Scottish Borders, United Kingdom
Hawick Golf Club is an 18-hole moorland course located on Vertish Hill on the southern outskirts of Hawick in the Scottish Borders, and holds the distinction of being the oldest golf club in the region. The club was established in 1877 with a founding membership of thirteen, and the original course consisted of eleven holes arranged across the natural contours of the hill. The layout was extended to twelve holes in 1879 and a full 18-hole course came into being in 1894. The course is attributed to James Braid and measures 5,933 yards from the back tees, playing to a par of 68, comprising fourteen par fours and four par threes with a standard scratch score of 69.
The course climbs steadily from the opening holes before ascending sharply from the fourth tee, named Well, after which it meanders around the upper reaches of Vertish Hill. The terrain is characterised by heather, gorse, and broom lining the fairways, with several blind shots and significant elevation changes requiring careful course management. The 6th hole, named Hunter, is a 445-yard par four normally played into the prevailing wind and considered the most demanding on the card. The course levels out across the middle section before the 15th tee, which sits at the highest point and offers panoramic views stretching from the Cheviot Hills to the Lothians. The closing descent includes a memorable 16th hole called McLarens Miracle, named in honour of rugby commentator Bill McLaren, a lifetime member who made a hole-in-one there, and the par-three 18th, which plays from a dramatically elevated tee to a green tucked close to the road below.
Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, and Tony Jacklin are among the club's honorary members, with Faldo holding the professional course record of 64. The course is maintained by the club on land rented from Scottish Borders Council and welcomes visitors throughout the season.
