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.
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.
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.
The Roxburghe Hotel
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 Roxburghe Championship Golf Course
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.
The Roxburghe – 10th hole
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 17th and the three Par 3s at the 4th, 8th & 13th – don’t be short, as they say!
The Roxburghe – large green at the par 3 8th
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.
Roxburghe – sloping run offs from the greens
STAND OUT HOLE
The stand out hole and the most photographed on the course is the par 5 14th ‘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 – Viaduct as a backdrop to the 14th green
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 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.
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.
Minto Golf Club
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.
Minto Golf Club
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.
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!
Kelso Golf Club – racehorse stand in the background
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 18th green, as the racetrack runs right across the fairway 40 yards short of the green!
Kelso Golf Club – 18th 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 14th July (£10) and a Mixed Foursomes on 12th Aug (£12 per couple).
Jedburgh Golf Club
Jedburgh Golf Club – clubhouse dating back to 1894
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.
Jedburgh Golf Club
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.
Jedburgh Golf Club
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.
The Scottish Borders region is possibly better known for its fishing and rugby than for its golf courses. There are over 20 courses in the region, most of which are parkland layouts and all with their own challenges. It’s an area I have visited a lot for rugby but less frequently for golf. So I decided to head south, re-aquaint myself with Golf in the Scottish Borders and find out what I’d been missing out on!
Duns Golf Club – 1st green
Today I am featuring Eyemouth Golf Club and also highlighting 3 other courses in the Scottish Borders. I’ll be doing 3 more similar short blogs on ‘Golf in the Scottish Borders’over the next few days, featuring different courses.
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.
Eyemouth Golf Course sits on a cliff top on the east coast of Scotland just a few miles from the border with England. It has fabulous sea views from most holes and is the only coastal golf course in the Scottish Borders.
Most courses traditionally have one signature hole but Eyemouth has two holes that get a fair amount of attention!
Firstly, the 6th Hole (A Still No Ken) was voted ‘Britain’s No 1 Most Extraordinary Golf Hole’ and was included in the Top 18 Holes in Scottish Golf 2015.
Secondly, Eyemouth’s 13th hole (Hawkness) is Scotland’s longest hole at 656 yards when played from the tiger tee.
Eyemouth Golf Club – looking back to clubhouse
For the first four holes, you work your way around the clubhouse before crossing the road to the cliff top section of the course. The next six holes are fairly flat and allow you to take in the views. A climb up the 11th hole is where you’ll want to have a camera handy!
Eyemouth Golf Club – views from behind 11th green
The 13th hole as mentioned before is the longest par 5 in Scotland and thankfully it’s downhill! However, you’ll want to conserve some energy for another climb at the 15th before working your way back round to the clubhouse.
Eyemouth Golf Club – 7th flag
Eyemouth is a treat to play and despite being on a cliff top, there is a definite links course feel to many of the holes. You’ll come across water hazards and water features, old stone built walls and bridges, wild flowers and some of the best views out onto the North Sea. This is the only option for coastal golf in the Scottish Borders, as the rest of the courses are all parkland layouts.
Eyemouth is a popular course, so make sure you book well in advance.
Eyemouth Golf Club
Other highlighted courses for golf in the Scottish Borders
This is a course that is tucked away in the Scottish Borders with the ‘hidden gem’ tag attached to it. In Scottish golfing terms it’s a relative new comer, having been founded 70 years ago in 1948.
The course sits in the grounds of the former home of Sir Alec Douglas-Home, prime minister of United Kingdom in 1963-64.
The Hirsel Golf Club – view down onto 4th green
It’s a well established, tree lined course where ‘short and straight’ is the best strategy on most of the longer holes. The huge trees define many of the holes at The Hirsel and it’s a ‘chip out’ if you go anywhere near them and their sprawling branches. Out of bounds also comes into play, as does the River Leet on several holes.
The Hirsel Golf Club – River Leet at the back of 1st green
The signature hole (10th) is possibly the shortest par 3 you’ll play at 93-98 yards. However, it’s not as simple from the tee as you may think! Looking down to the 10th green, you are aware, not only of a 40 foot drop in elevation but also the five bunkers and the River Leet surrounding it.
Hirsel GC – 10th green surrounded by 5 bunkers & River Leet
The Hirsel has a Gents Open on 28th July (£15) and a Ladies Tex Mex Open the following day on 29th July (£10). It’s well worth a visit, particularly if you’re in the Berwick/Coldstream/Kelso area.
Duns GC is a lovely parkland course situated to the west of Duns at the foot of Hardens Hill – it’s a relatively easy walking course with gentle slopes and one or two short, steep climbs.
Duns Golf Course, Scottish Borders
The fairways are reasonably generous, however, there is a burn that you should be aware of on several holes. This is one of those courses that you know you’ll be round in 3 hours – and maybe tempted for another 18 after lunch!
They have a Senior Gents Open on 26th July (£10), Gents Open on 18th Aug (£15) & a Ladies Pairs Open on 2nd Sep (£15/pair)
The 9 hole course at Lauder maybe your first stop for golf in the Scottish Borders as you head south from Edinburgh. It’s a gentle sloping parkland course that dates back to 1896. The initial layout was by Willie Park Jnr, British Open Champion in 1887 & 1889.
They have a Gents Open on 29th July (£12) & a Ladies Open Greensome on 11th Aug (£15/pair)
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.
When discussing golf in Fife, with visitors to the area, there are two courses that tend to dominate the conversation and grab the headlines – Kingsbarns and the Old Course.
Needless to say, there is more to golf in Fife than two courses! In fact there are over 40+ golf courses and many of them have green fees that are less than a tenth of the price of the most expensive course! So I decided to see what else was on offer in the Kingdom last week and come up with a handful of courses that I would happily go back and play again.
In the list that I accumulated, there are a number of hidden gems and Open qualifying courses; I’ve also highlighted the most scenic opening hole, the most stunning clubhouse building and the toughest finishing par 4 hole in Scotland (in my opinion) – here’s what I came up with.
The course was designed by the internationally renowned architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie (1870-1934). He was most famous for designing one of the world’s finest courses at Augusta National in Georgia, home of the US Masters.
At 6000+ yards it’s a fair test, especially as the burn comes into play numerous times and ‘out of bounds’ appears on half a dozen holes. You quickly start to realise that a bit of course management is needed here! There are a number of tiered greens (double & triple) where Dr Alister MacKenzie’s design influence will be felt.
Driving into Dunfermline GC you are in no doubt that you’ve arrived at a grand country estate. Sitting in the centre of these beautiful grounds, lies the ochre coloured clubhouse, a 600-year-old baronial house that was the home of the Halkett family until 1951. It definitely takes the title of most stunning clubhousebuilding.
The parkland layout is very much dominated by the trees and the course itself is made up of five par 3s, five par 5s and eight par 4s. Three of the par 5s are on the 16th, 17th & 18th. I’m not sure I’ve played another course with three par 5s to finish.
Lochgelly is not a course I have visited before and having walked round most of the course, I can say I’d be delighted to go back.
The course was looking particularly good in the glorious sunshine, the gorse was blooming and the water feature was in full flow! It’s an easy walking course over 5500 yards, with rolling fairways and great views of the Ochil Hills and surrounding country side.
Two issues in Scottish golf at the moment relate to the time it takes to play 18 holes and also the cost. Lochgelly GC answers both issues; firstly, this course won’t take you much more than 3 hours to get around and secondly, I was some what surprised that the green fee was only £15 – so in terms of value for money, this is a great deal – as is their annual membership offer at £250 for the year!
Balbirnie Park GC is set in the 400-acre grounds of Balbirnie House, a 30+ bedroom country house hotel that is run separately from the golf course.
The course itself is a rolling, tree lined, parkland course. At 6300+ yards, it is a challenging course, particularly as there are plenty of elevation changes, leaving you with a downhill or uphill lie. If you enjoy parkland golf in Fife or simply want a break from Fife’s links golf, Balbirnie Park is a great track to play.
Golf has been played over these links since the sixteenth century, by all accounts! The legendary golf architects, Old Tom Morris and James Braid have both been involved in the design of the current course layout.
This is one of the finest links courses in Scotland and you’ll certainly have a memorable start before a ball is hit. The starter uses a submarine periscope, salvaged from the Royal Navy’s HMS Excalibur, to see over the mound in front of the tee box, to ensure the fairway ahead is clear at the first hole.
Periscope and Starter’s box – Golf House Club, Elie
Another unusual point about Elie is that there are no par 5s. There are only two par 3s and six of the remaining par 4s are over 400 yards, which ensures a challenging round. In terms of golf in Fife, this is one of the more expensive courses but well worth the visit. Booking is essential particularly in July and August.
Canmore CG is a 5460 yds par 67 parkland course, located just outside Dunfermline. It’s a short course with the reputation of having good greens throughout the year. There’s a good mix of holes throughout the course. The stand out hole, for me, was the 11th where you’ll have an interesting blind approach into a sunken green.
Visitor green fees are between £15-£25 depending on when you want to play. This course ticks the ‘value for money’ box and it certainly does not strike me as course that will take you much more than 3 hours or so to get round.
I was fortunate to catch Burntisland on a lovely evening – the haar was slowly lifting and the sun was finally coming through.
The course is a fine parkland course on a hillside setting that gives you great views over the Firth of Forth from about the 6th hole onwards. The gorse was in full bloom and the course did look magnificent.
The fairways are reasonably generous and the rough was fairly well cut back when I visited. There are, however, a number of strategically placed trees to keep you focused. Also, avoid the gorse at all costs!
It has been too long since I played Aberdour and as I stood on the first tee, the memories came rushing back to me – 25+ years ago I said to myself that this has to be the most scenic opening hole in Scottish golf. 25 years later, I am still happy to stand by that statement.
The first nine holes at Aberdour run along the coastline before heading inland for the back 9 that has a more parkland feel to it. There are six par 3s and one par 5 and the overall yardage is just over 5400 yds. It will seem a lot longer in the prevailing westerly wind.
This is a fairly easy walking course with great views and at £40 for a morning round (£30 in the afternoon) I’d happily pay that for a golf outing there.
Leven links is held in high regard by the golfing powers that be. It has been an Open qualifying course on many occasions, in addition to hosting numerous prestigious national, international, professional and amateur events over the years.
Leven is a classic Scottish links course, full of natural dunes, valleys and slopes that will throw or collect your ball in true links style. When the wind gets up it can cause havoc, as your ball appears to take on a mind of its own, on the firm fairways and fast rolling greens.
As you end your round you will be faced with possibly the toughest finishing par 4 holein Scotland – it is 457 yards and has the Scoonie burn running right across the front of the 18th green. Do you go for it in two…..or lay up? I’ve had some tense finishes here and that’s been in nothing more than bounce games – I can’t imagine the tension involved, trying to make par at the last, in order to qualify for the Open Championship!!
Last week when I pitched up at Crail, the haar was so thick that no one was going out – you simply could not see 100 yards in front of you! These things happen when the prevailing westerly wind changes to an easterly on the east coast – that’s golf in Fife for you….and the rest of the Scottish east coast for that matter!
However, having played the course a number of times, the standout hole for me is the 447 yard, par 4, 5th hole. It is a dogleg to the right over a beach/bay but this bay is lined by white staked ‘Out of Bounds’ as opposed to red staked ‘Lateral Hazard’. This is one tough hole into the wind.
The other standout point for me is that there are six par 3s and they average 182 yards, so no let up there on a breezy day.
Don’t let the 5800 yardage fool you, this course can feel like 7800+ yards in a strong wind, where the difficultly not only lies in playing against the wind but also trying to stop your ball down wind.
Ladybank Golf Club is certainly one of my favourite inland courses in Scotland and is a serious test of golf from the back tees – no wonder that it has been an Open qualifying course on many occasions. It is a superb alternative to Fife’s links courses and is not dissimilar to the courses at the highly regarded Rosemount Golf Club in Blairgowrie.
The green fees are £62 but if you’re prepared to tee off after 3pm, fees are reduced to £45….what a great way to spend a late afternoon in Scotland!
The course is of heathland terrain, with plenty silver birch & pine trees around which occasionally help as a bit of a wind shield on breezy days. Keeping it on the fairway is key to playing Ladybank, as the rough is not only tree lined but interlaced with heather throughout.
For the main part, this course is another easy walking track and from the blue tees (visitors) the course measures 6300 yards par 71. The greens have always been in great condition every time I have played the course, which is generally between the months of May-Sept.
Scotscraig is the most northerly course in Fife and is virtually equidistant from St Andrews and Carnoustie. The course is a mix of links and heathland terrain – there is a lot of gorse which looks great in full bloom….however, you’re unlikely to find your ball if it goes anywhere near it!
Scotscraig is the 13th oldest club in the world and celebrated its 200th anniversary last year. It has also been an Open qualifying course on many occasions over the last 35+ years.
If you plan to golf in Fife then this is a great stopping place for 18 holes if you’re heading from Fife up the east coast or equally heading into Fife from the Tay Bridge.
Scotscraig Golf Club
Any combination of these courses would make a great 3-4 day golf package – in fact you could have seven days of golf in Fife at some of the above courses for the same price as one round at Kingsbarns (£268)!
There are many other courses in the Kingdom of Fife and I hope to cover some more of them in another blog post – hmmm….that means another golf trip to Fife, sounds good to me!!
The North Coast 500 has now become a highly acclaimed route around the north of Scotland and I was curious to find out for myself, if it is all that it is cracked up to be or is it all hype.
The North Coast 500 route itself starts and finishes in Inverness. As it’s a round trip, I decided to do it clockwise and leave the heavier golf schedule to the second half of the trip down the east coast.
North Coast 500 Route
DAY 1 – Inverness, North Coast 500
North Coast 500 Day 1 started in Inverness but as I’d done a 3.5 hour drive from Edinburgh that same day, I was happy to stretch the legs and take a wander. I was staying at the Royal Highland Hotel, next to Inverness train station, which was a great central base for all I wanted to do.
If you were going to spend more than a day in Inverness then you’d probably want to head down to Loch Ness (not on the North Coast 500). Alternatively, you could even hit some balls at Loch Ness Driving range or 18 holes at Loch Ness Golf Course. Inverness also has a new golf course at the Kings Golf Club, Inverness. It was originally Torvean Golf Club but a new layout, designed by Stuart Rennie, has given Inverness a new 18 hole Championship golf course. In addition to the new course, there is also a new clubhouse, driving range and practice area.
I opted for a walk along the River Ness and headed to Inverness Castle, as this marks the start of the North Coast 500. The castle has a number of rooms to visit and information videos running on a loop. However, the main attraction is walking up the spiral staircase to the top and catching the view across the whole of Inverness.
DAY 2 – Inverness to Ullapool (via Applecross & Gairloch), North Coast 500
driving time = 5 hours 13 mins (not taking into account any stops)
193 miles / 304 km
Day 2 – Inverness to Ullapool, North Coast 500
Day 2 was always going to be the tough driving day on the North Coast 500 but the sun was shining and there wasn’t a breath of wind. My first stop was only 15 miles from Inverness at Muir of Ord Golf Club – a James Braid designed, heathland course.
There is gorse, heather and plenty of trees to keep you focused. Also grabbing your attention, on a handful of holes, is the railway line that runs through the course.
North Coast 500 – Muir of Ord GC
The course looked in immaculate condition and it didn’t surprise me, when I heard that it had won ‘Scottish Golf Club of the Year’ at the Scottish Golf Awards in 2016. It is one I will definitely head to next time I am in the area.
Next stop on the North Coast 500 took me to Lochcarron, a 50 mile drive from Muir of Ord Golf Course. Lochcarron Golf Course is located in a beautiful spot, right on the edge of the loch. It is a short (1800 yds) 9 hole heathland type course, with small greens and heather lined fairways – very tricky on a windy day but very scenic indeed!
North Coast 500 – Lochcarron GC
The clubhouse (Tee-Off Café) is a great place to stop off for a coffee break whether golfing or not. You may need a break here before tackling Bealach na Ba – the mountainous route over to Applecross!
Take the 7-8 mile journey from Lochcarron to Loch Kishorn (cracking views) before starting the single track, hairpin bends and blind corners and summits of Bealach na Ba! This is likely to be one of the most dramatic roads you’ve driven and one that you’re unlikely to forget.
The key thing on this 12 mile journey to Applecross is to take your time, use the passing places and soak up the views. There is a large parking bay (10-12 cars) at the top of the climb where you have breath taking views over the Islands of Raasay and Skye.
North Coast 500 – view from Bealach na Ba
Once you get to Applecross and have let your nerves settle, you then have a couple of options.
1. double back on yourself and go right back over Bealach na Ba again or
2. keep the water on your left hand side and drive around the coast and pick up the main road at Shieldaig. I took option 1….!
If you’re not on a tight schedule you may want to stop over at Applecross – unfortunately I had to plough on and get myself up to Gairloch. This journey took just short of 2 hours and was about 60 miles.
On arriving at Gairloch Golf Club I was expecting to find a 9 hole, parkland course, built into a hillside but what was in front of me was anything but. My first impression was that I had arrived at a long establish seaside links course and I wasn’t too far wrong. The views down onto the beach and out to Loch Gairloch were just stunning.
North Coast 500 – Gairloch GC
I was very fortunate to have Allan Perris, President of Gairloch Golf Club to take me around the course. This is a great 9 hole course – it is short by today’s standards but it has 18 different tees, providing different angles and lengths to your second 9 holes.
North Coast 500 – Gairloch GC
There wasn’t much of a breeze when I visited but I suspect when the wind blows it is a completely different challenge. Holes 6, 7, 8 & 9 were certainly the stand out holes for me but then I’m a real sucker for a damn good view! Put Gairloch Golf Club on your North Coast 500 list!
My final stop on Day 2 of the North Coast 500 was Ullapool Golf Club. It’s only been open for 20 years, which surprised me as the course felt more embedded than that. However, it transpires that it (or part of it) had been a private course many years ago. I will try and find out more for a later visit!
North Coast 500 – Ullapool GC
The course has a heathland feel to it with heather and gorse defining most holes. The lack of any trees gives great views over Loch Broom and the surrounding scenery.
MISTAKES I made; things I LEARNED & a few TIPS from Day 2
Don’t take on too much driving in one day
take note of photo stops, as this will save you hours later i.e. trying to work out which loch is which!
the West Coast is awesome – spend more time here
Don’t rely on your phone always having a signal
most hotels, B&Bs have WIFI which will be fine for emails and social media
If you’re hiring a manual car or camper van for the 1st time DON’T tackle Bealach na Ba on Day1
Take a physical map i.e. don’t just rely on Google Maps & GPS
DAY 3 – Ullapool to Bettyhill, North Coast 500
driving time = 4 hours (not taking into account any stops)
138 miles / 224 km
Day 3 – Ullapool to Bettyhill, North Coast 500
The aim of today was to get up to Durness Golf Club and play the most northerly 9 holes on mainland Britain. However, there was a bit of ground to be covered before that treat.
North Coast 500 – Ardvreck Castle
First stop was Loch Assynt, where the ruins of Ardvreck Castle sit. From here, the North Coast 500 route hugs the north side of the loch as it heads west to Lochinver, Clashnessie and Drumbeg, where views over Eddrachillis Bay are worth stopping for.
From Drumbeg it was onwards to Durness, with photos stops at Scourie and the Kyle of Durness.
North Coast 500 – Kyle of Durness
As you drive into the car park at Durness Golf Club, the views of Balnakeil Bay and its beach are astounding. The water was aqua blue and together with the white sands of the beach, you’d be forgiven if you thought you were in the Caribbean, Australia or the Maldives….needless to say, the Scottish temperature in April dispels those thoughts fairly quickly!
North Coast 500 – Balnkeil beach from Durness GC
I had the pleasure of meeting up with Alistair Morrison, the head greenkeeper at Durness Golf Club – he is also the sole green keeper and does an incredible job of maintaining this superb course.
As if Alistair’s job wasn’t hard enough, maintaining the most northerly 9 hole course on mainland Britain single handed, Durness GC is on a Scottish Natural Heritage site and is also on a European Special Area of Conservation site. It’s no wonder that Alistair won the BIGGA Young Greenkeeper of the Year Award at the National Greenkeepers Awards in Harrogate in January 2018 – great achievement!
The course sits raised up with fabulous views over Balnakeil Bay. Holes 1, 2 (tee), 8 & 9 are your sea view holes, the rest head inland but you’ll still come across water at the 6th hole, which works its way around Loch Lanlish.
North Coast 500 – Loch Lanlish on Durness GC
The course was in excellent condition for this time of year (April) and the greens were running true. I got the course on a mild day, however, I can only imagine, my score would double when it’s blowing a gale!
Many thanks to Alistair for his time and his in depth knowledge of the course; I’ll definitely be back.
A couple of things I should have done in Durness but didn’t, were firstly, pick up a chocolate gift box from Cocoa Mountain for my wife and secondly, visit Smoo Cave – both will been done on my next North Coast 500 trip!
Day 3 finished with the 42 mile journey to the Bettyhill Hotel – it should only have taken me about 1 Hour 20 mins but with my persistent stopping for more photos, it took a bit longer.
Bettyhill Hotel was a lovely place to stop at, with yet again breath taking views, this time down to Torrisdale Bay. The hotel was very clean and it was evident that it is very well maintained. Thanks to Carl Jeffries, his family and team for a great stay.
North Coast 500 – Torrisdale Bay at Bettyhill
MISTAKES I made; things I LEARNED & a few TIPS from Day 3
Plan the non-golf things that you’d like to do beforehand i.e. castles, caves, etc
Carry cash – not everyone has a card machine but most do
Should’ve gone to Smoo Cave
Should have used the tripod a lot more for sharper photos
Listen to the locals – they know their surroundings
Book accommodation/meals in advance, if you can, particularly May to September
Top up your fuel tank frequently – try not to let it go below half full
DAY 4 – Bettyhill to Dornoch, North Coast 500
driving time = 3 hours 22 mins (not taking into account any stops) –
132 miles / 212 km
Day 4 – Bettyhill Hotel to Dornoch, North Coast 500
North Coast 500 – deer just outside Bettyhill
First stop on Day 4 of my North Coast 500 trip was meant to be https://reaygolfclub.com, however, I got diverted and couldn’t help but stop and take a few snaps of these guys above.
The 7th hole is possibly one of the toughest par 3s you’ll play – I don’t mean on this course, I mean, anywhere! It’s 196 yds to an elevated green, over water, with an ever present Scottish breeze. If you’re left, right or short, you’re in trouble and possibly reloading – enjoy!
North Coast 500 – Reay GC – tough 7th hole
This is a distinctive course, where the straw coloured rough contrasts starkly with the green of the fairways, giving it a classic links course look. If you’ve come this far north, you have to play Reay Golf Course!
Next up was Thurso Golf Course, only 15-20 mins along the road. In contrast to Reay, Thurso is very much a lush, tree lined, parkland course. The course is relatively flat and has some short par 4s/5s but what it gives in length, it takes in terms of gorse, heather, trees, out of bounds and….the wind.
As I headed from Thurso, it was straight to Dunnet Bay Distillers, home to Rock Rose Gin – I had forgotten to pick up chocolates for my wife at Cocoa Mountain, I couldn’t forget the Rock Rose Gin!
Tasting Room at Dunnet Bay Distillery, home to Rock Rose Gin!
This place was a delight, with a lovely stone built tasting room just off the retail shop. Their ceramic gin bottles are exquisite – wonder what everyone does with their empties?
Next stop on the North Coast 500 was along the road to tick the ‘John O’Groats’ box and after that I then started the short journey south, to Wick Golf Club. This was a course I visited last year but the weather was foul – thankfully this time the sun was out in full force.
I’d been kindly invited to Wick Golf Club by head greenkeeper, Dougie Thorburn, earlier in the year, so I was delighted to take up his offer and get my clubs out whilst the sun was shining.
North Coast 500 – sand dunes at Wick GC
The outstanding feature of Wick Golf Course is the sand dunes that run the length of the course – Dougie told me that Ronan Rafferty had a hand in the design of the last few teeing areas within the dunes themselves.
North Coast 500 – View from Wick GC, over Sinclair Bay to the lighthouse on Noss Head peninsula.
You get great views from the new 17th tee – however, concentrating on your tee shot can be tricky, with sand dunes in front of you, crashing waves just below you and amazing views over Sinclair Bay, out to the Noss Head peninsula and its lighthouse!
North Coast 500 – Cable Hut next to the new 17th tee within the dunes of Wick GC
I would encourage all golfers to head that little further north to play one of Scotland’s truly hidden gems. This is a great links course challenge that I will happily return to!
Next on the North Coast 500 list was the 9 hole, Lybster Golf Course, a 30 min drive south of Wick. It’s a short course and at £10 for a day ticket, you know you’re not playing Royal Troon. However, ideal for the opportunity to play golf without it costing a fortune.
Next stop was Brora Golf Club, which is only 35 miles away from Lybster – this is a course I’ve played a number of times but not for 10-15 years. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to play Brora on this occasion but I did walk around a good part of the course and, as always, it looked in great condition.
North Coast 500 – Brora GC
In ‘True Links’ an excellent book by George Peper & Malcolm Campbell, they state “Brora Golf Club has one of the finest examples of authentic links golf anywhere.” I’m not sure I can add much more to that, other than to say, don’t miss it out.
The next golf course was Golspie, however, just before that I would have to recommend stopping in at Dunrobin Castle. It is a French chateaux style of castle with over 700 years of history behind its doors.
When I first saw it a number of years ago, it reminded me of the castle in the film ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ – not your traditional Scottish castle but it’s only a mile north of Golspie and really worth a visit.
For over 125 years, golf has been played at Golspie Golf Course! The course is a mix of links and parkland/heathland and will test your golfing strategy. It’s a James Braid designed course and it certainly has a variety of holes.
North Coast 500 – 1st tee at Golspie GC
The first six holes will have you think that you’re playing a links course before the 7th hole leads you inland where gorse, heather and trees give great definition to the course. The last few holes open up again and the sea views return. Golspie Golf Course is a gem of a course and should definitely be added to your golfing ‘to do’ list on the North Coast 500.
My destination for the night was the Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch, 11 miles from Golspie. This hotel could not have been better – a fab conservatory dining area, over looking the first tee at Royal Dornoch Golf Club, accompanied by some great food and a glass or two of wine – golf blogging doesn’t get much better.
I am very fortunate to have played Royal Dornoch Golf Course many times and decided not to play it due to time constraints. Additionally, plenty has been written about Royal Dornoch and nothing I write will change or influence its reputation as one of the finest courses in the world – it’s got to be on your bucket list though – enough said.
North Coast 500 – 1st tee at Royal Dornoch
MISTAKES I made; things I LEARNED & a few TIPS from Day 4
John o’ Groats is not the most northerly point on mainland Britain
Dunnet Head is the most northerly point on mainland Britain
Explore more
Don’t rush from point to point, just so you can tick off boxes
use passing places correctly, let faster cars pass you, stay calm in tail backs & keep smiling!
take suncream, as well as waterproofs
pack layers of clothes because we can have four seasons in a morning
pack snacks, water, juice – handy to keep energy levels up
DAY 5 – Dornoch to Inverness Golf Course, North Coast 500
driving time = 2.5 hours (not taking into account any stops) –
85 miles / 135 km (via Portmahomack & Fortrose & Rosemarkie)
Day 5 – Dornoch to Inverness, North Coast 500
First stop on Day 5 of the North Coast 500 journey, was the fabulous course at Tain Golf Club, only 10 miles south of Dornoch. I have to say, this course has serious character and it’s been a favorite of mine since I first played it 20+ years ago.
North Coast 500 – carvings at Tain GC
It’s an Old Tom Morris designed links course that over looks the Dornoch Firth. It has everything that you would expect from a top quality course in this region; undulating fairways, heather and gorse, a meandering burn, sea views and greens that are in great condition.
North Coast 500 – Tain Clubhouse
There are a number of stand out holes – the 11th hole (Alps) may remain in your mind, depending on how you deal with your blind approach shot, over two sand dunes, onto the green with water behind. The 12th hole (Glenmorangie) has a view over the water to the distillery; unfortunately the Glenmorangie whisky barrel on the tee was empty!
North Coast 500 – view over to Glemorangie Distillery from Tain GC
As you finish off your round, there are two great par 3s waiting for you at 16 & 17. The Aldie Burn awaits any errant tee shot on both sides of the 16th green and you have to cross it twice on the 17th before it works its way up the right hand side of the green.
Thanks to the pro, Stuart Morrison for his time and to his assistant Gus for taking me around the course – I’m already looking forward to my return visit!
Leaving Tain, I had a 25 minute drive eastwards to Portmahomack. Portmahomack (Tarbat) Golf Course is a short 9 hole golf course with character.
Portmahomack (Tarbat) Golf Club
Having walked the course, I can confirm that it is well maintained and the greens seem in great condition for the month of April – it is slightly set back from the coast but it does have a links feel to it. I didn’t get the chance to play it on this occasion but will definitely make time for it on my next visit.
Invergordon Golf Club was next on the cards, 20 miles away on the edge of the Cromarty Firth. Despite being right next to the water, this course is very much a parkland course, with trees aplenty. The views over the Cromarty Firth and surrounding scenery are spectacular.
Next up was a 45 minute trip to the stunning Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club, only 14-15 miles north of Inverness. The car park was the busiest I’d pulled into on my whole trip, which is always good to see.
View back down the 1st fairway to Fortrose & Rosemarkie Clubhouse
This course is recognised as the 15th oldest club in the world. It has recently won ‘Scotland’s Best Golf Experience’ at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards in 2017 and ‘Golf Club of the Year for Scotland 2018’ at the Luxury Travel Guide Lifestyle Awards. High praise indeed.
Par 3 5th green – Fortrose & Rosemarkie GC
This really is a unique course, which sits on a peninsula, surrounded by the Moray Firth. Fort George lies just across the water, Chanonry lighthouse sits at the end of the course and dolphins are often spotted around the peninsula all year round; add these things to an immaculate, award winning links course and a recently refurbished clubhouse and you have a superb golfing experience ahead of you!
North Coast 500 – lighthouse at Chanonry Point – Fortrose & Rosemarkie GC
As scenic courses go, you don’t want to miss the opportunity of playing Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club, so don’t pass it by. You’ll be well looked after by Mike MacDonald and his team, so be sure to book in advance because this course is popular.
I had one more stop on the final leg of my North Coast 500 trip before my 3.5 hour drive back to Edinburgh and that was at Inverness Golf Club. I hadn’t been to this course before so it was good to get a feel for what it was like. Judging by the amount of cars in the car park, this is clearly a popular course as well.
Inverness Golf Club
It’s a tree lined, parkland course and looked well manicured from what I saw. As there was a competition on, I decided not to wander out around the course, so I left this one for a return trip.
MISTAKES I made; things I LEARNED & a few TIPS from Day 5
Be prepared to drop something from your plan as opposed to rushing through everything
5 days just wasn’t long enough but then I had perfect weather; would I have done less in bad weather? Don’t know!
I’ll factor in 7 days next time
Parking Bays (not passing places) are there for a reason, so pull in, there’s probably something worth seeing or knowing about
Well, this was an incredible journey around the North Coast 500 and I can conclude that it DEFINITELY is all it’s cracked up to be.
My initial focus was on the golf courses around the North Coast 500 but after the first 24 hours, I realised that this was going to be so much more than a 5 day golf trip!
As a result, I left myself short of time towards the end of the trip. To fully appreciate the North Coast 500 and also play golf, 5 days just aren’t enough.
The 9 hole courses are well spaced out along the more scenic west coast but I would be more selective with which courses I play/visit on the east course as there a too many to do in such a short space of time.
This is definitely a trip for everyone and make of it what you will – you can walk it or cycle it; you can drive it in a Robin Reliant or Lamborghini, motorbike or camper van; eat the finest delicacies, grab some pub grub or have cold beans from a tin by a loch; you can camp or caravan, B&B or stay in a castle, the choice is always yours – enjoy the North Coast 500, one of the best driving routes in the world.
7th March – the date when Scotland became The Home of Golf?
Today’s date, the 7th March, is an important date for Scottish Golf and, in the year 1744, the date was certainly a stepping stone in Scotland becoming known as The Home of Golf .
How did golf in Scotland start?
Games involving balls being hit with bent or curved sticks/clubs had been played for centuries throughout the world, dating well beyond Christianity and written records. So we Scots can hardly lay claim to inventing stick and ball games – but what about golf?
The Romans had a game called Paganica or Cambuca, which involved using a bent stick to hit a stuffed ball to an allocated target. The Romans may well have played it in Scotland, whilst they were here and some form of the game may have remained.
Others suggest that from the 10th century AD, the Chinese played a game called Chuiwan. The point of this game was to hit a ball to a flag/hole. It was, perhaps, Mongolian traders who brought it over to Europe.
Scots would have played the Dutch game of Kolf in their early trading with Holland. The French claim the origins of golf came from their games Chole and Jue de Mail à la Chicane amongst others.
Let’s not forget that Shinty has been played in Scotland for 2000 years. Any Shinty player would have the eye/skill for the game of golf.
Nobody can confirm which of these club/stick & ball games were the exact origins of golf. However, we can be fairly sure that some of them had an influence in the early evolution of the Scottish game.
When was the game first played in Scotland?
What we do know is that there is evidence of golf being played in the 15th century. The first mention of golf being played was in 1457, when James II banned both golf and football through an Act of Parliament. Both these games interfered with archery practice and military training.
It is likely that this reference to golf may have had different meanings for those living in towns and for those living in the country. Additionally, the Act is more likely to have applied to the lower classes and less so to the upper classes.
There would have been several forms of golf. One form on the open country spaces and the coastal links land where a golf hole may have stretched 400 yards or longer. Another form would be a shortened game in the tight spaces of church courtyards and the narrow streets of the towns. This is where a lot of damage and injuries would occur.
At the time, there was no definition of what a golf hole was, nor was there a defined number of holes per round. There were no courses, as we know them today, nor were there any rules, other than the golfer, who took the least amount of strokes, won the hole. The game was nothing more than an unregulated pastime, played in several different formats.
Over the 16th & 17th centuries the game developed throughout the open spaces, on the outskirts of towns but particularly on the links land along the east coast of Scotland. Golf courses, albeit only 3-6 holes at a time, were beginning to crop up across the country.
What was the Turning Point that defined golf as a Scottish game and Scotland as The Home of Golf?
By the turn of the 18th century, the game of golf was becoming very popular. It was becoming clear that the Scottish climate and links land terrain was ideal for the game. Golf was beginning to develop, as clubs started to form and competition started to grow.
In 1744 The Gentlemen Golfers of Leith Links asked the Edinburgh town council for a prize for an annual golf competition on the links. It would appear that these Edinburgh golfers had been jealous of the archers who had been presented with a silver arrow for competition by the town council in 1709.
Leith Links today
The Edinburgh town council presented the golfers with a silver golf club to be played for over Leith Links. This was on the understanding that The Gentlemen Golfers of Leith Links set down rules that would govern the game of golf. The event was to be the first ever ‘open’ golf competition worldwide, played under the first rules of golf.
It was on the 7th March 1744 that The Gentlemen Golfers of Leith Links became the ‘Company of Edinburgh Golfers’ and they created the first 13 rules of golf (above). John Rattray, who won the first annual competition, signed off these rules, as captain. The ‘Company of Edinburgh Golfers’ later became the ‘Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers’ and now reside and play over Muirfield in East Lothian.
The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers’ plaque on the cairn at Leith Links
The fact that rules were drawn up was very important for the development of the game. It ensured regulation and set the benchmark for the game moving forward. These rule would form the basis of the modern game and ultimately lead to Scotland being viewed as The Home of Golf.
The Cairn at Leith Links
All that remains of golf on Leith Links today is a cairn with 3 commemorative plaques on it. The first shows the layout of the 5 holes of that first competition. The second plaque commemorating 250 years of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers 1744-1994 and a third plaque simply stating Leith Links The Home of Golf and a short description of the events of 1744.
THE HOME OF GOLF – A plaque commemorating the first rules of golf that formed the basis for the modern game.
274 years after the first rules of golf were drawn up at Leith Links, The Leith Rules Golf Society are marking the event, in the summer of 2018. They will unveil a bronze cast statue of John Rattray, surgeon, archer, winner of the first ‘open’ golf competition, captain of the ‘Company of Edinburgh Golfers’ and the gentleman golfer who signed off the first 13 rules of golf in 1744.
[Update as at 31 August 2018 – The Leith Rules Golf Society has moved back the unveiling of the John Rattray statue to 2019]
Whilst the precise origins of the game of golf are unclear, there can be no doubt that these first 13 rules of golf have their place in Golfing History. The signing of these rules, at Leith Links on the 7th March 1744, helped pave the way for Scotland to, not only develop the modern game of golf, but also be recognised as The Home of Golf.
The course layout at Leith Links in the 18th century
The Leith Rules Golf Society
The Leith Rules Golf Society has been fundraising for a statue of John Rattray to be located at the original first hole of Leith Links. It is hoped that the unveiling of this statue will be held in the summer of 2018.
As I mentioned last week, one popular Christmas golfing gift idea this year is to send someone off on a short golf trip at the start of 2018!
Booking and playing a round at one of the following courses before the end of March could save you up to 70% of the standard green fee rate!
Once the snow decides to move on, the courses that will be in the best condition between now and the end of March are the links/coastal courses, so I’ve listed some of them below.
All these courses are offering big discounts for playing in the first three months of next year, making them an ideal Christmas golfing gift.
Craigielaw is a relative newcomer to East Lothian golf. Like all the courses in the area, it is a tough track in the wind and when you take into account that two thirds of the greens are raised to some degree, you soon realise that this course presents many challenges.
The distinctly unstuffy clubhouse is a great place to relax after a round and enjoy the great views of the course, neighbouring Kilspindie golf club, the Firth of Forth and the Edinburgh skyline in the distance. Craigielaw now has its own 24 room accommodation adjacent to the clubhouse.
Winter green fee – £35 from now until 31 March 2018 (40%+ discount off 2017’s standard green fee) Standard summer green fee – £59 from 2017
Such is the quality of the courses here that Gullane has hosted not only the Scottish Open in 2015 (won by Rickie Fowler) but it has also been an Open Qualifier course on several occasions. 2018 will be a busy year for Gullane Golf Club as it prepares to once again host the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and also the Ladies Scottish Open. The first three months of the year may well be the best time to get on these courses.
Gullane No1 – Winter green fee – £75 from now until 31 March 2018 (50% discount off April’s standard green fee) Gullane No2 – Winter green fee – £41 from now until 31 March 2018
(30% discount off April’s standard green fee) Gullane No3 – Winter green fee – £29 from now until 31 March 2018
(25% discount off April’s standard green fee)
No 1 – Standard green fee – £150 from 1 April 2018
No 2 – Standard green fee – £59 from 1 April 2018
No 3 – Standard green fee – £39 from 1 April 2018
Longniddry is a mix of links and parkland terrain, where the first 6 holes can make or break your round. A bogey 5 at the long 3rd will feel like a par against the prevailing westerly wind, and with 2 par 3s in the first six holes teeing off from elevated positions, into a cross wind, you know you’re being tested. There is also the small matter of the par 4 fifth hole that is just over 300 yards. That shouldn’t trouble you….should it? Put it this way, it’s Longniddry’s signature hole for a reason – enjoy!
Longniddry has just been nominated as qualifying course for the Scottish Open in 2018.
Winter green fee – £30 from now until 31 March 2018 (50% discount off April’s standard green fee) Standard green fee – £60 from 1 April 2018
You will play over burns and numerous walls – you will play the most copied hole in golf, the par 3 15th (Redan) and you will have to deal with the 16th green, the likes of which you may not have seen before!
North Berwick is very popular most of the year and well worth the visit.
Winter green fee – £55 from 18 December until 28 Feb 2018 (54% discount off the April’s 2018 standard green fee) Standard green fee – £120 from 1 April 2018
Only a few miles from Carnoustie lies the Medal course at Monifieth. The course is undulating, with gorse and heather never far from the fairway – accuracy is always better than length on this classic links course.
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 to £80 as we get into May.
Winter green fee – £25 from now until 28 Feb 2018 (68%+ discount off May’s standard green fee) Standard green fee – £80 from 1 May 2018
In terms of hidden gems in Scotland, Montrose links is right up there with the best. It’s not a long course but it is a course you have to manage your way around. If you can negotiate the well positioned bunkers, keep your ball on the fairway and putt well, then you have a chance of building a good score…..I guess that applies to most courses – easier said than done, though!
Winter green fee – £30 from now until 22 March 2018 (62% discount off May’s standard green fee) Standard green fee – £80 from 1 May 2018
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 to £105 from 1st May 2018.
Winter green fee – £30 from now until 28 Feb 2018 (71% discount off May’s standard green fee) Standard green fee – £105 from 1 May 2018
Powfoot is an easy walking course and offers great value at £23, between now and 26 March 2018. Despite its coastal location on the Solway Firth, it is a mix of links and parkland terrain and there are plenty holes to offer a challenge to golfers of all levels.
Winter green fee – £23 from now until 26 March 2018 (43% discount off the standard summer green fee) Standard green fee – £40 from 27 March 2018
Wigtownshire County is a good links course situated on the shores of Luce Bay. It is a very flat course which some may feel doesn’t offer too much of a challenge. However, when the sea breeze strengthens, this course can provide a test of golf for both high and low handicappers.
The area enjoys a temperate climate, so golfing is possible all year round. Ideal for 36 holes in the one day.
Winter green fee – £18 from now until 15 April 2018 (43% discount off April’s standard green fee) Standard summer green fee – £32 in 2018
Not only is Southerness a true links course but also a true hidden gem. Tucked away 16 miles south of Dumfries, the course lies in a beautiful setting on the coast of the Solway Firth.
I would suggest booking Southerness together with rounds at Powfoot GC, Wigtownshire County GC and Portpatrick GC and make a 3-4 day short break out of it. If you book this up before the end of March, you will get four great rounds of golf in for less than £100!
Southerness is definitely one for the bucket list at any time of the year and a perfect golfing gift!
Winter green fee – £35 from now until 25 March 2018 (50% discount off standard green fee from 26 March 2018) Standard green fee – £70 from 26 March 2018
Barassie Links is the championship layout at Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club, which presents a good test for even the best golfers amongst you – and that’s on a calm day!
It has held many high profile events over the years, not least the Final Qualifying for Scottish Open Championship, the Final Qualifying for Senior Open Championship & the Final Qualifying for the Open Championship.
A 4 ball in the summer will cost you £250 but before the end of February 2018 it is reduced by 60% to £100, which equates to £25 per person! I’d book this one whilst you can!
Winter green fee – £40 from Jan to March 2018 (46% discount off May’s standard green fee) Standard green fee – £75 from May 2018
Irvine Golf Club is unfairly over shadowed by the neighbouring Open Championship courses of Turnberry, Prestwick & Royal Troon. Irvine is a ‘must play’ course when in the Ayrshire area. It has been a Final Qualifying course for the Open Championship which confirms the quality of the course.
Although set inland, the course sits on links turf and offers a tough challenge for all levels of golfers. The course is just under 6,600 yards, par 71 but the SSS of 73 confirms that you’ll be given a true test out there.
Winter green fee – £30 from now until March 2018 (50% discount off 2017’s standard green fee) Standard green fee – £60 during 2017
The most famous golf competition in the world is perhaps The Open Championship. Prestwick Golf Club holds the honour of being the birthplace of the Open Championship, hosting the first Open in 1860.
It’s been a while since my last outing at Prestwick but the lasting memories were deep bunkers lined with railway sleepers, undulating fairways, immaculate greens and a step back into golfing history. I was playing with a member at the time and was lucky enough to have the full Prestwick experience which included the traditional lunch (jacket & tie required) at the long table in the Dining Room.
Winter green fee – £100 from now until March 2018 (46% discount off May’s standard green fee) Standard green fee – £185 from May 2018
This 6523 yard championship links course is no stranger to hosting championship golf. It held the Scottish Boys’, British Girls’ and Scottish Women’s Amateur Championships in recent years.
It is a great golf course, with breathtaking views across Irvine Bay and the Firth of Clyde, with the Isle of Arran sitting proudly in the background.
Winter green fee – £30 from now until March 2018 (47% discount off May’s standard green fee) Standard green fee – £57 from May 2018
In typical Scottish links fashion, Western Gailes is sandwiched between the railway line and the Firth of Clyde. The prevailing westerly wind will always play a part in your round here, as will the meandering burn and well placed pot bunkers.
Golfing legends such as Gene Sarazen, Harry Vardon, Gary Player, Tom Watson and Tony Jacklin, to name but a few, have all played this course, as have today’s stars such as Luke Donald, Bubba Watson and Rory McIlroy.
Western Gailes should be on every golfer’s wish list and would definitely make a great golfing gift this year!
Winter green fee – £70 from now until February 2018 (57% discount on standard green fee) Standard green fee – £175 from April 2018.
Hopefully some of the courses above and some from last week’s post will find their way onto your playlist for 2018. As always, please pass these blog post details onto anyone who you feel maybe interested.
Many thanks!
Tom Kelly – www.TheHomeofgolf.com
Forget Black Friday – up to 70% off Scottish Green Fees
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!
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.
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)
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 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)
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
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
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
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
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)
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)
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)
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)
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 19th.
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
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)
Ayrshire, in south west Scotland, is arguably one of the finest stretches of golfing land in the country!
The rugged, yet picturesque, coastline overlooks the Firth of Clyde, Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran.
What a great place for Championship Winter Golf! Three courses in Ayrshire that immediately spring to most people’s minds are the Open Championship courses at Turnberry, Royal Troon and, the birthplace of the Open Championship itself, Prestwick Golf Club. If you haven’t visited Ayrshire before, you’d be forgiven if you thought that was it – but there are many more great courses along this coastline.
Additionally, Dundonald Links, just north of Royal Troon, was the host venue for the European Tour’s Scottish Open this year. Furthermore, there are over 40 courses in this region and many have hosted countless regional, national and international golf events.
OK! I think you get my point – this region is highly regarded in the world of golf and steeped in golfing history.
So where would I suggest playing, without breaking the bank but getting a real flavour of Ayrshire golf?
Well, here are three top rated courses offering deeply discounted green fees, over the colder months. These courses are traditional links courses and tend to cope better with the Scottish winter weather than their inland counterparts.
All three have held national championship events and two of them have been Final Open Qualifying courses in recent years.
Barassie Links is the championship layout at Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club, which presents a good test for even the best golfers amongst you – and that’s on a calm day!
There are 27 holes at the club but the Barassie Links course offers a mix of old and new – nine holes from the original course and a new nine built in 1997. The combination works well and it’s links turf make it ideal for championship winter golf in Scotland.
Barassie Links has held many high profile events over the years. A handful of examples are:
2017 Final Qualifying for Scottish Open Championship
2012 Final Qualifying for Senior Open Championship
2012 Scottish Amateur Stroke play Championship
2010 Boys Amateur Championship
2009 Final Qualifying for the Open Championship
2007 Scottish Ladies Amateur Championship
Green Fees
The green fee to play this course in the summer is normally £75 per round. However, until the end of February 2018 fees are discounted by over 45% to £40. Better still, a 4 ball in the summer will cost you £250 but before the end of February 2018 it is reduced by 60% to £100, which equates to £25 per person! I’d book this one whilst you can!
Yardages
Back tees: 6852 yards – par 72 Men’s: 6484 yards – 72 Ladies’: 6094 – 75
If you ask me to dig out a hidden gem on the Ayrshire coast, then West Kilbride Golf Club is one that shouts out at me!
This 6523 yard championship links course maybe a few miles from its Ayrshire neighbours (20 mins drive to Irvine) but it is no stranger to hosting championship golf. It held the Scottish Boys’, British Girls’ and Scottish Women’s Amateur Championships in recent years.
I have no doubt that you will enjoy playing this traditional west coast championship links, as it is perfectly suited to winter golf. It is a great golf course, with breathtaking views across Irvine Bay and the Firth of Clyde, with the Isle of Arran sitting proudly in the background.
Green Fees
The green fee next summer will be £57 per round. However, until the end of March 2018 fees are at a discount of 45% to £30.
Yardages
Back tees: 6523 yards – par 71 Men’s: 6146 yards – 71 Ladies’: 5781 – 73
Glasgow Golf Club opened Gailes Links in 1892. The course has hosted numerous national and international events over the years and it has been the sole Scottish Final Open Qualifying course for the last four years.
This course is one for links golf fans – intimidating bunkers, large undulating greens and fairways lined with gorse and heather, to remind you to stay on the short stuff! This setting copes well with the majority of the Scottish weather and is precisely what championship winter golf is all about.
Green Fees
A round over the summer months will cost £100 but between now and the end of March 2018, you will pay a 50% reduced rate of £50!
Yardages
Back tees: 6903 yards – par 71 Men’s: 6322 yards – 71 Ladies’: 5553 – 71
Accommodation
In order to compliment the courses above, here are some great places to stay in the area. They all vary in price and what they can offer you; so please check out their websites:
The above hotels are all around the £70-£110 per night for two sharing; the only exception is Lochgreen Hotel which is twice that price. There are many smaller hotels and B&Bs available but too many to add to this blog post. Regardless of where you stay, I would suggest booking early for this area, as it is busy most of the year with conferences, weddings and…….golfing trips!!
In terms of costs – if you were to head off as a fourball, sharing twin/double rooms, then the total for 2 nights and 3 rounds of golf would be approximately £180-£220 per person, depending when and where you stay.
Not bad, considering the golf alone would cost you more than that from May 2018 onwards!
And finally……
Whenever playing any Scottish course over the winter, here’s The Home of Golf ‘Winter Golf’ checklist that you may want to have a look at 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.
Another reason for considering a later tee time is that fog/mist (haar) can also delay an early start on our coastlines particularly on the East coast.
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, which mean that if there are restricted tee times or mats required and winter greens in play, then these are the reasons for the discounted rate.
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Today’s date, the 7th March, is an important date for Scottish Golf and, in the year 1744, the date was certainly a stepping stone in Scotland becoming known as The Home of Golf .
Not only is Southerness a true links course but also a true hidden gem. Tucked away 16 miles south of Dumfries, the course lies in a beautiful setting on the coast of the Solway Firth.
The most famous golf competition in the world is perhaps The Open Championship. Prestwick Golf Club holds the honour of being the birthplace of the Open Championship, hosting the first Open in 1860.
Next thing on the ‘to do’ list is Christmas Shopping!
Whenever playing any Scottish course over the winter, here’s The Home of Golf ‘Winter Golf’ checklist that you may want to have a look at before booking – it’ll help manage expectations: