Stranraer Golf Club

Day four of tour of this South West corner of Scotland brought us to Stranraer, a nice 1 hour drive from our hotel in Kirkcudbright. A nice greeting, we were early, but after a welcoming coffee, we were allowed straight out, The course is a lovely easy walking classic James Braid course, allways tempting you to play that risky shot and then punishing you when it goes wrong, the rough and gorse protects many greens. But if you do stray off line there is generally a route back, but at a cost. My claim to fame on the day was paring the dramatic fifth; it is a lovely view, made even better if you have bragging rights. Some of the best signage from green to tee we came across all week, so important if you are first time visitor. The greens were the best of the week, they might look flat but beware they can easily fool you to take three putts. The weather turned wet half way round, and a few squalls came through which took the edge off the round but still a great course, and I think a must to play in this county. Back in the clubhouse, a very unusual style of decoration, almost like a ships upper deck, chrome rails and steps and suspended lighting. Good selection snacks freshly made at reasonable prices. All the members were very friendly together with the staff and a credit to the club. We would certainly return and hope for a little better weather.

Billy the chauffeur and I drove down from the central belt(passing numerous famous Ayrshire golf courses ), to sample what this hidden corner of the country had to offer for the first time, and although the weather couldn't have been much worse, we were glad we came. On arriving 2 hours early for tee-off, the gentleman at the booking office with some assistance from some members allowed us an early start time. A pleasing birdie at the first was soon a distant memory as the elements gave us four seasons in one day. Other golfers have said that the view from the 5th is one of the best, we were lucky to catch a glimpse of Loch Ryan and a bogey each felt like a hole-in -one in the more than testing conditions. There are many good holes on the course, and although slightly up hill and down dale in layout,it is a fair test and well worth the visit. Just beware if it decides to blow a gale, a 3 wood on the 165yard par3 15th gives an idea of what it was like, but we're sure the course would be more enjoyable in more favourable conditions.

very friendly,helpful pro.course very enjoyable.particularly fifth hole.value for money

Six Swedish golfers played Stranraer on July 13, this being day 2 of our 2008 golf tour in Scotland. Although it was a Sunday, we were able to get an Open Fairways 4-for-2 deal and we received a warm welcome. For once, the weather was nice as well, with sunny skies and moderate winds. Some of us grumbled a bit about the course being quite hilly as well as having a couple of blind holes, but I think the majority opinion was that it's a very nice course indeed. Certainly the quality of tees, fairways and greens was of a very high standard. The rough was dense in some places, and on a few holes the gorse bushes were close enough to catch errant shots. Like others before me, I have to single out hole 5 as the outstanding hole of the course. It must be one of the most picturesque holes I've played and it's a very good par 4 from a golfing point of view too. The clubhouse is modern and offers everything a visitor may need.

been up to this neck of the woods for the last 6 years never played at stranraer the course was in great nick the fairways are failrly narrow you have to hit the ball straight to come away with your par or better dont go by the 150 markers as i thought they were way out greens are well protected and the club house is modern and staff and members are really helpful well done keep up the good work will be back later this year

Golfing heaven - the 5th at Stranraer !!! What a hole. A tee box that seems like you're on top of the world. Loch Ryan away to your right and when you hit driver the ball seems to stay in the air for an eternity. On a recent visit I managed to clear the fairway bunkers and a 9 iron left me only 3 foot short of the pin which I then holed for a birdie. I'm not a great golfer but when I looked back up the fairway at what I had achieved I felt proud. Locals tell me this is one of the top ten holes in Scotland and I managed a birdie on it. Worth the green fee alone. But this course deserves recognition for more than this signature hole - it is the most friendly course I've ever played and one of the most stunning for scenery and for challenge. I was on business in the area and the hotel I used has an arrangement with the course for residents to play at Stranraer on a discount scheme so it cost me only £17.50. On arrival at the course at about 08:30 there were several members about to tee off. What my hotel hadn't informed me was that the club has a rule that visitors can't tee off before 09:15. No matter- the members unloading their gear in the car park around me suggested I start at the 10th and play the course 'back to front' which meant I had a delay free round. Before I teed off the lady who works in the Secretary's Office gave me a guided tour of the facilities even taking me onto the 1st tee and telling me where I should aim to hit my tee ball. Now, I know I'm a good looking devil, but I rather think that she'd do that for anyone. The course was in wonderful condition - only one hole was on winter greens - the weather (mid February) was glorious and some of the guys I spoke to in the car park joined up with me on the 18th and were as friendly as you would ever wish to meet. I've been playing golf now for almost two years and in that time, due to my needing to travel with my work, I've played about 25 courses in the UK. Before this I would have said Portpatrick, Mere, and, Bramhall were the best courses I've played. But Stranraer just knocked me out. If you find yourself in that part of the world do yourself a favour and play it. I can guarantee you won't be disappointed. I made 3 birdies on my visit and, as a 16 handicapper, I left the course feeling like Mr Woods. I was treated as though I WAS Mr Woods by the people I met. Go and enjoy.

This is an excellent course in first class condition (late May). The wide fairways give you every chance in the windswept conditions I experienced. The 5th hole, over looking Loch Ryan, is awesome (don't slice in a north wind or the sea god will devour your ball). The tee shot on the 3rd requires distance and accuracy and don't be short with your approach to the 11th green or you will play your next shot from further back. My only criticism is that there too many longish uphill par 4's which on the day made it a bit of a 'slog'. Nevertheless, I would love to play Stranraer again, preferably without the wind. For socities, it is thoughtful of the club to provide a separate secure changing facility.

Stranraer for me is a fantastic test of golf. The outward nine has a parkland feel and the inward nine takes on more of a links appearance. Two standout holes for me were the Par 4 5th, features a tee shot from an extremely elevated tee, with Loch Ryan threatening to swallow anything hit slightly right, and the Par 3 6th, a well struck mid-iron is needed to an elevated green surrounded by deep pot bunkers. When I played the greens were well waterd and the very receptive, and the fairways were hard and fast. I would recommend a round here and at nearby Portpatrick (Dunskey) to anyone visiting this part of South West Scotland. You will not be dissapointed.

Still the best value for golf in an outstanding area, I am sure that if there is a golf course 'Up above' then he must have copied some of it from Stranraer, a truly first class golfing experience, top rate clubhouse with great value for food, the place deserves to be featured on world wide T.V. Well done Stranraer. Eric Rankin, West Midlands.

Great golf course. Expected a links type feel, but this was not really the case. Some wonderful holes, and every one makes you think about what club to play. Definately worth a visit.

This is my favourite golf course in the world. I have played it many times over the past 25 years and have always found the course in good to excellent condition and the welcome is second to none.Even though I lived in Hertfordshire for 18 years I always tried to play it at least once a year If you want to enjoy a days golf with good food and company at an reasonable price I cannot recomend a better place than stranraer

A must for any golfer touring South West Scotland, a first class test of golf, stunning veiws over Loch Ryan,Glen App and Ailsa Craig, course always in top condition.One of the most impressive club houses in South of Scotland with wonderful veiws over the course and Loch Ryan, good food at very reasonable prices,great golfing value. Should not be missed, an experience you will never forget. Golfers tend to think that golf in Scotland is all about St.Andrews, Turnbery,Etc. try this course and you may change your mind.

A truly friendly and nice club, they could not have been more welcoming to a visitor from down south. They even rustled up a set of ancient clubs for me to rent. A truly beautiful setting too, with stunning views over Loch Ryan, and a couple of holes running along the shoreline. A combination of seaside links and mature parkland makes for a varied round, with one or two blind holes to add spice. Only one par 5 and three par 3s. Immaculate and tricky greens (easy to 3 or 4 putt when you are using arented putter!)