Southerness Golf Club is aptly named because it's the most southerly golf course in Scotland, sitting on the edge of remote head land on the peaceful Solway coast. It is a classic and natural links course with a panoramic view of Criffel peak, the highest of the local fells. So the lengthy drive along winding roads was well worth it.

At first sight, Southerness appears to be relatively short at a little over 6500 yards, but with a low par of 69 and SSS of 73 is a tough test of golf. Luckily conditions were excellent - we dread to think what the scores would have been in the blustery and wet weather typically found on westcoast links courses. Fairways were firm and fast, and the greens in top-class condition.

About half the holes have a dog-leg one way or the other, and many of the raised greens are fronted by swales which hide tricky pot bunkers. The quality and variety of the holes are excellent, making full use of the natural contours of the land. Any drive that misses the fairway may introduce the wayward golfer to one of the regular features on the course - heather…and acres of it!

With five tough par threes with an average length of 189 from the medal tees, the course also has four par-4s over 400 yards long. The signature 12th hole is a dogleg played out to the brink of the Irish Sea, a truly memorable experience on a fine clear summer's day.