Southerness Golf Club Review

Two friends of Golfshake, Ben Adams and Phil Eadsforth, recently played the acclaimed Southerness Golf Club in Scotland, which comes Highly Recommended by the Golfshake Community. But did it live up to the hype? This is what the guys thought.

Set on the Solway Coast in Dumfries & Galloway, Southerness Golf Club is a true championship links and plays exactly like one. Fairly secluded and remote, with Dumfries around 15 miles to the north, the course offers a wonderfully peaceful golfing experience where the landscape and weather become part of the challenge.

Designed by Philip MacKenzie Ross, the architect associated with Turnberry, Southerness has built a growing reputation as one of Scotland’s hidden gem links courses. Flat and very walkable, it delivers an authentic links test where wind, firm turf and smart strategy matter just as much as power.

Arrival & First Impressions

As you get closer to Southerness, you feel increasingly removed from civilisation and closer to the untamed coastline of the Solway. The drive through country roads and small towns only adds to the anticipation before the course suddenly appears amongst the dunes and grasses.

Ben immediately loved the rugged, remote feel of the setting.

“It really does feel remote as you approach the club and see the white, single-storey clubhouse sitting comfortably amongst the grasses and dunes. You can’t miss it as it’s the only thing there.”

Phil was equally impressed by both the scenery and the welcome waiting at the club.

“After driving through small towns and country roads you are presented with the stunning scenery and golf course. Around the clubhouse were numerous members who were very friendly and welcoming.”

That warmth continued inside the clubhouse and pro shop, where both reviewers highlighted the genuine hospitality shown by staff and members alike. The clubhouse itself is modest but full of character, with a dining area overlooking the 18th green and views across the course towards the Solway Firth.

Practice facilities are excellent for a traditional links venue, with warm-up nets, a short-game area and multiple practice putting greens all located close to the clubhouse.

The Course Experience

From the opening tee shot, Southerness quickly establishes itself as a pure links experience. While relatively flat and easy to walk, the course constantly asks questions of your game through subtle design, natural bunkering and exposure to the coastal winds.

Both Ben and Phil were particularly impressed with the conditioning throughout the course.

“Greens rolling true and fairways perfect,” said Phil.

Ben added:

“All aspects of the course were well maintained with the greens being a particular highlight along with the bunkers.”

The links turf creates exactly the sort of running golf many players hope to experience in Scotland, rewarding creativity and imagination around the greens. Meanwhile, the natural bunkering adds both visual drama and strategic challenge throughout the round. 

One of the standout qualities of Southerness is how peaceful and immersive the experience feels. Despite the openness of the landscape, the routing creates a strong sense of isolation on many holes, allowing golfers to feel completely absorbed in the course and surroundings.

Layout & Standout Holes

The course flows naturally, with both nines looping around open grazing land and rough coastal terrain. Although the layout opened in 1947, Phil felt it played with the maturity and character of a much older links.

The front nine features two strong par 3s, with the 7th standing out as a particular test at over 200 yards.

“Number 7 is a real challenge,” noted Ben, especially when played into the wind.

As the round progresses, the course gradually moves closer to the shoreline, with holes 12 and 13 offering some of the finest sea views on the property. This stretch perfectly captures what makes Southerness special - rugged scenery, exposed linksland and strategic golf shaped by the elements. 

The closing holes provide a stern finish, particularly when the wind arrives off the Solway Firth. Picking an aim line from the tee can become a real challenge and both reviewers agreed that from the back tees the course would be an extremely demanding test.

“Thankfully we played on a fairly calm day weather-wise,” Phil admitted, “because off the back tees this would be a monster of a course.”

What Makes Southerness Special?

What elevates Southerness beyond simply being a very good golf course is the authenticity of the overall experience. 

There’s nothing manufactured or overly polished about the place. Instead, it delivers traditional Scottish links golf in its purest form - firm fairways, natural rough, ever-changing wind conditions and golf that rewards patience, creativity and smart decision-making. 

The setting also plays a huge role. The backdrop of the Solway coastline, distant mountains and vast skies creates a dramatic atmosphere throughout the round, especially as weather systems move visibly across the water. 

Recent Golfshake reviewers have repeatedly described Southerness as one of the best hidden gem links courses in Britain, praising the conditioning, hospitality and exceptional value for money. Many also highlight how uncrowded and peaceful the experience feels compared to some of Scotland’s more famous golfing destinations. 

For golfers looking to experience authentic championship links golf away from the busier tourist routes, Southerness delivers exactly that.

Verdict

Ben:

"Southerness is a fine track with a very true links pedigree. That means that if the wind starts to blow it could be a strong test of your golf game but still fun if you adopt the right approach."

“If you're after links golf this is definitely worth visiting and you will be pleased with the warm welcome you receive. The hospitality in the clubhouse is no fuss done well and the view from the clubhouse window is worth taking in whilst enjoying a post-round refreshment.”

Phil: 

"Highly recommended course to visit. You will not be disappointed. Fantastic welcome and club facilities with a good selection of post round food."

“It’s a true test of golf and picking an aim line can be challenging. We played on a calmer day but you can easily imagine how tough this place becomes when the wind gets up.”

Ben's Ratings

Overall Rating: 10

Course Conditions: 10

Course Layout: 9

Green Condition: 10

Course Challenge/Difficulty: 10

Club Facilities: 9

Practice Facilities: 8

Friendliess/Hospitality: 10

Pace of Play: 10

Value For Money: 9

Phil's Ratings

Overall Rating: 10

Course Conditions: 10

Course Layout: 10

Green Condition: 10

Course Challenge/Difficulty: 10

Club Facilities: 9

Practice facilities 9

Friendliess/hospitality 10

Pace of Play: 10

Value For Money: 10

It's fair to say that the guys loved their time at Southerness! If you have played the course, what did you think? Why not leave a review on Golfshake!