MACDONALD LINDEN HALL HOTEL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Location: Morpeth, Northumberland, 24 miles North of Newcastle-upon-Tyne  NE65 8XF

Linden Hall has a superb resort course, whose parkland layout will be enjoyed by all those who visit, whilst remaining a genuine challenge for even the best. Some excellent holes have been carved out by designer Jonathan Gaunt, who has used the indigenous landscape to create natural hazards.

Threatening woodland and intimidating water will pose a challenge, but good strategy and accurate hitting will definitely be rewarded. Those not scoring well need not despair however, as the course's location affords spectacular views over the Cheviot Hills and Northumberland's stunning coastline.

LONGHIRST HALL HOTEL & GOLF COURSE
Location: Longhirst, Morpeth, Northumberland, 23 miles North of Newcastle-upon-Tyne  NE61 3LL

Longhirst Hall Golf Course is an innovative combination of holes, which can now offer three different Florida-style layouts. These are rotated to ensure good conditions throughout the golfing year.

Old Course - The Old Course is the original layout at Longhirst, having been inaugurated in 1997. There is lots of water to be avoided here, so stocking up on balls is a must.

Lakes Course - The Lakes Course utilises 11 holes from the Old combined with spectacular new holes, whose innovative green design is a joy to behold. As is the case at all of Longhirst's layouts, accuracy is of the utmost importance, as enormous water hazards await the wayward.

Dawson Course - The Dawson Course is another composite, making use of 7 of the original holes from the Old. The new additions are all about risk and reward; there are many moments during the round where players will be forced to question their bravery, but pulling off the glory shot makes the 19th hole considerably more enjoyable.

MACDONALD CARDRONA HOTEL, GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Location: Cardrona, 3 miles East of Peebles, 26 miles South of Edinburgh, 55 miles SE of Glasgow, 90 miles NW of Newcastle-upon-Tyne  EH45 9HX
 
Renowned course architect Dave Thomas' brief at Cardrona was to create a beautiful and challenging layout, completely harmonious with the extraordinary surrounding landscape.

Using all the local features, Thomas, to his enormous credit, has managed to build the course to feel mature beyond its few years. Despite its position close to some pretty hilly terrain, the course itself is relatively flat, offering an enjoyable challenge to all those fortunate enough to visit Cardrona for a golfing break.

The testing par-73 track is now a regular stop on the PGA Europro Tour, owing not just to the golf course, but also the fantastic practice facilities on-site.

THE ROXBURGHE HOTEL & GOLF COURSE
Location: Kelso, Roxburgheshire, 45 miles South of Edinburgh, 66 miles NW of Newcastle-upon-Tyne  TD5 8JZ

The Roxburghe has been voted the fifth best inland golf course in Scotland, and is a credit to designer Dave Thomas. The course is a well-manicured test, and is fortunate to be located in one of the most beautiful environments in the Scottish Borders.

With the River Teviot flowing alongside, this picturesque track also has some teeth; at over 7,000 yards it is a course that is well-suited to those who hit the ball long and high, and also challenges visitors with Thomas' characteristically deep bunkers.

The course is relatively young, but has already entered the top 100 rankings in the United Kingdom, thanks to holes like number 14, ‘The Viaduct'. With an elevated tee perched high above the beautifully-mown fairway, this must surely be one of Scotland's most beautiful holes. The spectacular viaduct traverses the Teviot in the near distance, while the river hugs the left side, posing a genuine challenge to the intrepid golfer.

Ryder Cup hero Sam Torrance is a known fan of the Roxburghe, while Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo, and course record holder Sergio Garcia have also visited in recent times, so why not follow in the footsteps of the great?

SCOTTISH BORDERS GOLF TOURS
Location: Scottish Borders