There are two sound reasons why the Borders and Galashiels have been the centre of Scotland's woollen industry for so many years. One is the quality of the knitwear that is produced here and sent around the world, either as golf or leisure attire or to some of the world's leading fashion houses. The other is the sheep that supply the raw material. There are billions of those woolly jumpers cavorting around the Borders. And sheep generally inhabit hillsides - as does Galashiels' Ladhope golf course.

Don't be put off by the steep climb on the approach road. This is only the access to base camp, you might say. But on the course there are plenty of reasonably level lies that make for some excellent challenges. We must admit, however, that there are two precipitous climbs especially at the 10th and the 11th. From the 10th tee it is straight up the side of the hill and, if you're lucky the ball will stick where it lands or it may find itself back on the tee.

The psychological detterent of playing uphill is worse than the physical but, in any case, this is an extreme example. Tee high and let it fly! The views back over Galashiels, as you clamber onto the 10th green, make the ascent worthwhile. If you suffer from vertigo, do as the locals often do and play a shortened circuit missing out the worst of the ascents.