Stranraer golf course is situated in the South West overlooking the shores of Loch Ryan.  It was designed by James Braid (five times open winner) and just happens to be the last course he designed and what a cracker it is. Stranraer measures 6,308 yards and is simply stunning.  The course opens with a couple of relatively easy par 4’s although the second and third are pretty tight off the tee.  The 5th hole is simply superb and by far the signature hole on the course.  You tee up from high looking down to a fairway that dog legs slightly to the right.  The Loch is on your right hand side and bunkers also loom within driving distance.  The 6th through to seven offer birdie chances however the first half comes to a close with a 458 yard par 4.  I managed to birdie it however although this was assisted with a very frosty ground.  The back half starts off again with some short par 4’s and a par 3 measuring 180 yards however plays shorter down hill but look out for the burn!  The 13th and 17th run parallel with each other so be sure to play up the right hand side however note the coast is closer than you think.  The 14th is another fantastic hole measuring 513 yards and is on the coastline.  Stu managed to hit three good woods to get there and hole a ten footer for his super dongo (birdie) and I also managed to make a birdie.  A tough finish ensues with a tight par 3 of 165 yards however we were laying into wind so was playing a club longer (both us bogeyed) then you turn to play two huge par 4’s back to back (470 and 462 respectively).  I had to hit Drive and 5 Iron out of the screws to get up and fortunately I did and made par at both.  Stu had a respectable 6 and 5. The 18th provides a good chance for birdie however none of us made one.

Stranraer was simply superb.  We would like to thank Tom Buchanan (Pro at Duddingston) for using his contacts to allow us a concession on to this wonderful golf course and we would also like to thank Jimmy Burns the secretary/starter for allowing us to play the course.  We spoke to a couple of members on the course and were surprised to hear that the fee per annum is only £305…and members still complain they told us.  This course makes it into our top 5 ahead of Muirfield and highly recommend this course.

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