Factfile
Name: Hawick Golf Club
Address: Vertish Hill, Hawick, Roxburghshire, TD9 0NY
Tel: 01450-372293
Web: Hawick Golf Club Email: Hawick Golf Club
How to get there: From the South - A7 turn right up the hill after the first roundabout. Club is 1/2 mile along the road.
Green fees: Weekdays and weekends: round £28, day £30.
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I suppose you have to be of a certain age to remember legendary rugby union commentator Bill McClaren's jaunty catchphrase - "they'll be singing and dancing in the streets of Hawick tonight". These words were uttered often back in the heyday of the Scotland team in the 80s and early 90s, and usually followed a Scottish win, or, on occasions, even a rousing try - and there were many back then (though this season's win over the auld enemy suggests better times ahead). The phrase helped put Hawick on the sporting map, or at least, on the world rugby map, as Hawick became as synonymous with the fifteen man code as Otago, Pontypridd and Toulouse. But one thing Bill seemed keen to keep very quiet about was his home town's other great claim to sporting greatness - Hawick Golf Club. As well he might, for the club is one of the Borders' best-kept secrets; a real hidden gem of a course. Bill is a life member at Hawick and still enjoys a round on its hilly lay-out - though he's long-retired from trying to make sense of the rolling maul. In fact, Hawick is the oldest golf club in the whole of the Borders, having first been established back in 1877 on the rolling contours of the picturesque Vertish Hill. This is a lovely part of Scotland, with rolling heather clad hills and the rivers Tweed and Teviot running through wooded valleys to the sea. There are centuries of history, castles, abbeys, and watchtowers. Hawick itself is something of an old golf town where the famous brands of cashmere garments of Peter Scott, Pringle and Lyle and Scott are produced. Thanks to its high elevation, the Hawick offers some of the most spectacular views to be found in the Borders and presents scenery and a sporting challenge more akin to what you'd expect to find in the Highlands. After the opening tricky first two holes running alongside the road, the third is a gentle climbing par 4, and the land rises sharply at the fourth. The long climb up this hole bears its rewards when you reach the fifth tee though. This short but potentially dangerous par four offers a view that is the beginning of some breathtaking scenery. The tough par 4 sixth, usually against the prevailing wind, offers similar views from the green. From here the course flattens out, and for the next few holes follows the same contour of the hill all the way round. The spectacular views of the course continue until the 11th, which sees a climb up towards the top of the hill. Again the next few holes follow the contour of the land around the hill. Here you arrive at the 15th tee, which is at the highest point, with even more dramatic views, which makes it difficult to concentrate on the golf. The only way is down now, but not without having to avoid some tricky holes, especially the par 3 18th, where the green is tucked close to the road at the back, and play is from a very elevated tee position. Most golfers will appreciate they have experienced a tough but fair test of their skills on this wonderful, and very interesting, golf course. And some very good players indeed have enjoyed Hawick's charms. Nick Faldo, who holds the professional course record of 64, Colin Montgomerie and Tony Jacklin are all honorary members. To top that, though, what an honour is must be to have the "voice of Rugby" among your membership. You can luxuriate in all this history and charm in the clubhouse after your round. The clubhouse was extensively refurbished in 1996, and is now very comfortable with attractive dining rooms and lounges. Bar and restaurant facilities are available throughout the season. The open plan design, and well furnished interior, as well as its excellent level of home-cooking, makes this an ideal venue for a golf society, or group's day out - and, of course, a weekend break from the North East. There are plenty of nice places to stay in the town itself or nearby. | 
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