New Woll Estate Stay And Play Review

Jeremy Ellwood discovers this lovely spot in the Scottish borders

New Woll Estate Stay And Play Review

Par 70, 6,010 yards

Greenfee: £20-£40 per round

The story of New Woll is a heartwarming one, with the current owners buying the estate almost on a whim in 2001 and gradually developing both course and clubhouse.

The course, which grew from nine to 18 holes as part of that, enjoys a delightful valley setting which reminded me of Sedbergh in Cumbria.

The opener doglefts sharply left over a free-flowing river, while the 4th - the longest hole - tees off from an elevated perch looking out towards the distant moors as you head to the furthest point.

There are some splendid holes around the turn, including the testing 10th flanked by a dyke on the right, and the run for home from the 14th is strong.

The 15th is a well-bunkered, self-contained uphill one-shotter, while the magnificent par-4 16th serves up an inviting tee-shot down to a fairway that sweeps to the right late on.

Also play... The James Braid Course at Hawick (hawickgolfclub.com) enjoys an elevated setting and offers up some glorious views.

Accomodation

There are six lovely four-star self-catering properties at New Woll looking out over the golf course, some very close to that elevated 16th tee.

All the properties feature spacious living areas with open-plan lounges, real oak-wood floors and natural stone feature walls and fireplaces.

There are beautiful grounds to explore and all the properties are just a short drive or stroll from the excellent clubhouse, where the Woll restaurant and bar serves excellent-quality food that attracts many non-golfing visitors, as well as golfers.

The clubhouse is spacious and airy and looks out over the opening and closing holes.

The story of New Woll is a real feel-good one and perhaps best of all, golf is free throughout the course of your stay.

Where else... The Borders Abbeys Way is a circular walk split into five sections, taking in four abbeys and seven Borders towns (bordersabbeysway.com).

Best Deal

Three nights self-catering breaks in the summer cost £669 per property for up to four people, with all golf free throughout.

Low-season prices start from £415 per property for three nights.

Where

The New Woll Estate lies in the Ale Valley just off the A7 in the village of Ashkirk, halfway between Selkirk and Hawick in the Scottish borders.

Checklist

Buggy hire: £22 per round

Trolley hire: £3 per round

Power trolley hire: N/A

Club hire: £6/£9 per round/day

Driving range: No (but one half a mile away)

Putting green: Yes

Short-game area: Yes

Pro shop: Small shop at reception

Changing rooms: Yes

Sky TV: No

Price of a pint: From £3.60

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