Renowned Scottish golf course known as ‘Augusta of the Borders’ closes abruptly

A POPULAR Scottish golf course in the Borders region has closed with immediate effect.

Hirsel Golf Club was oft-considered one of Scotland‘s best kept secrets and was affectionately known as the ‘Augusta of the Borders’.

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Despite its reputation the club has succumbed to financial pressures and last night at their AGM, committee members voted to file for bankruptcy with immediate effect.

Hirsel, located in the town of Coldstream in the Borders, was founded in 1948 but it wasn’t until 1998 that it was extended to a full 18-hole layout, stretching to 6,024 yards.

The course covers part of the Hirsel Estate, famed for being the ancestral home of Lord David Douglas-Home, son of former Prime Minister, Sir Alec Douglas-Home.

While it doesn’t come into play on more than a couple of holes, the Leet Water’s presence is pleasing on the eye for much of the round as you walk the lush green fairways and marvel at the panaromas of the Cheviot Hills, adding to a testing round of golf.

An impressive clubhouse with a bar and restaurant overlooks the first tee, with two function rooms inside.

Hirsel was ranked on various lists including coming in at number 59 on Today’s Golfer rankings of the top courses in Great Britain and Ireland under £40 (ahead of the historic Musselburgh) and also featured in Golf Pass’ list of top 20 Scottish hidden gems and on three of GolfShake’s value-for-money lists.

But with rising maintenance costs, a dwindling membership and the club pro having left recently, its future was in jeopardy.

A statement on the club’s Facebook page read: “Following our AGM this evening, the Hirsel Golf Club is closed. No bookings can now be taken.

“Anyone with future golf bookings will hear directly from the club.”

The news has left the remaining members heartbroken.

Oliver Wright, 24, who grew up in Coldstream and was a member, said: “I’m devastated.

“A few seasons ago a lot of locals that have played there since they were kids left, almost in protest at the condition of the course. Despite it improving significantly, some just didn’t return.

“But for context, it wasn’t that bad.

“I played it a couple months ago and it was in top nick.

“Hopefully the Hirsel Estate will step in and take over the running of it.

“Gutted.”

Another member, Frank Ryan, of Kelso, said: “Such a real shame, glorious course and location.

“It doesn’t pay to be a hidden gem.”

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