Hirsel - Borders - Scotland

We played The Hirsel GC back in 2012 and enjoyed our day however the course wasn't in very good condition, we returned last week to play and what a difference 2years makes the greens were smooth and fast and the best of our 5day trip, fairways were stripped and the rough was thick but fair. Staff were very helpful and the Pro even told us how to play the first few holes. Well done a Hirsel, huge improvements.

I really don't understand how Coldstream gets away with using the ridiculous 'Augusta of the North' moniker. For a start that must be a copyright infringement but from a golfing perspective it's outrageously inaccurate; mickey-mouse holes more akin to a pitch n putt in places - getting round in 70 isn't that difficult even when the course is wet and soggy. There are very few decent courses in the Borders but this isn't one of them; Duns, The Roxburghe, Torwoodlee and Peebles rank far higher as true golfing experiences in the area.

Hirsel made a recent surprise appearance in a golf magazine’s Top 100 list of Scottish courses so I just had to venture down to the border with England to see what was so special about this place. Because it’s laid out on four separate parcels of property, the course has a slightly disjointed feel as you have to make short walks across bridges and a road to play a number of holes in each sector. The opening two short par fours ease you into your round before you face an uphill par three hole that plays blind to a green all of 243 yards from the back tee position – once you get over the absurdity of this hole, you can rest assured the other three short holes are going to be a tad more conventional in layout! Two of what appear to be newer holes on the course at 5 and 6 are good, left dog legs in a little loop that brings you back to tee across the River Leet as it winds its way through the estate at the lovely short 7th. The beauty of this lovely par three is surpassed however by the 10th, where a 98-yard tee shot is played from a vertiginous position 50 feet above a green that sits on the other side of the river. Some might think it too quirky but I must say I liked it as it reminded me of my formative golfing years back in the 1970’s playing the “Wee Drap” 12th at Clydebank’s municipal course (… those were the days…). The back nine contains two par fives (at 12 and 18) that contribute to a yardage that’s 400 yards longer than the front nine but the newer holes across the road from 12 to 15 never really took my fancy, mainly because the longer par fours at 13 and 15 seemed too out of step with those that had been played earlier in the round. The closing three holes are very good, played out over wickedly undulating terrain and they round off the routing in fine style. As the previous reviewer stated last year, Hirsel is a decent members club. As to whether it merits its recent claim to fame amongst the upper echelons of Scottish golf courses, I’m not so sure – maybe you should avail yourself of one of the club’s excellent twilight green fee offers and judge for yourself. Jim McCann

I’ve played Hirsel quite a few times and it’s not the best course in wet weather, as it does tend to get soggy underfoot. However, I think the review below is a bit harsh and Hirsel is not only a pretty course but also fairly challenging despite its quirky 90-yard par three 10th called ‘Spa Well’ which would benefit from a few yards extra length. At only 6000 yards it’s certainly not long but after 18 holes you’ll feel the effect, as there are plenty of ups and downs. I doubt the commentator who called it the Augusta of the Borders had ever been to Georgia. It’s a shame that Hirsel is marketed on a comparison to one of the world’s most highly conditioned courses because it sets an unrealistic visitor expectation. I’ve never played Augusta but I’ve watched enough of the Masters to know that Hirsel is not in the same league but Hirsel is a decent and friendly members club.

'The Augusta of the Borders'!!! I don't think so. With this tag in my mind I was really looking forward to playing here. What a letdown! Apart from a couple of holes where the river is in play this is as as bland a course as one could imagine. Avoid!!