The Roxburghe Golf Course, imaginatively designed by Dave Thomas, stretches for 7111 yards and as a championship course, it is ideal for all levels of player. Opened in 1997, it has been quickly recognised by international golfers and rated one of the top ten new courses in the UK by the magazine, "Golf World" which commented:
" New courses are a rarity in this list, yet this Dave Thomas creation on the banks of the River Teviot in the Scottish Borders deserves its debut. It is a bold design among mature parkland and it is the only inland course built in the past ten years to enter the Top 100 list for the first time."
The Golf World judging panel assessed the course based on four criteria: quality of test and design, visual appeal and enjoyment, fairness and presentation, ambience and history.
It is a challenging course for professionals and amateurs alike, with the now famous signature hole the " Viaduct" one of the most photographed holes in Scotland. Other holes have been attractively named Teviot View, Whinny Braes, Badger Sett, Azalea and Deer Park. There is also an attractive Golf Club with the Fairways restaurant and bar, offering fabulous views across the park.
" A great course and it`s in great shape" remarked Sergio Garcia, following his attendance in July last year, at the 2000 Roxburghe Challenge Golf Tournament. This celebrity charity event also attracted fellow golfers Paul Lawrie and Jesper Pamevick who congratulated Thomas on the design of the course. The professional team were joined by HRH the Duke of York, Alan Shearer and Hugh Grant.
The Duke of Roxburghe was naturally delighted to welcome such a prestigious team of golfers to his course.
" It is a unique occasion for a Borders golf course to be able to host three of the world`s top professionals, along with three such high profile celebrities. I am immensely grateful to all of them for giving up their valuable time to make today possible, and to help raise funds for two deserving children`s charities."
" It would be nice to think that we could do this every other year. We had a sensational day in stunning weather and we were privileged to watch Sergio Garcia break the course record".
At the 2000 Roxburghe Challenge, Garcia led his team to victory in 66, breaking the 1997 Challenge record of 67, set by Nick Faldo.
The Roxburghe Golf Course will continue to play host to further charity and celebrity championships, including the Scottish Seniors Golf Open in the summer, taking place from 31st August to 2 September, 2000.
Supported by the Bank of Scotland, with a prize fund of £ 150,000, the Scottish Seniors Open is part of the expanding European Seniors Tour. Among the expected line up of competitors include Neil Coles, David Huish, Noel Ratcliffe and Bernard Gallacher
Sam Galbraith, Minister for Environment and Sport, recently commented,
"The Seniors Golf Open is an important component within Scotland`s bid to host the Ryder Cup in 2009. The Seniors Open will act to further the popularity of the game and bring famous players to The Roxburghe."
The Duke, naturally enough is delighted to welcome the Seniors Open to his golf course. "This will continue to enhance the standing of Scotland as a golfing destination."
Meanwhile guests at the Roxburghe Hotel can share and enjoy this prestigious award winning golf course, designed for the world professionals. Special all-inclusive hotel accommodation and golfing breaks for individuals as well as corporate golf day events can be arranged.
