Played by NCG: Cawder Golf Club
Reason for Cawder Golf Club course review
We were staying in Glasgow for the Open at Royal Troon and after a long day on course admiring the best players in the world we fancied taking to the fairways ourselves.
Where is Cawder?
Cawder Golf Club is located in Bishopbriggs, a Glasgow suburb four miles from the centre of the city. The the long and winding drive to the clubhouse takes you through the middle of both courses for a sneak preview of what is to come.
What to expect?
Cawder boasts an impressive 36-hole facility. The Keir and the Cawder offer different propositions but we elected for the latter after a chat with the friendly pro Gordon Stewart. He even forgave us for arriving embarrassingly late. Prepare for a narrow opening as there is no forgiveness for errant drives in the early part of your round with trees, rough and even a water hazard or two.
As the round continues the course opens up a little but be warned the trees are never too far away.
My best bit?
Cawder is known for the ‘Amen Corner of Scotland’ and it certainly did not disappoint. The start of this dramatic stretch is the 15th, a tricky little par-3. The green, although only 154 yards away, looks a small target given the surronding trees, bushes and looming bunker on the front right.
When I go back..
I had a horrendous day with the putter so I’ll be sure to visit the putting green first next time. It was no reflection on the greens though, which were very good. Off the tee and from the fairway I felt I acquitted myself nicely given the trouble you can find if you are off line.
Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
