THERE'S no getting away from the fact that at NCG we enjoy tackling Britain's very finest courses. Whether it be an Open Championship links or one of Surrey's high-tariff heathlands, enormous enjoyment is guaranteed at such prestigious, well-manicured venues.
It is, however, often more satisfying to unearth a hidden gem - a club where you can enjoy 18 holes, refreshment and a bite to eat for less than £50.
I discovered just such a venue at the end of the summer while in the South West of Scotland, a very under-rated area of the celebrated Home of Golf.
The club is Colvend, tucked away in the rolling hills of the Solway Coast. Initially designed by Willie Fernie in 1905 it was tweaked by Dave Thomas in 1985 and extended to 18 holes 10 years ago.
The 1st makes for an interesting start, playing dramatically uphill meaning it is no pushover even though it is only a 260-yard par four. It's by no means a taste of what's to come.
What's more it gets golfers at the high point of the course from where they can take in some of the most breathtaking views imaginable.
The 3rd benefits from these, a shortish two-shotter where club selection for your approach depends wholly on what kind of bounce your tee shot received.
Whatever that outcome was, the most tricky of short irons awaits because the green is a combination of slopes, borrows, mounds and valleys. It's what one imagines putting at Augusta National to be like.
Another highlight arrives at the 8th, a short hole or rare quality. Played over a burn which runs in front of the green, a bunker also lies in wait to right. It would not look out of place in the middle of one of those aforementioned glittering Surrey courses.
On the newer back nine, 17 is a highlight despite being little over 200 yards. It plays much longer than though because the mature trees fill the dog-leg. The brave can select a long iron or rescue club and aim for the green. The sensible hit a six iron to the corner and trust their wedge work from there.
The closing hole is also memorable, requiring an accurate approach to a two-tiered green tucked away behind a stream amid a smattering of trees.
The clubhouse is too welcoming to resist and there are many woirse ways to spend an afternoon than watching the groups behind tackle the 18th with a pint for company.
If you're ever in this glorious part of the world, make sure you find your way to Colvend for three memorable, value-for-money hours.
By Chris Bertram
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