Hawick GC

The Scottish Borders have long been a favourite destination among travelling golfers searching for a genuine golfing experience. Built on the Vertish Hill, Hawick Golf Club meets the criteria having been a feature of this spectacular landscape since 1877.

On paper the course is a short 5,933-yard par 68, but in reality it's a fairly demanding physical challenge with steep slopes and the inevitable strong winds.

In the traditions of many of the oldest courses in Britain, each of the holes has a name and with titles such as "quarry", "pit" and "wood" you can expect a rugged layout.

The opening hole is a good test for most golfers but a nightmare for anyone nurturing a slice. The 195-yard par 3 has out of bounds running down the right, so you'll need to pull out that dreaded long iron and hit it accurately if you want to get off to a good start.

In the middle of the front nine are two long par fours. The 6th and 7th are both over 440 yards long. With a tight fairway and strong winds to contend with, you'll need to be well swung-in by this stage to post a good score.

Hawick finishes as it started with a tough par 3. If you made a mess of the first you'll be pleased to know that the 18th gives you the opportunity to make amends. The 210-yarder plays from an elevated tee down towards a small green with out of bounds just over the back.

If all this talk of long irons and strong winds has put you off, rest assured that a warm welcome awaits in the clubhouse. The recently refurbished bar is a great place to either drown your sorrows or celebrate taming a beast.

Best Hole: 1st 195 yards par 3. Par 3s are often seen as breather holes but this one is anything but. A really tough start to the course - par here is a very good score.

Address: Vertish Hill, Hawick, Roxburghshire, TD9 9JY

Tel: 01450 372293

Green fees: £24 per round, £30 per day

Restrictions: None