westerly wind.

The next five holes can offer up birdie opportunities though – the 11^th 316 yard par 4, two back to back par 5s at the 12^th (530 yards) & 13^th (501 yards), followed by two par 4s at 14 & 15, both under 280 yards.

The 17^th is a memorable 172 yard par 3 which plays shorter that its yardage, as it’s downhill. If you over club, you have the Union Canal and the thick rough waiting!

The 413 yard, 18^th is a good finishing hole, where you have to drive over a ravine to a right to left, sloping fairway. The hole is named ‘Union Canal’, as it runs along the canal side. Your drive is likely to be thrown towards the trees and rough on the left, lining the canal and you may be blocked out for your second, if you don’t hit your target off the tee.

Opens

Linlithgow golf course is one that you will have an advantage at, if you have played it once or twice before. If you’re looking to golf in West Lothian, why not book a bounce game before entering one of their Opens below?

Senior Open – 15 August 2018
Ladies Greensome Open – 26 August 2018
Stableford Open – 19 August 2018
Texas Scramble Open (4) – 16^th Sept 2018

See website for more details – www.linlithgowgolf.co.uk

Kingsfield Golf and Leisure

www.kingsfieldgolfandleisure.co.uk

The Home of Golf - Kingsfield Golf Centre — Kingsfield Golf & Leisure

Kingsfield Golf and Leisure sits on the edges of Linlithgow just off the M9 motorway. Its only 20 minutes from Edinburgh, 25 minutes from Stirling and 45 minutes from Glasgow.

The Home of Golf - Kingsfield Golf and Leisure — Kingsfield Golf and Leisure © Google Maps

Kingsfield opened it doors in 2009 and is a golf complex, with a 9 hole golf course.

The 9 hole course is a 2,857 yard USGA specification course, designed by Graeme Webster, who also had a hand in the redevelopment of Pumpherston GC, as mentioned above, amongst many others.

The rest of the facilities include an 18 hole putting green, a short game area, 20 bay driving range and the Tee Caddy coffee shop.

Kingsfield has a wealth of very experienced PGA-qualified professionals available for lessons and all levels are welcomed from absolute beginners to touring golf professionals.

This is a place where you can learn to play the game and develop what you’ve learnt, in a relaxed and informal way and then test your skills on the 9 hole course.

The 20 bay driving range is east facing, which means that you’re not hitting balls into the prevailing westerly wind. Additionally, you’re protected from any wet weather it may bring, under the 12 covered bays!

There is extension work being carried out at the moment and the short game area was closed when I visited a couple of weeks ago, so best check before heading out.

Kingsfield is a place I have visited many times before and as far a golf in West Lothian goes, it really is an excellent facility to have in the area. It’s a great place to start, build & develop your golf game.

Last week’s blog was Part 1 of Golf in West Lothian and you can read it by clicking HERE – next week’s blog will be on the golf courses of Midlothian.

What to do in West Lothian & surrounding area

The Five Sisters Zoo, Polbeth/West Calder
Five Sisters Zoo Website

Bathgate Hills & Cairnpapple Hill (4,000 year old burial site)
Cairnpapple website info

Beecraigs Country Park
Beecraigs website info

The Scottish Owl Centre, Whitburn – Largest collection of owls in the world
Scottish Owl Centre website

For fans of the Outlander TV series, you’ll know there was a lot of filming done in West Lothian. Here are a couple of websites offering ‘Outlander’ tours around West Lothian.

Mary’s Meanders – www.marysmeanders.co.uk/
Mini Kilt Tours – www.onthetrailofoutlander.co.uk

Blackness Castle
Blackness Castle website

House of the Binns
House of the Binns website

Linlithgow Palace
Linlithgow Palace website

Craigie’s Farm Shop & Café
www.craigies.co.uk

Almond Valley Heritage Centre
www.almondvalley.co.uk

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park
Almondell & Calderwood Country Park website info

Linlithgow Canal Centre
www.lucs.org.uk

Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway
www.bkrailway.co.uk

Dalmeny House
www.roseberyestates.co.uk

Hopetoun House
www.hopetoun.co.uk

South Queensferry & the Forth Bridges
www.visitqueensferry.com

The Kelpies
www.thehelix.co.uk

The Falkirk Wheel
www.scottishcanals.co.uk/falkirk-wheel/

Accommodation in West Lothian and surrounding area

Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel
www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh Airport
Hilton Airport Hotel website

Dalmahoy Hotel
www.dalmahoyhotelandcountryclub.co.uk

Dakota Hotel
www.edinburgh.dakotahotels.co.uk

Star and Gartar Hotel
www.starandgarterhotel.co.uk

Norton House Hotel
www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/nortonhouse

Champany Inn
www.champany.com

Livingston Hilcroft Hotel
www.bestwestern.co.uk/hotel

Golf in the Scottish Borders (2/4)

By Tom Kelly - TheHomeofGolf | July 9, 2018

Golf in the Scottish Borders – (Part 2 of 4)

Welcome back to part 2 of ‘Golf in the Scottish Borders’ blog. Having not played golf in the region for a while, I decided a couple of weeks ago to head down and re-aquaint myself with Scottish Borders Golf. I couldn’t get around them all but I managed to fit in as many courses as I could in a 3-4 day trip.

the home of golf - thehomeofgolf.com - the Roxburghe

Today I am featuring The Roxburghe Championship Course near Kelso and I’ll also be highlighting 3 other courses that I visited. I’ve still got 2 more similar blogs on ‘Golf in the Scottish Borders’ which will be coming out over the next week or so, featuring different courses. You can follow me on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook to keep up to date.

There is a huge amount to do in the Scottish Borders apart from golf and I’ll touch upon some of the other activities and places of interest in the area, at the end of the blog.

Today’s Featured Course

The Roxburghe Championship Golf Course

the home of golf - thehomeofgolf.com - the Roxburghe — Roxburghe – 14th hole ‘Viaduct’

www.roxburghe-golf.com

The Roxburghe is certainly one of my favourite courses in the Scottish Borders – possibly because of its generous fairways. It’s an undulating parkland course, designed by golf architect, Dave Thomas and runs down to and along the River Teviot.

There is a lot happening at The Roxburghe at the moment. The Duke of Roxburghe has recently sold the hotel and golf course to a German Investment Management company 12.18.

Whilst the golf course remains open, the new buyers hope to reopen the hotel in 2019, following a £30 million refurbishment program. They plan to rebrand and operate as SCHLOSS Roxburghe.

Despite the upheaval and sale of the main hotel, the golf course remains intact and was in great condition when I visited last week. As I understand, the new owners, 12.18., have no plans to alter the course in any way which I was glad to hear!

Despite being in the Scottish Borders, this course always gives me a feeling of both the Kings Course and the PGA Centenary course at Gleneagles, together with a smattering of Rosemount at Blairgowrie. Probably something to do with the scenic countryside, fir trees and the tranquility.

THE COURSE

There is no doubt that the fairways are wide here but the rough is penal, so it’s essential to keep it on the short stuff. The rolling fairways and elevation changes mean that you will rarely have a flat lie, so be sure to take this into account when choosing your next club.

There are many well placed, deep bunkers on most holes, which will influence your tee short and also your approach shots to the greens. For what it’s worth, all the green side bunkers are generally at front of the greens with the exception of the Par 4 17^th and the three Par 3s at the 4^th, 8^th & 13^th – don’t be short, as they say!

The greens are large and undulating and if you miss a green the chances are that your ball will be down a slope, with a tricky shot back up.

STAND OUT HOLE

The stand out hole and the most photographed on the course is the par 5 14^th ‘Viaduct’ – from the elevated tee you have views of this hole running along the banks of the River Teviot to a green that has the Roxburghe Viaduct as a back drop! This is such a great visual hole.

The Roxburghe is beautifully maintained, has great views and is without doubt one of the top courses in the Scottish Borders. I would get along there sooner rather than later, as the new owners will be increasing the hotel rooms from 22 to 57 and will also be adding 60 lodges to the grounds. That simply means the course will get busier and prices will probably start to increase.

Minto Golf Club

www.mintogolf.co.uk

Minto Golf Club is located between Hawick and Jedburgh. It is a lovely parkland course on the lower slopes of Minto Hill.

The driveway to the clubhouse splits the first 10 holes from the last 8 and whilst the last 8 holes may look a bit more open at first, there are plenty trees out there.

the home of golf - Minot Golf Club - thehomeofgolf.com — Minto Golf Club

The course is not long but don’t be fooled by its length because your game will be fully tested.

As the course is on a gentle slope, you’re unlikely to get too many flat lies here, so understanding what your ball will do when struck on a down-slope, up-slope or side-slope is key to hitting the greens. The greens are of reasonable size and I was surprised that there were not too many bunkers around them.

The sloping fairways are the main thing that you have to plan for when playing Minto golf course, particularly when they are dry and running fast, as they are at the moment. Your ball will easily run away from your intended target and there are plenty of trees to block out your next shot.

All the holes have well thought out names – they even have their own ‘Road Hole’. The twelfth hole has a steep incline up to the green, so no prizes for guessing why it’s called ‘Everest’!

Minto Golf Club is very much worth a visit for both the golf and the scenery.

Having had a chat with Minto Golf Club’s captain, Gary McDonagh, it was clear that he was understandably proud and enthusiastic about the course.

He said the club was very flexible and accommodating to visitors. They operate various packages depending on when you want to play and how many of you are playing – special offers on Thursdays. Further details on their website above.

They have a Ladies Senior Open on 18 July (£8), Gents Senior Open on 7 Aug (£12) and a Gents Open on 22 Sept (£12). All great value.

Minto Golf Club - 8th green

Kelso Golf Club

www.kelsogolfclub.co.uk

Kelso Golf Course shares the course with Kelso Race Course. However, there is no horse racing during the prime golfing season, from around the end of May to mid-September.

Sharing the land with a racecourse means that the course is relatively flat. On flat parkland courses you would normally expect to see a lot of well established tall trees but, not so at Kelso Golf Club. The reason for this is that trees can’t be grown too high because the horse racing stewards need to monitor races without visual obstructions!

The grass on the racetrack is the length of the rough and obviously cuts across a number of holes. This just adds another dimension to the course – no bump and run shots to the 18^th green, as the racetrack runs right across the fairway 40 yards short of the green!

Ben Sayers laid out the original 9 holes and James Braid redesigned it in 1930. The course was further extended in 1980 to the current 18 holes. It measure just over 6000 yards from the white tees and has a par of 71.

It will definitely suit those of you who prefer easy walking courses…..without too many tall trees!

Kelso Golf Club has a Gents Open on 14^th July (£10) and a Mixed Foursomes on 12^th Aug (£12 per couple).

Jedburgh Golf Club

www.jedburghgolfclub.co.uk

The course at Jedburgh opened in 1893 with the clubhouse being built a year later. The course stayed the same for over 100 years until the original 9 holes were extended to an 18 holes layout in 2006.

This is a picturesque course particularly when the gorse is in full bloom. The original clubhouse still stands from 1894 albeit with one or two extensions understandably.

I walked part of the course and whilst undulating, it appeared flatter than I first thought it was going to be. There were some tight looking holes and the gorse will cost you dearly if you are over zealous.

I had left it too late in the day to play the course but I will return to play it next time, without a doubt.

Other non-golfing activities in the Scottish Borders

There is so much to do for both golfers and non-golfers in the Scottish Borders, plenty places to stay and many places to eat and drink in all the main towns.

Fishing on the River Tweed and the River Teviot.
Mountain biking at Glentress
Plenty Hill walking, canoeing/kayaking & cycling to name a few.

Places to Visit (click the links for websites details):

Castles:

Abbeys:

Museums:

Hawick Museum & Scott Art Gallery
Eyemouth Museum
Jim Clark Room (currently closed until Spring 2019)
Coldstream Museum
Museum at Gungreen House
The John Buchan Story

Exhibitions/Visitor Centres/Gardens:

Historic Buildings:

Part 1 of ‘Golf in the Scottish Borders’ can be read here – Golf in the Scottish Borders Part 1

NEXT BLOG will be out in a few days – why not follow me on Instagram, Twitter &/or Facebook to keep up to date.

Forget Black Friday – up to 70% off Scottish Green Fees

By Tom Kelly - TheHomeofGolf | November 30, 2017

It would be safe to say winter has arrived! We’ve had snow, frost, rain, Black Friday has been and gone, Cyber Monday went in a flash and it’s December tomorrow!

The Home Of Golf Next thing on the ‘to do’ list is Christmas Shopping!

So you’ve put together your wish list of what you’d like for Christmas from your pro’s shop but there is always the issue of what to get the golfing partner/wife/husband/brother/sister/mother/father in your life?

Well, one popular idea is to send them off on a short golf trip at the start of 2018 – better still, you could go with them!

Up to 70% discount off Scottish Green Fees – you won’t find that on Amazon!

If you’re prepared to play before the start of the warmer months (April/May) then you’ll beat most Black Friday or Cyber Monday discount deals, that’s for sure!

I’ve listed some links/coastal courses that are likely to be in better condition in the first quarter of 2018 than most of the inland /parkland courses.

All these courses are offering big discounts for playing in the first three months of next year, making them an ideal golfing Christmas gift.

Please read through our ‘Winter Golf Checklist’ before booking.

Highlands

Brora Golf Club
www.broragolfclub.co.uk

The scenery & seabird life on this links course will do its utmost to distract you from concentrating on your golf! This beautiful course hugs the North Sea coastline on the front 9, so wrap up well when the wind blows!

Winter green fee – £40 from now until 31 March 2018
(40%+ discount off April’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £68 from 1 April 2018

Golspie Golf Club
www.golspiegolfclub.co.uk

Golf has been play here for over 125 years! The course is a mix of links and parkland/heathland and will test your golfing strategy.

Winter green fee – £20 from now until 31 March 2018
(66% discount off April’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £60 from 1 April 2018

Tain Golf Club
www.tain-golfclub.co.uk

Tain is another course with over 125 years of golfing history behind it. However, it is somewhat over shadowed by its illustrious neighbour, Royal Dornoch. This 6,400-yard course is a mix of links and heathland and is a ‘must play’ if you are in the area.

Winter green fee – £22 from now until 31 March 2018
(63% discount off June’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £45 from 1 April – 31 May 2018
Standard green fee – £60 from 1 June 2018

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club
www.fortrosegolfclub.co.uk

Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club sits on a peninsula called Chanonry Point on the Moray Firth, diagonally across the water from Castle Stuart Golf Links. The course isn’t long but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in the bunkering, gorse, small greens and the Moray Firth looming on many holes – a great challenge!

Winter green fee – £25 from now until 9 March 2018
(54% discount off the 10th March standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £55 from 10 March 2018

Nairn Golf Club
www.nairngolfclub.co.uk

This is a true championship links course and it has held numerous national and international championships over the years. The undulating fairways are guarded by plenty of gorse and heather, so accuracy will win over length. Views of the Moray Firth, on all the holes, make this former Walker Cup course one of the most scenic in the Highlands.

Winter green fee – £50 from now until 31 March 2018
(66% discount off May’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £100 from 1 – 30 April 2018
Standard green fee – £150 from 1 May 2018

Nairn Dunbar Golf Club
www.nairndunbar.com

Sitting towards the east side of Nairn, you will find this challenging 6,700+ yard, par 72 course a lot of fun to play. It has held a number of national championships and it will host many more in the future, on account of a lot of work going into the course in recent years.

Winter green fee – £25 from now until 31 March 2018
(70%+ discount off May’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £65 from 1 – 30 April 2018
Standard green fee – £85 from 1 May 2018

North East

Moray Golf Club – Old
www.moraygolf.co.uk

In terms of hidden gems in Scotland, the Old Course at Moray Golf Club must be close to the top of the list. Many golfers visiting the area simply aim for Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart & Nairn. What they don’t realise is that they are missing out of some of the best ‘value for money’ golf on excellent courses, stretching from Nairn to Fraserburgh – the Old Course links at Moray Golf Club is no exception.

Winter green fee – £30 from now until 31 March 2018
(70% discount off May’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £70 from 1 – 30 April 2018
Standard green fee – £100 from 1 May 2018

Moray Golf Club – New
www.moraygolf.co.uk

I haven’t played the New Course however it does share the same highly regarded turf and terrain as the Old Course, as they sit side by side. The greens are smaller, less bunkering and 700 yards shorter than the Old Course. Sounds ideal for playing 36 holes on the Old & the New in the same day!

Winter green fee – £15 from now until 31 March 2018
(70% discount off May’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £30 from 1 – 30 April 2018
Standard green fee – £50 from 1 May 2018

Peterhead Golf Club
www.peterheadgolfclub.co.uk

As you arrive at Peterhead Golf Club, you’ll be forgiven if you thought your SatNav has taken you to a remote car park instead of a golf course! You are in the right place and access to the course is by the bridge over the River Ugie – it gives the course a secluded feeling. The Craigewan Links at Peterhead has got some great holes once you reach the dunes area and when you add in the views, you’ll be well satisfied at the end of 18 holes.

Winter green fee – £30 from now until 30 April 2018
(53% discount off May’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £65 from 1 May 2018

Cruden Bay Golf Club
www.crudenbaygolfclub.co.uk

I first played Cruden Bay 30+ years ago, late on a summer’s evening. My lasting memories of that round were the shadows cast by the undulating fairways in the setting sun. It not only created a dramatic effect but also created doubt in my mind, making me question the severity of each shot on the closing holes. This is indeed one of our finest true links courses – it pretty much has it all in terms of links golf.

Winter green fee – £50 from now until 15 April 2018
(56% discount off April’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £115 from 16 April 2018

Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club
www.newburghgolfclub.co.uk

Newburgh-on-Ythan is definitely a hidden Scottish gem. Over the years it has been overshadowed by Cruden Bay to the north and Murcar & Royal Aberdeen to the south. With the addition of Trump International, 2-3 miles south of the course, my concern is that this course remains over shadowed. Go and play it and then tell everyone about it.

We’ve listed the winter rates at £30 as their official rate but I know you can play the course next week, for example, for £18 – the winter course is on the normal greens (weather permitting) but the course has been shortened by 800 yards (yellow tees). Even if you wait until the full course is in operation in April, at £40 it’s still a bargain!

Winter green fee – £30 from now until 31 March 2018
(25% discount off April’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £40 from 1 April 2018

Fife

Leven Golf Club
www.leven-links.com

As a former qualifying course for the Open Championship, you know you are playing on a top track! When the wind blows here, you can throw your yardage book out of your bag and unstrap your GPS watch and try and managed your way round without the gadgets. It’s a truly great links course, with a final hole that is in my top 5 finishing holes of all time. Get the woolly hats on – for £27.50 it’s a steal!

Winter green fee – £27.50 from now until 31 March 2018
(60% discount off April’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £70 from 1 April 2018

Lundin Golf Club
www.lundingolfclub.co.uk

Lundin Links sits side by side with Leven Links, separated by the Mile Dyke – their history is even closer! You will be tested on this Open qualifying course with deep bunkers, tight fairways, out of bounds, burns, the ever present wind but rewarded with excellent greens and an award winning clubhouse at the 19^th.

Winter green fee – £35 from now until 1 April 2018
(53% discount off May’s standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £45 from 2-29 April 2018
Standard green fee – £75 from 30 April 2018

The Golf House Club – Elie Links
www.golfhouseclub.co.uk

If someone suggested I play a course made up of 2x par 3s and 16x par 4s, my first thoughts would be that it sounds unusual and perhaps a bit monotonous. However, nothing could be further from the truth at The Golf House Club at Elie Links.

Golf has been played over these links since the sixteenth century, by all accounts! Old Tom Morris and James Braid have both been involved in the design of the current course layout. A submarine periscope, salvaged from the Royal Navy’s HMS Excalibur, is used to ensure the fairway ahead is clear at the first hole – unusual? Yes! And with no two holes the same, this course is a pleasure to play and anything but monotonous!

This course is highly regarded in Fife and further afield, and if you can get along to it before 25 March, you’ll save yourself 43% on green fees!

Winter green fee – £45 from now until 25 March 2018
(43% discount on standard green fee)

Standard green fee – £80 from 26 March 2018

And finally……

Please read through our ‘Winter Golf Checklist’ before booking any of the above courses.

NEXT WEEK:

I’ll be looking at courses in East Lothian, Angus, Dumfries & Galloway & Ayrshire next week for the final blog post of 2017!

Thanks for reading!

The Home of Golf Getaways #1

By Tom Kelly - TheHomeofGolf | November 9, 2017

The Home of Golf Getaways

Today sees the start of The Home of Golf Getaways. Recommendations will initially be links/coastal courses, due to better course conditions over the next few months.

First trip is to the Angus Region on the East coast of Scotland – easy to get there by train but I would recommend hiring a car. This region is easily accessible from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee & Aberdeen, where there are ample car hire companies available. Check our car hire & travel details here.

The Home of Golf Getaways #1

My first Golf Getaway takes us to Monifieth, Panmure & Carnoustie. All 3 courses that I am suggesting are within a 5-10 minute drive of each other and lie about a 20-25 minute drive to the east of Dundee.

Course 1 – The Burnside Course

Burnside Course, Carnoustie
Carnoustie will be the venue for the 2018 Open Championship, however, it is the Burnside Course, the second of three courses managed by Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee, that I am recommending this week. The course is a links course and sits adjacent to the Championship course. It’s a well maintained track and offers exceptional value at £23 for it’s winter rate.

The course would normally be considered a top rated course if it was situated on its own, anywhere else! However, sitting right next to the Championship Course, I personally think it is underrated and is a hidden gem right under our noses!

Burnside Course, Carnoustie 18th Green — 18th green, Burnside Course, Carnoustie Links

With the Open Championship approaching, there maybe additional works going on, so it would be advisable to check that the course is fully open when you want to play it. You are likely to be on mats from Dec – Feb 2018.

Course 2 – Panmure Golf Club

Panmure Clubhouse - The Home of Golf The links course at Panmure Golf Club is definitely a course worth playing – it is an Open qualifier course and has held numerous regional and national amateur events over the years. It is a fair course but bunkers lurk at most holes to catch over zealous drives. The odd burn and out of bounds will also grab your attention, so accuracy off the tee is key.

Mats will be in use until the end of February 2018 but this is reflected in a very reasonable fee of £30. Fees in March rise to £45 and then up further as the season progresses.

Course 3 – Monifieth Links (Medal Course)

A close neighbour to Panmure is the Medal Course at Monifieth Links. A plaque at the first tee informs you that this is where Tom Watson played his first ever round of links golf. A week later he won his first Open Championship at Carnoustie in 1975 – prize money for winning The Open back then was £7,500! Tom Watson Monifieth Links

Monifieth Links, like many links courses, has a railway running along side it. As I was teeing it up on the first, the London–Aberdeen train came thundering passed……just a little reminder, before I teed off, that there’s out of bounds up the right!!!

The course is undulating and once again accuracy is always better than length on these classic links courses. There’s plenty of gorse but not on the fairways, as I was told beforehand!

A round on this course will cost £25 and will be played on mats until the end of February 2018. It rises to £35 in March and will increase further as we get into the golfing season.

Accommodation

Top Pick – Carnoustie Golf Hotel

The Home of Golf Getaways Top Pick for staying in this area would be the Carnoustie Golf Hotel.

It has 81 en-suite bedrooms and ten suites with great views over the Championship Course, the sea and the local town of Carnoustie. The Spa and health facilities include a large heated swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool, steam room and for the more energetic a fully equipped gymnasium.

You’re only 350 yards to the 1^st tee of the Burnside Course, 7-8 minutes drive to Panmure and only 10-12 minute drive to Monifieth. Easy life!

Prices will vary depending on when you stay and whether you stay midweek or at the weekend. However, as a rough guide, prices at the moment indicate apx. £80/night for a twin/double.

Other Places to Stay

There are plenty other places to stay nearby:

Carnoustie

Station Hotel
23 Station Rd, Carnoustie, DD7 6AR
Telephone: 01241 852447

Corner Hotel
103-105 Dundee Street, Carnoustie, DD7 7EW
Telephone: 01241 856291

19th Hole Hotel
8 Ferrier St, Carnoustie, DD7 7HT
01241 852108

Broughty Ferry

Woodlands Hotel
13 Panmure Terrace, Dundee DD5 2QL
Telephone: 01382 480033

The Hotel Broughty Ferry
16 West Queen Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 1AR
Telephone: 01382 480027

Dundee

Doubletree by Hilton Dundee
Kingsway West, Dundee, DD2 5JT
Telephone 01382 641122

Invercarse Hotel
371 Perth Rd, Dundee DD2 1PG
Telephone: 01382 669231

So there you have it, if you go before the end of March 2018, it will roughly cost £320 per couple or £160 per person, depending on when and where you stay – not bad for a couple of nights away with 3 rounds of golf!

And finally……

the Home of Golf Checklist Whenever, playing any Scottish course over the winter, here’s The Home of Golf Getaways checklist that you may want to address before booking – it’ll help manage expectations:

Are fairway mats required?
Are there any winter tees or winter greens in play?
What condition are the greens in?
Is there any major winter course work being carried out?
Can we play at weekends? (many clubs restrict visitors on Saturdays to allow members to play)
What’s the earliest/latest times for teeing off? (restricted daylight hours in winter)
Are handicap certificates required?
Will the clubhouse be open when we arrive or when we get back in? (restricted hours in winter)
When does the kitchen close/last orders?
You may want to consider teeing of a bit later, as frost can hit many courses early in the morning, resulting in the use of winter greens for the first few hours.
Take some extra layers, it can get cold out there, particularly if the wind gets up!

Green fees are substantially reduced at this time of year, so if there are restricted tee times or mats required and winter greens in play, then these are the reasons for the discounted rate.

If you want to get notified about any other of The Home of Golf Getaways or when the next blog post is out, just drop your email address into our Blog Sign Up box on the right hand side bar or give our Facebook Page a wee ‘Like’ for updates.

Thanks for reading!

Machrihanish courses are worth the journey …so is the gem at Dunaverty

The Long and Winding Road

Dunaverty Golf Club www.dunavertygolfclub.com

The Course

Scottish Golfing Legend

Machrihanish Golf Club www.machgolf.com

The Course

UK Top 50 Course

Machrihanish Dunes Golf Course machrihanishdunes.com

David McLay-Kidd – course architect

The Course

A blast from the past…

Carradale & Tarbert Golf Courses

It’s Kintyre – it’s time to take time

Things to do when you’re not golfing in Kintyre

The Kintyre Way

Kintyre Beaches

Kintyre Gin/Whisky Tours

Kintyre Gin – The Beinn an Tuirc Distillery www.kintyregin.com

Kintyre Whisky

Kintyre – Places of Interest

Kintyre – Outdoor Sports

Kintyre – Indoors

Hotels to stay at in Kintyre:

GLENEAGLES

GLENEAGLES KING’S & QUEEN’S COURSES – 100 YEARS OLD

GLENEAGLES KING’S COURSE

GLENEAGLES QUEEN’S COURSE

GLENEAGLES PGA CENTENARY COURSE – SOLHEIM CUP

GLENEAGLES COURSE OFFERS

Newbattle Golf Club, Midlothian www.newbattlegolfclub.com

Location

The Course

Holes

Opens

Broomieknowe Golf Club, Midlothian www.broomieknowe.com

Location

The Club/Course

Holes

Opens

Glencorse Golf Club, Midlothian www.glencorsegolfclub.com

Location

The Course

Holes

Opens

Kings Acre Golf Club, Midlothian www.kings-acregolf.com

Location

The Course

The Academy

The Course

Holes

Accommodation

What to do in Midlothian & surrounding area

Accommodation in Midlothian and surrounding area

Golf in West Lothian

Pumpherston Golf Club

Location

The Course

Holes

Opens

Uphall Golf Club

Location

The Course

Holes

West Lothian Golf Club

Location

The Course

Holes

Linlithgow Golf Club

Location

The Course

Holes

Opens

Kingsfield Golf and Leisure

What to do in West Lothian & surrounding area

Accommodation in West Lothian and surrounding area

Golf in the Scottish Borders – (Part 2 of 4)

Today’s Featured Course

The Roxburghe Championship Golf Course

THE COURSE

Machrihanish courses are worth the journey
…so is the gem at Dunaverty

Dunaverty Golf Club
www.dunavertygolfclub.com

Machrihanish Golf Club
www.machgolf.com

Machrihanish Dunes Golf Course
machrihanishdunes.com

Kintyre Gin – The Beinn an Tuirc Distillery
www.kintyregin.com

Newbattle Golf Club, Midlothian
www.newbattlegolfclub.com

Broomieknowe Golf Club, Midlothian
www.broomieknowe.com

Glencorse Golf Club, Midlothian
www.glencorsegolfclub.com

Kings Acre Golf Club, Midlothian
www.kings-acregolf.com

Brora Golf Club
www.broragolfclub.co.uk

Golspie Golf Club
www.golspiegolfclub.co.uk

Tain Golf Club
www.tain-golfclub.co.uk

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club
www.fortrosegolfclub.co.uk

Nairn Golf Club
www.nairngolfclub.co.uk

Nairn Dunbar Golf Club
www.nairndunbar.com

Moray Golf Club – Old
www.moraygolf.co.uk

Moray Golf Club – New
www.moraygolf.co.uk

Peterhead Golf Club
www.peterheadgolfclub.co.uk

Cruden Bay Golf Club
www.crudenbaygolfclub.co.uk

Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club
www.newburghgolfclub.co.uk

Leven Golf Club
www.leven-links.com

Lundin Golf Club
www.lundingolfclub.co.uk

The Golf House Club – Elie Links
www.golfhouseclub.co.uk