Cardrona Hotel Golf Course

We think it's worth pointing out that the exclusive village of Cardrona is the first new community development in the Scottish Borders since the 18th century. It's a brave new building programme in an area that is rich in history with its standing stones and abbey ruins.

The Cardrona course is situated in the heart of a truly magnificent country setting where the valley meets the gushing River Tweed. It's hard to classify the course. Some holes have a moorland feel, while others feel more like parkland and some are American-styled.

Dave Thomas designed this 6,856-yard par 72 course and it opened for play in 2001. Cardrona bears Thomas's hallmarks - numerous large, sculptured bunkers and huge, subtly contoured, but sometimes narrow greens. Thankfully, there's little in the way of artificial mounding around the edges and consequently the course blends nicely into the natural landscape.

There are some fine holes, especially those on the front nine, which follow the meanderings of the river. And we have two favourites. The 6th is a great driving hole and you'll need to hold your nerve on the tee to avoid finding the magnetic burn, which has a habit of attracting golf balls. If you can do this and play a sensible second shot on this 527-yard par five, you'll be pitching on with your third and hoping for a birdie. Measuring 402 yards, the 7th is probably the signature hole and it requires an accurate drive, with trees on the right and bunkers to the left. The approach shot is even more of a challenge, to find the elevated and well-protected green.