Another real gem, just 14 miles north of Dumfries on the A76, is Thornhill Golf Club. Amongst the hills of Nithsdale, yet an easy walking course, its subtle nuances as well as lovely location make it a course golfers take to their hearts and come back to many times. South of Dumfries is the famous Solway Firth links of Southerness. This is an internationally recognised locality, reflected by the many foreign number plates in the car park. Designed by MacKenzie Ross as recently as 1947, it is a course to test the best with windy conditions adding considerably to an already demanding layout.
High handicappers struggle here and often come off exasperated.
But if your game is strong then Southerness is not to be missed. Nearby is an easier proposition that will delight all levels of golfers. Colvend Golf Club has dazzling views over the expansive Mersehead Sands and Solway Firth across to the hills of the English Lake District. You do have to pay a small price of climbing the 1st fairway to enjoy such vistas but they are well worth it. The new nine-hole section of this course has settled in well making Colvend great fun to play as well as a good test.