Scotland is the home of golf. It boasts some of the most famous courses in the world - and also some of the finest linksland courses in the world, often in the remotest of areas. Machrihanish on the Mull of Kintyre is a fine example, while Royal Dornoch way up north is another. But you don't have to travel that far to experience the best that Scotland has to offer. Southerness Golf Club is only 16 miles south west of Dumfries, a mere 90 minutes drive from our region. And having played the links 4 years ago, I couldn't resist a return trip to play one of the best kept secrets in golf. To many overseas visitors, St Andrews is the one and only region where traditional links can be found but with all due respect to the old lady of golf, Southerness is a much sterner test and to be honest, a far better course. Designed by Mackenzie Ross and opened in 1947, Southerness Golf Club is located on a beautiful stretch of the Solway Firth coastline. With the Cumbrian Mountains to the south, the Galloway Hills to the north and on a clear day, the Isle of Man on the horizon, the views from the course are stunning. At first glance the course does not appear too difficult, 6566 yards off the medal tees and a par 69. But beware - the standard scratch is 73, an early indication of what to expect! Southerness is renowned for its tough par 4s, eight of which measure in excess of 400 yards. On a still day, you might play to your handicap but if the breeze gets up, the links come to life examining every aspect of your game. standard are served by warm and highly trained staff. And there is an excellent leisure club with a heated swimming pool and spa, an ideal spot to relax and unwind after a day's golf. The hotel offers a number of golf packages including the "Play the Best in The South West" - two nights' dinner, bed and breakfast and three rounds of golf - Southerness, Dumfries & County and another of the region's top championship courses, Powfoot, all for under £200. What would three rounds of golf cost at St Andrews? --------------------------------------------------------- Name: Southerness Golf Club
Address: Southerness, Dumfries & Galloway, DG2 8AZ
Location: Sixteen miles south of Dumfries off A710
Telephone: 01387 880 677
Fax: 01387 880 644
E-mail: admin@southernessgc.sol.co.uk
Web: www.southernessgolfclub.com
Green Fees: Weekdays £45 a round - £60 a day, weekends £55 a round - £70 a day
Buggies: None
Societies: Welcome - For details of packages contact the Secretary on any of the above numbers. Valid handicap certificates are required. Name: Dumfries & County Golf Club
Address: Nunfield, Edinburgh Road, Dumfries, DG1 1JX
Location: One mile north east of town centre on the A701
Telephone: 01387 253 585
Fax: 01387 253 585
E-mail: dumfriesc@aol.com
Web: www.thecounty.org.uk
Green Fees: Weekdays £30 a round - £35 a day, weekends £35 a round - £45 a day
Buggies: Available
Societies: Welcome - For details of packages contact the Secretary on any of the above numbers Name: The Cairndale Hotel & Leisure Club
Address: English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2DF
Telephone: 01387 254 111
Fax: 01387 250 555
E-mail: sales@cairndale.fsnet.co.uk
Web: www.cairndalehotel.co.uk
Packages: Various packages are available and include a "Special Midweek Package" consisting of Two Nights, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast with full use of the leisure facilities and a round of golf at Southerness, Dumfries & County and Powfoot for £199. Please contact the hotel for full details. | 
Golfing Destinations
