Southerness is a hidden gem located fifteen miles South of Dumfries and a mere 2-hour drive from Glasgow airport. The remoteness adds to the charm of this internationally little-known course which is so highly regarded in Scotland and across the UK.
The Links at Southerness boasts some stunning views of the surrounding hills and coastline on one side and the Lake District on the other. Mapped out by McKenzie Ross and built in 1947, his fantastic design remains virtually untouched to this very day showing just how durable the original plan was. The golf course measures in at just over 6500 yards, Par 69 and provides a true links challenge for all golfers. The Standard Scratch Score at Southerness is 73, which will demonstrate just how difficult this particular track can be; during competition and in difficult that SSS can get as high as 76! The course is reasonably flat with no blind spots, but its location offers a real sense of remoteness.
There are eight holes of over 400+ yards in length, many of which are lined by gorse and further trouble, so it is likely this is where the damage will be done as the driver will need to under control for this round. There are only two real birdie opportunities at short Par fives, and the rest can be very tough. The 12th hole is widely regarded as the signature hole, with a left to right dog-leg and fairway bunkers right and left. Golfers need to find the middle of the fairway to get a view of the green and when you do the Solway Firth, and a large sandy bay comes into spectacular view. Don’t get distracted; however, as the green is well protected with an additional out of bounds line long over the back.
A friendly, warm welcome will always greet you at Southerness, and this course is one you must play as it offers a real treat of feeling you are the only person for miles in a little piece of heaven. Play Southerness in conjunction with Silloth on Solway across the firth, and you have a great combination of links golf.
