Roxburghe Golf Course is different to most of the great golf courses in Scotland on two fronts. Firstly, it does not date back over a century and secondly, it is not links. This however, in no way diminishes the impact that it makes in terms of a great golfing experience. Situated in 500 acres of mature woodland and parkland beside the River Teviot near Kelso, The Roxburghe lies fifty miles southeast of Edinburgh and is the ideal inclusion when driving either to or from northern England. And like the East Course at Dalmahoy, The Roxburghe provides a great alternative to links golf in any itinerary comprising the likes of North Berwick, Gullane and Dunbar Golf Clubs.
Young in terms of other great Scottish golf courses, The Roxburghe was designed by Dave Thomas and only opened for play in 1995. And despite its relative infancy, the course is already highly regarded and was recently named by "Golf World" amongst the top 100 golf courses in Great Britain and Ireland. Though certainly a difficult proposition from the championship stakes, as the standard scratch of 75 (the par is 72) suggests, given its design and depending on the choice of tees, it can be enjoyed by players of various standards. Besides the magnificent golf course, the estate also boasts a superb hotel, restaurant and wide range of other sporting activities.
From the championship tees, the par-72 Roxburghe layout measures over 7,100 yards, with the forward men's tees measuring a still-substantial 6,546 yards. A testing golf course from start to finish, the challenge starts with a tough 421-yard, par four, which requires an accurate drive to a tree-lined fairway. The short 4th hole measures 188 yards and with water in play to the right and a bank of Azaleas behind the green, a crisp iron shot is certainly required here. The monstrous 581-yard, 5th, is rated as the second hardest on the course, while another excellent hole on the outward journey is the 520-yard, 7th hole, which is skirted by out of bounds along the left hand side.
The journey home starts with a testing par four of 469 yards. Rated as the most difficult at The Roxburghe, it is imperative not to over-shoot the fairway on the left, as the terrain runs sharply downhill, while the River Teviot provides the scenic backdrop for your approach. Following directly after the attractive long par three, 13th hole, is one of the most photographed holes in Scottish Golf. Measuring 571 yards from the back stakes and playing directly alongside the River Teviot on the left, the 14th is a taxing par five. The closing par four doglegs to the left and with a ditch some 100 yards short of the green intimidating the nervy golfer, this is an excellent finish.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
It's not a links course and it hasn't got one hundred odd years of history attached but make no mistake about it, this is a good golf course. And with a luxury hotel on site, this is one of the few such quality golf resorts in Scotland.
Situated just off the A698 route, less than five miles south of the town of Kelso and 50 miles southeast of Edinburgh.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
Roxburghe Hotel, Kelso TD5 8JZ
Tel: + 44 1573 450331. Email: hotel@roxburghe.net The restaurant provides attentive and formal service in elegant surroundings. The cuisine is impressive, as is the wine list with some specially selected claret from the Duke's cellars.
Burt's Hotel, The Square, Melrose TD6 9PL (Near Kelso)
Tel: + 44 1896 822285. Email: burtshotel@aol.com.
This family-run hotel offers traditional hospitality in a welcoming environment. The bar is popular for informal lunches, whilst the elegant restaurant enjoys a sound local reputation.
Roxburghe Golf Course is different to most of the great golf courses in Scotland on two fronts. Firstly, it does not date back over a century and secondly, it is not links. This however, in no way diminishes the impact that it makes in terms of a great golfing experience. Situated in 500 acres of mature woodland and parkland beside the River Teviot near Kelso, The Roxburghe lies fifty miles southeast of Edinburgh and is the ideal inclusion when driving either to or from northern England. And like the East Course at Dalmahoy, The Roxburghe provides a great alternative to links golf in any itinerary comprising the likes of North Berwick, Gullane and Dunbar Golf Clubs.
