Join us for a trip north of the border
The Cairndale Hotel & Spa
Situated in the heart of Dumfries, the 86-bedroom Cairndale Hotel & Spa – recognised as the Best Independent Hotel at the 2025 Scottish Excellence Awards, and a finalist in the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards in the last two years – is a perfect base for those heading north to sample the high-quality golf and hospitality in south-west Scotland and the surrounding areas.
The hotel is located just a few miles from the border and is only a short walk from the town’s railway station, while a dozen of Scotland’s most scenic golf courses are within half an hour’s drive.
The family-owned-and-run hotel underwent a multi-million pound development in 2024 to create one of Scotland’s best spas. It was named the best in Scotland at the UK Good Spa Guide Awards in London in 2025 – ahead of the five-star Gleneagles in Perthshire and One Spa at The Sheraton in Edinburgh.
The Oak casual dining restaurant was then launched in 2025 alongside 12 new bedrooms as part of a further £250,000 investment.
The team, including a dedicated golf coordinator who books more than 3,000 rounds per year for guests, are experts in hospitality and golf, with a wealth of contacts locally and further afield to ensure you get the right mix of golf courses – from Southerness and Powfoot on the Solway coast to the likes of Dumfries & County.
They can arrange tee times, meals and rooms in the hotel as well as time in the spa for you – including a range of treatments for golfers – with flexible packages often presenting tremendous value when compared to those in England and the traditional golfing hotspots in The Home of Golf.
James Erskine, PGA professional at Dumfries & County Golf Club, said: “The Cairndale is the undisputed leader in golf tourism in Dumfries & Galloway. Its continued commitment to quality and collaboration plays a huge part in promoting the region as one of Scotland’s most welcoming golf destinations.”
Kingsknowe Golf Club
Founded in 1908, Kingsknowe Golf Club is home to a stunning parkland course which was laid out by 1902 Open champion Alec Herd and later refined by the legendary James Braid.
Set across gently rolling hills, the course is laid out in two loops of nine with each returning to the clubhouse.
Measuring just under 6,000 yards with a par of 69, the four par threes here are all well-defended – with the 167-yard first hole protected by four bunkers, and the picturesque 144-yard downhill 11th, again heavily guarded with bunkers, a favourite among the members and visitors. Meanwhile, the tough 460-yard par four 16th, played from an elevated tee, is a fine signature hole.
You finish your round with a driveable par four played towards the clubhouse, which enjoys a fantastic view across north-east Edinburgh to the old and new Forth bridges and the Queensferry Crossing, and is a welcoming place relax.
Lundin Golf Club
Laid out and refined by some of golf’s greatest architects, including Old Tom Morris and James Braid, the course at Lundin, which was formed in 1868, remains one of Scotland’s finest links.
With views across the Firth of Forth, the course today is largely played as it was some 100 years ago. The first five holes, laid out in the traditional links style, proceed to the Mile Dyke. Players then cross the now extinct railway line and play the (relatively) newer James Braid-designed holes before returning across the railway to the linksland.
Though it is not long, Lundin remains a thorough test of golfing skill, as seen during its turns as a Final Qualifying venue for The Open Championship.
A number of hotels and guest houses across Fife cater for golfers, and Lundin makes a perfect day out as part of a short break in the area.
Minto Golf Club
A wonderful example of the parkland golf and stunning views on offer in the Scottish Borders, the course at Minto Golf Club is a delight to play.
Laid out in 1928, the course is set in the undulating parkland between the Minto Hills and the Teviot Valley.
A testing but fair course, the 5,658-yard par 69 layout offers golfers of all abilities a chance to test their game without being too penal off the tee or around the greens. It also has some amazing views, including the one at the short par four 12th, named Everest.
After your round, the clubhouse offers a warm welcome to all, and has another spectacular view across the glen to Ruberslaw.
The club is located close to the village of Denholm, is less than five miles from Hawick, and is easily accessible from the towns of Jedburgh, Kelso and Melrose.
St Boswells Golf Club
What the course at St Boswells Golf Club lacks in length it makes up for, and then some, with a fantastic location.
The 2,761-yard par 34 course sits on the south bank of the River Tweed, with the nine holes beginning above the river before descending dramatically at the par three second hole, and then heading out and back on the flat just yards from the water.
A sharp short game will yield birdies here, while wayward tee shots will be punished by trees, bunkers and water – not least the river!
Sharing the setting with anglers and the wildlife, there are few more relaxing places to play golf, and this makes a great venue for an away day on its own, or for an additional round to extend your visit to Scotland.
Torwoodlee Golf Club
The rolling parkland layout just outside Galashiels at Torwoodlee Golf Club is set in a valley among mature trees. It is also flanked by the River Gala and divided by the Borders Railway line.
Founded in 1895, the club is steeped in history while the course, measuring just under 6,000 yards with a par of 69, offers a great challenge for players of all abilities.
The first nine holes here were laid out by Willie Park Junior, with the second nine opening in the club’s centenary year after land became available on higher ground to the south of the property on the other side of the railway line. Today you begin beside the fast-running waters of the Gala, rising gently before crossing the railway line via a footbridge to play holes 4-13 on somewhat hilly terrain, then coming back over for the final five holes.
A warm welcome, the many memorable holes – including the dramatically downhill sixth which is tremendous fun to play – stunning views and the wildlife make this a must-play for those heading north.
Jedburgh Golf Club
Set in the heart of the Scottish Borders amidst outstanding scenery with breathtaking views across the Cheviot Hills, Jedburgh Golf Club offers a tremendous day out.
Founded in 1893, the original nine holes were designed by Willie Park. In 2006, the course was extended to 18 holes, and continued investment has led to further improvements. Today, the course measures 5,811 yards with a par of 69 and presents a fun test.
The Auld Cross Keys Inn
The Auld Cross Keys Inn has been at the heart of life in the village of Denholm for more than 200 years, and it remains a popular choice for golfers heading to the Scottish Borders.
The inn can accommodate up to 25 people in its 12 rooms and offers quality food, drink and accommodation at competitive prices. The Borders’ best courses are just a short drive away – including Torwoodlee, Minto, and Jedburgh.
