This month we head north to Dumfries and Galloway
The Cairndale Hotel
Situated in Dumfries town centre, the Cairndale Hotel & Leisure Club is the ideal base for those heading north to sample the high quality golf and hospitality in Dumfries & Galloway, and into Cumbria. The Cairndale Hotel’s Golf Coordinator, Kevin Potts, is a local expert in his field with a wealth of contacts locally and further afield to ensure you get the right mix of golf courses around the counties during your break, as well as arranging your tee times, preferred meals and rooms in the hotel. All golf breaks at the hotel include a full Scottish breakfast each morning, a four-course Table d’hôte dinner each evening and complimentary use of the hotel’s extensive leisure facilities. Check out the hotel’s golf breaks Facebook page for the latest competitions and offers
facebook.com/GolfCairndale.
Cairndale Hotel & Leisure Club English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2DF tel 01387 254111, www.cairndalehotel.co.uk
Lockerbie Golf Club
From its elevated setting, Lockerbie Golf Club affords stunning views over the Annandale Valley and the Lakeland hills while presenting a fine parkland test with tree-lined fairways and subtly contoured greens protecting the par 67 layout.
The original nine-hole course was designed by the legendary five-time Open Champion James Braid before a further nine holes were added in 1986.
Short by modern standards at 5,463 yards, the course is protected by trees, water and its small sloping greens. Water comes into play on three holes while five par threes present tricky tests of 100-200 yards. With no par fives, the par fours at Lockerbie range from great birdie chances to stern holes protected by hazards and thick rough – driver is often a risky play and tactical play can be the best way to unlock good scores.
Situated on the east side of Lockerbie, just five minutes from the north and south exits of the M74, this is a great place to start your trip north.
Lockerbie Golf Club, Corrie Road Lockerbie, Dumfries & Galloway, DG11 2ND, tel 01576 203 363, www.lockerbiegolf.co.uk
Southerness Golf Club
Set on the shores of the Solway Coast, Southerness Golf Club is one of the region’s most spectacular courses. Designed by MacKenzie Ross and built in 1947, this championship links course is a true golfing test set in the rugged coastal landscape. Located between the beauty of Criffel to the North and the Solway Firth to the south which leads to panoramic views of Cumbrian and Galloway hills and on a good day the Isle of Man, you can expect a warm welcome and first-class facilities here.
Southerness Golf Club, Southerness, Dumfries, DG2 8AZ, tel 01387 880 677 www.southernessgolfclub.com
Powfoot Golf Club
Set in the breathtaking Dumfriesshire landscape, Powfoot presents a stunning combination of links land and parkland golf. Founded in 1903 with the course designed by Sandy Herd, the layout was redesigned by the legendary James Braid in 1923 and offers a superb test with challenging holes set among whins and rough, and beside the Solway Firth. At 6,274 yards, the course makes up for its shorter length with a number of demanding tee shots, which often force you to play for the safety of the fairway with an iron.
Powfoot Golf Club, Cummertrees Annan, Dumfriesshire, DG12 5QE, tel 01461 204 100 www.powfootgolfclub.com
Stranraer Golf Club
James Braid’s final design, the golf course at Stranraer lies beside Loch Ryan and is a testing parkland layout measuring 6,308 yards from the back tees with just one par five. You’ll find spectacular views of the loch towards Ailsa Craig here.
Stranraer Golf Club, Creachmore Leswalt, Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway, DG9 0LF, tel 01776 870 245, www.stranraergolfclub.net
Dumfries & County Golf Club
Laid out by 1883 Open champion Willie Fernie in 1912, the two loops of nine at Dumfries & County are excellent examples of parkland golf in the region with mature trees and tough bunkering presenting a tough challenge.
Dumfries & County Golf Club Nunfield, Edinburgh Road, Dumfries DG1 1JX, tel 01387 268 918, www.thecounty.co.uk
Lochmaben Golf Club
On the shore of the loch, Lochmaben Golf Club still showcases many of James Braid’s influences on its design – in both its original nine holes and its 1995 additions. Short at just under 6,000 yards, tough bunkering and fast greens are sure to test you.
Lochmaben Golf Club, Castlehill Gate, Lochmaben, Dumfries & Galloway, DG11 1NT, tel 01387 810 552, www.lochmabengolf.co.uk
