Golfing discovery
As birthplace of the game, Scotland has golf in its DNA – including here in the Tweed Valley. From the hills around Peebles and the gorgeous parkland of West Linton to the riverside challenges of both Macdonald Cardrona and the quirky nine-holer at Innerleithen, there are courses to suit every golfer.
Four golf courses, four very different tests, and all within a few miles of each other – perfect for an extended golfing break!
Start at West Linton Golf Club, an absolute gem of a course sitting in the shadow of Mendick Hill, with views to Upper Tweeddale and the Pentlands. Designed by no less than James Braid – a legend among Scottish golf course architects – this championship moorland course is a joy to play.
There is wildlife here too, and it’s not unusual to spot brown hare, red grouse and a variety of other moorland birds during a round.
Head east and it’s the turn of Peebles Golf Club to knock your socks off. Super friendly and beautifully located on the edge of the town, this testing parkland courses features wide, rolling fairways and magnificent views along the Tweed Valley.
There are outstanding facilities here too with a lovely clubhouse and excellent pro shop. And all just a short stroll from Peebles High Street with all its independent shops, cafes and river walks.
The next stop on your golfing tour of the area is the championship golf course at Macdonald Cardrona. Designed by former Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas in 2001, the Par 72 parkland and woodland course nestles into the surrounding countryside – with the River Tweed an almost constant feature.
Wide, undulating USGA greens and a distance of over 7,000 yards from the medal tees make Cardrona a truly enjoyable challenge for golfers at every level.
You may even get lucky and spot an osprey swooping in for its catch during the summer months!
It’s a different experience again just down the road where the quirky nine-hole course at Innerleithen Golf Club rarely fails to charm visitors. Set in magnificent surroundings, with the summit of Lee Pen looming to the west and the bubbling Leithen Water forming an integral part of the terrain, it is easy to get distracted. But beware: this is a course that requires accurate and thoughtful shot-making in order to keep the score respectable!
Oh and there’s a great on-site cafe too.