Course: Hawkshill Championship Course, Newmachar
Location: Newmachar, Aberdeenshire
Brief description: A true championship course set amid silver birches. A tough test the further back you tee it up. Well bunkered around greens and on fairways with dramatic water features and changes of level.
What to expect of the course: Expect to be challenged by this Dave Thomas design. A course rating of 143 hints at a real test. The course is very fair, however, as everything is visible and in great condition. Choosing the best tees for your ability will make for an enjoyable round.
Course: Swailend Course
Brief description: Shorter and younger than the Hawkshill, the Swailend can be a very good test also, despite being more forgiving. It is set on rolling ground, is well bunkered and its many trees are maturing to really help give holes better definition.
What to expect of the course: The Swailend Course contrasts the Hawkshill in some ways and will give golfers more freedom to open their shoulders. In its early days it was criticised as being soulless, but this is no longer the case. A well designed modern layout. Favourite holes might be the 8th and 12th.
What to expect of the overall visit: Newmachar is quite a place. Two big courses which are contrasting but complimentary. It has a great set up; a wonderful modern clubhouse, top class practice facilities and driving range and is set in a position to offer good views of the land around. The Hawkshill Course has been used for championships on several tours and the venue itself is ideal for corporate days.
Website: newmachargolfclub.co.uk
