The Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course will join The European Tour Qualifying School Schedule for the first time when it hosts the First Stage from September 11-14.

The Viaduct 14th hole at The Roxburghe, Kelso. Image by courtesy of the European Tour.

The 7,111 yards, par 72 championship course, located in the town of Kelso in Roxburghshire, hosted the Scottish Senior Open on the European Senior Tour from 2001-2005.

Three years after it was opened by Colin Montgomerie and Sir Nick Faldo in 1997, the venue hosted the Roxburghe Challenge, an exhibition match featuring Paul Lawrie and Sergio Garcia, whose round of 66 remains the course record.
The championship course was designed by Dave Thomas, whose other creations include The Belfry, which staged The Ryder Cup four times, and San Roque Club, the host venue of the Qualifying School Final Stage on 11 occasions.
The signature hole is the 14th, a 585yd par-5 known as ‘The Viaduct’ and described by Sam Torrance as “a beautiful hole in a glorious setting”.
The Roxburghe’s Tour Ambassador is Ronan Rafferty, a seven-time European Tour champion who in 1989 topped the Money List ahead of José María Olazábal.
Rafferty said: “Bringing the Qualifying School to The Roxburghe is the culmination of a lot of hard work behind the scenes. Our long-term aim is to stage a full-fledged European Tour event here, and hosting the First Stage is a big step in the right direction.
“The course is a formidable test of golf, measuring more than 7,000 yards from the back tees. Many of the holes, and especially the signature 14th, will give real food for thought to the players, who should also appreciate the spectacular surroundings.”
The Duke of Roxburghe, who first conceived the idea of constructing a course on the Roxburghe Estate, said: “We welcome the opportunity to showcase our beautiful course to the professionals striving to make it onto The European Tour. We all have great pride in the course, and I have no doubt it will prove a worthy addition to the Qualifying School. We look forward to welcoming the players and Tour officials to the Scottish borders in September.”
Mike Stewart, Director of the Qualifying School, said: “Having recently visited the course, I can safely say that The Roxburghe is precisely the sort of venue we are looking to add to the Qualifying School Schedule. The immaculate condition of the course, the superb facilities and the stunning location all combine to provide the complete package.”

As reported Scottish Golf View

All you need to know before playing at Valderrama Golf Club

Valderrama is private member’s club that welcomes visitors at certain times of the day. The Club has strict etiquette rules and a dress code policy. Visitors must follow these rules at all times

• The use of mobile telephones and cameras is strictly forbidden in all areas of Club de Golf Valderrama

• Handicap is limited to 24 for Gentleman and 32 for Ladies. Certificate may be requested

• Visitors may only use the driving range 45 minutes before play

• Visitors are allowed to play Valderrama golf course between 12:00 and 14:00 hours, throughout the week

• A strict 15 minute interval between groups is applied. Flights must be formed by four players. All threesomes, pairs and individual bookings will be reallocated to complete the foursome

• Operations staff will require all groups to maintain adequate Pace of Play

• Visitors may only play twice in a given month or seven times in any one calendar year

• Golf carts are not allowed near the tees or greens. The use of buggies is always subject to golf course conditions

• The dress attire must be in full harmony with the game of golf. The use of T-shirts, jeans, athletic apparel, bathing suits and shorts above knee length is strictly forbidden. The use of golf shoes with soft spikes is also mandatory

• No outside food or drink allowed

• Domestic animals are strictly forbidden on all Club premises

As reported on Valderrama Golf Club