Go as far north and west as it is possible to do without leaving England and you will find yourself very close to Silloth on Solway, which is not only one of the country’s most remote golfing outposts but also among the very best courses in Britain.
And while the journey to and beyond the Lake District is a long one for almost all of us, you will know from the moment you catch a glimpse of the first and 18th fairways stretching away into the sandhills that every last mile was worth it.
What is more, playing the course here costs just £80; it is hard to imagine anywhere else in Britain offering more for less money. Utterly without pretension, Silloth is one of the delightful and rare band of clubs where the locals seem not to realise just what a wonderful course it is their privilege to tackle on a weekly or even daily basis.
History
The North British Railway Company founded Silloth on Solway Golf Club in 1892 as a natural extension to its development of the town as a port, holiday resort and terminus for both commercial and passenger traffic.
The Company hired prominent Scottish professionals of the time, such as Willie Fernie and Willie Park, for their expert advice in establishing the course, and for publicising it through exhibition matches.
The links course itself was originally laid out by Davy Grant, and over the next thirty years, was visited by ten Open Champions including Harry Vardon, J.H. Taylor and James Braid.
What makes it special
Ever since its establishment in 1892, there are three main factors that keep bringing the crowds back to Silloth.
Firstly, the layout of the course. Silloth is a very natural links and it uses the land in a brilliant way which makes the layout special. The fairways are undulating which adds to the character of the course. There are a few blind shots throughout the course; some golfers aren’t keen on this but it is another example of the course routing fitting into the land. The green sites are fantastic too.
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Albeit somewhat underestimated, the views at Silloth are superb. You climb onto the 4th tee and look over the Solway Firth over to the Scottish Borders and on a clear day can see the Isle of Man and in the opposite direction you can see the Lake District fells.
And last, but certainly not least, is the challenge that links golf offers. Whilst most links courses are subject to some inclement weather the wind at Silloth is one of it’s main defences. The course doesn’t have a lot of fairway bunkers like some other links courses do but the wind plays a huge part of golf at Silloth. This presents a challenge to all golfers and one that most relish. The holes are also flanked with heather and gorse and when you add the wind into this equation it makes for a great challenge of your golfing ability.
Where does it rank?
50th in GB&I, 1st in Value, 1st in Cumbria.
Where is it?
Silloth on Solway is located within the coastal English town of Silloth on the Solway Coast, just off the B5301.
Get in touch with Silloth
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 016973 31304.
- Related: NCG Top 100s: Silloth on Solway golf club review
- Related: Register to play Silloth on Solway now!
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