The Scottish Borders Bamburgh Castle
Rob Smith enjoys a return to this outstandingly beautiful area and a pair of courses on either side of the region
Par 68, 5,604 yards
GF: round: £60; day: £70 For setting and views, this charming course is hard to beat. Just minutes from perhaps the loveliest castle in the country, this unusual and very much one-off design is packed
Par 72, 6,631 yards GF: round: £65-£75; day: £80-£90
My one previous game here was in 2012, when driving rain howling in off the North Sea meant all I could subsequently picture was the splashing of my Footjoys on the turf below me. It was therefore a complete joy to return last summer when, despite the odd blustery shower or two, I loved every minute of my two rounds playing this terrific course in a 3- to 4-club wind.
There is great variety for a pure links, with much of the early design down to James Braid and later work by Frank Pennink. I particularly rate the opening seven and the loop from 12 to 15, but with the exception of a slightly compacted finish with 18 crossing back over 17, it is delightful and testing all the way round. This is a supreme links and really should be on the agenda for all keen golfers. with character. Your first par 4 is not until the 5th, following which the course twists and turns its way gently up and down through rocky outcrops and over moorland via several beautiful green sites. With far-reaching views and birdie opportunities, this is one of the most likeable courses I know!