I had a trip over the weekend, playing the above 3 courses. Not the glamour courses of that coastline but substantially cheaper. So, in playing order:
Eyemouth, really enjoyable. Smashing clubhouse, making use of the views with massive glass windows giving great views over the course, out to sea, down to the harbour. Very friendly, good value food and drink. Course was a real pleasure to play. Interesting shape to holes, some very funky greens. In very good condition, particularly bearing in mind the weather we have had. It seemed half links, half parkland in style. Interesting to hear other views on this from people who have played it before.
Winterfield, short course, slotted into a bit of land on the coast. Nice clubhouse, again good value in there. Worst 1st hole I've ever played. 220yd par 3, raised tee box, raised green, large bank in front. You had to carry the green with very little bale out area. Ah well. The rest were fairly up and down holes, lots of cross over holes on the back 9. 4 hours to play a short course, purgatory. I might have fonder views had it been quieter but as it was, I would not bother going back. Not the worst, a good course for a beginner.
Duns, parkland course. A bonus. We had low expectations but really enjoyed it. Lots of good holes, good greens. A good number of tree lined fairways but at this point of the year, with no leaves on them, it was not as attractive as it would be in a month or so. I'd happily go back and play there. Nice clubhouse but as there was no catering on I can't say too much about that.
We had friendly welcomes at all 3, big plusses there. Minimal rain but strong winds each day. Overall view was that Eyemouth was the best course but due to its exposure on the coast we would choose Duns to be a member of. If people are planning a trip to the glamour courses and want to fit a cheaper option into the mix, or are looking for a course on the way up to Scotland or back down into England, then give real thought to playing Eyemouth.
Eyemouth, really enjoyable. Smashing clubhouse, making use of the views with massive glass windows giving great views over the course, out to sea, down to the harbour. Very friendly, good value food and drink. Course was a real pleasure to play. Interesting shape to holes, some very funky greens. In very good condition, particularly bearing in mind the weather we have had. It seemed half links, half parkland in style. Interesting to hear other views on this from people who have played it before.
Winterfield, short course, slotted into a bit of land on the coast. Nice clubhouse, again good value in there. Worst 1st hole I've ever played. 220yd par 3, raised tee box, raised green, large bank in front. You had to carry the green with very little bale out area. Ah well. The rest were fairly up and down holes, lots of cross over holes on the back 9. 4 hours to play a short course, purgatory. I might have fonder views had it been quieter but as it was, I would not bother going back. Not the worst, a good course for a beginner.
Duns, parkland course. A bonus. We had low expectations but really enjoyed it. Lots of good holes, good greens. A good number of tree lined fairways but at this point of the year, with no leaves on them, it was not as attractive as it would be in a month or so. I'd happily go back and play there. Nice clubhouse but as there was no catering on I can't say too much about that.
We had friendly welcomes at all 3, big plusses there. Minimal rain but strong winds each day. Overall view was that Eyemouth was the best course but due to its exposure on the coast we would choose Duns to be a member of. If people are planning a trip to the glamour courses and want to fit a cheaper option into the mix, or are looking for a course on the way up to Scotland or back down into England, then give real thought to playing Eyemouth.
