Peebles

Think of the Scottish Borders in a sporting context and the first thing that springs to mind is Rugby Union. There’s a long tradition of competing with the oval ball in these parts with much local rivalry among the Border town rugby teams. However, golf has been played just as keenly for well over a hundred years and Peebles is one of the top Borders courses.

Peebles Golf Club was established in 1892 and the original course to the south west of the town can still be seen in outline. In 1934, the current Kirklands course in the north west of Peebles was redesigned by the renowned golf course architect Harry Colt though it has been altered in places down the years due to the encroachment of housing around the periphery of the layout. In more recent times, a modern clubhouse was constructed in 1998 and opened by Prince Andrew.

Peebles is a challenging upland golf course of 6,160 yards which is set out in rolling Borders countryside. It is famed for its lush fairways, velvet green putting surfaces and stunning surroundings in the Tweed Valley. The Scottish Girls Strokeplay, Scottish Boys Team and Scottish Girls Amateur Championships have all been held at Peebles in recent years.

The opening four holes are all uphill and tough – the 2nd hole called “Sunny Acres” in particular – when played into the prevailing westerly wind. This is balanced by an easier stretch towards the end of the outward half when holes eight and nine lead back down the hill towards the clubhouse.

The back nine start out up the hill from the clubhouse, reaching the highest point on the course at the 377-yard 14th. From there on in, it’s largely downhill to the home green where a birdie putt at the 541-yard “Green Mantle” might just conclude the round in fine style.

“Peebles for Pleasure” is the local town motto and that certainly holds true for the many visiting golfers attracted to play on the Peebles golf course.