Planning a late season trip or looking ahead to next summer’s day out? Try these…
Ladybank Golf Club
Laid out by Old Tom Morris, the golf course at Ladybank dates back to 1879. Set over heathland, the landscape features stunning gorse, broom, heather, scots pine and silver birch. The sandy soil creates tight turf while the gentle undulations to fairways and fast, firm greens make for a memorable, if challenging, round. Deep bunkering adds a links-like feel when matched with the tight fairways, though the many trees here place an emphasis on accuracy from the tee. There are few straight holes, and while just four of the par four holes stretch more than 400 yards, this is no pushover. www.ladybankgolf.co.uk
Alnmouth Golf Club
England’s fourth oldest golf club and named on the Amateur Championship trophy, a trip to Alnmouth is highly recommended. Overlooking Foxton Bay, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Northumberland coast, the course at Foxton Hall was designed by HS Colt. Renowned for the condition of its greens and overall presentation, Alnmouth is also home to first-class practice facilities and a driving range. Only 40 minutes’ drive from Newcastle, visitors are always given a warm welcome here and the 26-bed Dormy House within the clubhouse is designed to accommodate golfers with twin or single rooms with en-suite facilities. www.alnmouthgolfclub.com
Auld Cross Keys Inn
A welcome place for travellers to rest their heads for more than 200 years, The Auld Cross Keys, Denholm is a popular choice for golfers visiting the Scottish Borders. The former bakehouse offers 12 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 26 people. The inn is a short drive from some of the best courses in the Scottish Borders – including Eyemouth, Torwoodlee, Minto, Jedburgh, Kelso and the Hirsel. www.crosskeysdenholm.co.uk
Macdonald Linden Hall
Designed by Jonathan Gaunt, the 18-hole layout at Linden Hall remains a fantastic golfing challenge. Combining mature woodland, countryside, lakes, ponds and streams, the course is a real treat to play. Opened in the mid-90s, there are four loops of holes here, all starting and finishing near the hall – making it ideal for those who do not want to play a full 18 or those looking to play more in a single day. At the higher points on the course, players are treated to magnificent views of The Cheviots and the Northumberland countryside. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-linden-hall-golf-country-club
Seahouses Golf Club
Home to one of the finest par threes in the UK, if not the world, Seahouses Golf Club has to be on everyone’s must-play list. Set on clifftops above the North Sea, the course is a tricky test with a number of demanding tee shots and birdie opportunities on both nines. The 15th is recognised internationally as one of the finest short holes in golf. Played over an inlet with the North Sea crashing below, this 124-yard hole can be anything from a wedge to a long iron depending on the wind. www.seahousesgolf.co.uk
Warkworth Golf Club
Founded in 1891 and laid out by Old Tom Morris, the nine-hole layout at Warkworth is links golf at its best. The current layout features 18 tees – each separate from its counterpart on the opposite nine. Looking out over the North Sea, the course offers views across to the Carr Rocks and Coquet Island as well as being overlooked by Warkworth Castle. At just under 6,000 yards from the back tees, the key to scoring at Warkworth is finding the best position on the fairway to be able to attack the flags on the well-bunkered greens. Nine holes is just £15 or £25 for the full 18. www.warkworthgolf.club
Westerhope Golf Club
Designed by 1902 Open champion Sandy Herd, the layout at Westerhope Golf Club remains a fine example of mid-20th Century course design and continues to test the best players while offering a fun challenge to golfers of all abilities. Tree-lined and measuring 6,392 yards from the back tees, the par 72 course asks for accuracy from the tee, while generous green complexes require accurate approaches to make birdies and offer a little room for those looking to pitch and chip their way around. Just 10 minutes from the centre of Newcastle, the welcoming clubhouse offers great views of the course from the first-floor bar and balcony, while Michael Nesbit’s pro shop is always worth a visit. www.westerhopegolfclub.com
