The Roxburghe reigns as one of Scotland's best-kept secrets

Getting away from the beaten path will often reveal hidden treasures to the traveler that other less venturesome visitors may never experience. This adage applies as much to golf travel as it does to classic tourism. A little curiosity is often well rewarded and you needn't stray too far from the tried and true to reap the benefits.

There are innumerable golf courses in Scotland that rank up there alongside the best, but perhaps because they are not located conveniently close to the typical track visiting golfers habitually take, they are too often overlooked and not played.

A case in point is The Roxburghe, an exceptional parkland layout, situated in the picturesque, 200-acre estate of the current Duke of Roxburghe, an avid golfer who had a yearning to build a very special golf course for himself.

Determined to make his course a few notches above the rest, the Duke commissioned the best architect to be found and Dave Thomas of Belfry fame was brought in to make the most of a landscape ideally suited for the purpose.

The results of Thomas's design talents coupled with thoughts and ideas of a the Duke of Roxburghe, a man never shy about expressing his own opinions, especially when it comes to golf courses, is inspiring.

So inspiring in fact that The Roxburghe which was admitted to the British magazine, Golf World's 2001, Top 100 Courses in the British Isles. It moved up a couple of positions to 93rd place in 2002. Considering this is 93rd position out of a total of the more than 2,500 courses in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England, this is some accomplishment and places it among the top ranked 5% of all courses in the British Isles. Distinguished company, especially for a course only opened in 1997.

The Roxburghe is located in a region of Scotland known as The Borders, that area of the country extending from just south of Edinburgh to the English border, also known as the Scottish Lowlands.

It’s a beautiful part of Britain, as is most of Scotland, but it has never gained much of a reputation for its golf, despite the fact that there are a number of very good courses in the area. Visitors in their eagerness to reach the more famous courses further north have tended to overlook The Borders and the loss has certainly been theirs. Just a small detour off the beaten path would have brought them to The Roxburghe and a few other delightful gems.

The Roxburghe is the first true championship course in the region and has made exceptional use of the naturally contoured land, creating the impression that this layout has been here for centuries rather than the few short years which is the reality.

The Roxburghe is submerged in Scotland's pastoral beauty. (Provided to GolfWeb)

Flanked on one side by the river Teviot, which incidentally offers some of the finest salmon fishing in these parts, and peppered with centuries old trees, the views of pastoral Scotland are quite stunning.

Try not to be distracted by the esthetic qualities of The Roxburghe however. As we all know, looks can be deceiving and the most beauteous of creatures can sometimes bite.

Measuring a hefty 7,111 yards from the championship tees, The Roxburghe is no pussycat and while long hitting is well rewarded, unless it is accompanied by accuracy and some careful planning, you can easily get yourself into trouble. This is a course for the thinking golfer.

Nowhere is the challenge more in evidence than on the signature hole, the par five 14th, The Viaduct hole.

The river runs the full length of the hole that is played from an elevated tee. The generous, rolling green, surrounded by trees is dominated by the 200 year old Roxburghe Viaduct rising in monumental style behind, almost daring you to accept the challenge.

While this maybe one of Scotland's most photogenic holes, the wise golfer will try to ignore the view and think his way carefully. The strategically placed bunkers must be avoided at all costs, the river should be put out of your mind and with some good fortune, par becomes attainable.

This is noble golf indeed and if you are looking for a challenge to shoot for, consider the course record of 67, held by none other than Nick Faldo.

Linger for a couple of days here if you can and stay at The Roxburghe Hotel, one of the most enjoyable country house hotels you will ever find. This will not only give you the opportunity to play The Roxburghe a second time, something the course just calls out for, but also to savor some truly delightful country living.

Besides golf and the excellent fishing, there is horseback riding and some historic stately homes to be visited in the immediate area, including the Duke of Roxburghe's own, Floors Castle. Who knows, you might even get a chance to meet the Duke and hear his own opinions about the course he built.

For more information on including The Roxburghe on your trip, click here.

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