There is a simple reason that golf is so popular in Scotland ....it was born here. Southern Scotland plays a remarkable part of this:

The history of golf dates back to the 15th century, when the game of gowf (as it was known then) was banned by parliament as it was considered to be a distraction to military training! Records show that golf was played at Musselburgh Old Links (the worlds oldest existing golf course) in 1672; although it is claimed that Mary Queen of Scots played as early as 1567.

Tournament Golf began with Prestwick staging the first open Championship in 1860 with a field of only 8 players and the event is still held in 'The Home of Golf' every 3 out of 5 years. Turnberry is considered to be the most scenically beautiful links golf course in the world. It is absolutely exceptional, the way the hotel sits above the fantastic links course with the lighthouse at the far end and Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran rising out of the sea.

Golf is not just an elitist sport for those with low handicaps. There is nothing better than seeing Mum's and Dad's with their children, out on the course and Southern Scotland embraces this with open arms. There are numerous par 3 courses which allow parents to hone their short-game skills whist the children learn the skills.

Southern Scotland has the perfect mix of courses, from Open Championship to local hidden gems. It also has the perfect 'nineteenth hole', providing visitors with the sort of welcome they expect, the facilities the want, and the perfect base for short or longer golfing breaks.

It is an experience to be savoured and certainly not forgotten.