Border

Known affectionately as 'The Beauty of the Borders', this 18-hole parkland course in Berwickshire offers sweeping views down to the Cheviot Hills and greens rated among the best-kept in the region. The Wellrig burn lies in wait for stray shots throughout the round, with the elevated par-3 7th, offering a particularly memorable view, among the standout holes.

Originally laid out by Willie Park in 1893 and extended to a full 18 holes in June 2006 to a new Alistair Connell design, this parkland course sits in the shadow of Dunion Hill half a mile from Jedburgh's town centre. Natural gorse and broom, along with water hazards on several holes, add character, while shorter par 4s reward accuracy, and the clubhouse's Naomi's Kitchen is well regarded for home-baked cakes.

Laid out by Ben Sayers with James Braid's input, this parkland course on the outskirts of the historic town of Kelso is prized for the quality of its turf and greens. Relatively flat, it offers a fair test for all levels without being physically demanding, and is a regular fixture near the top of the Borders club rankings.

Established in 1928 on the lower slopes of Minto Hill above Denholm, this parkland course faces south over the Teviot valley with fine views towards Ruberslaw. Mature woodland lines the first ten holes before the course opens out, and the ultra-demanding par-4 12th, nicknamed 'Everest', is the standout test on a layout praised as one of the Borders' hidden gems.

Founded in 1948 on part of the Hirsel Estate, ancestral home of former Prime Minister Sir Alec Douglas-Home's family, this parkland course near England's border took 50 years to reach its present full 18 holes. Dubbed 'The Augusta of the North', it winds through mature woodland with the River Leet a scenic rather than threatening presence, though out-of-bounds lurks on no fewer than eleven holes, with the closing stretch featuring two par 5s.

With over 100 years of history and originally shaped by Willie Park Jr along the banks of the River Gala, later expanded with input from James Braid, this rolling parkland course near Galashiels is repeatedly voted the most friendly and most visited club in the Borders' Freedom of the Fairways scheme. Notable features include a shared double green at the 8th and 13th, the panoramic 'Bowland View' hole, and a long, testing par-5 5th.

Founded in 1890 by local teacher Robert Millar as a nine-hole course, West Linton was redesigned by James Braid in 1925 after Sir George Sutherland took ownership, though it wasn't until 1974 that it reached its present excellent form. Set on Slipperfield Moor above the conservation village with Mendick Hill and the Pentland Hills as a backdrop, honorary member Sandy Lyle is among the notable golfers who have played this friendly, well-kept course.