The drainage is good even though the course is relatively low-lying. The trees provide welcome respite from the elements and a healthy portion of shade and definition to this fine course.

The remainder of the back nine loops its way back to the clubhouse with perhaps the finest hole being saved until last. The 362 yard par four asks several questions of your course management as a wee burn zigzags its way diagonally across the fairway the centre of which is around 150 yards from the green and highlighted by a ‘Swilken’ style bridge. If you can carry 250 yards then aim left and skim over the drink but otherwise leak it right and you’ll be in play with a lovely 100 yard flick over the burn to the green ahead. The back drop of Cawder House, a triangular fir and a lovely middle aged oak set off this cracking hole and a great way to finish.!

The Cawder Course
Different in nature to its sibling and 401 yards longer, the eponymous course takes on the higher echelons of the estate and begins with a brace of tricky par fours both of which traverse the road before their respective greens. Walk away with only eight shots thus far and you’ve done well.

A further trio of par fours averaging 402 yards lead you to a plateau taking you to a delightful little par three that allows you to get your breath back a little after a tricky start. The raised tee shortens the 160 yard hole slightly and the large green accommodates any miss-struck irons. This is the highest point of the entire estate and fine views across the Scottish countryside are well worth a moment or two to savour.

The course takes on more of a woodland feel towards the end of the back nine becoming arguably the prettiest section of the estate. The delightful par three 13th nestles amongst the trees and is picture postcard perfect. Surrounded by high oaks and birches and rhododendrons the hole is quite beautiful. The sunlight leaks through the gaps in the trees casting shadows and light across the putting surface. More hole-in-ones have been achieved on this hole than any other at Cawder and the charisma of the hole is sure to have played a part.

The 14th on the Cawder Course is regarded as their signature hole and is also the toughest. At 455 yards from the back, the high pine trees line one side of the fairway whilst the backdrop of Strathkelvin countryside entertains the left.

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