GOLF PASSPORT ON COURSE TO BRING TOURISTS TO THE BORDERS

The Scottish Borders Tourist Board has just launched its latest low cost way to enable golfers to play lots of different Scottish golf courses - the Feedom of the Fairways golf passport 2001. The scheme will operate from April – October and offers golfers discounted rates to play the area’s many golf courses.

This year, a three day golf passport (entitling the purchaser to play up to six rounds of golf on any three consecutive weekdays) will cost just £55 per person whilst a five day pass (valid for up to ten rounds) will cost £80. Over twenty courses in the Borders participate in the scheme including the championship Roxburghe golf course near Kelso.

For the first time the passport will be sponsored by one of the Scottish Borders leading luxury hotels, Ednam House which will also be offering special packages to visiting golfers.

Anne Brooks, proprietor of Ednam House said: "The Borders is an excellent destination for golfers, we have a large selection of beautiful and challenging courses to choose from and Freedom of the Fairways offers a really cost effective way of playing here. We also hope that our sponsorship will encourage lots of golfers to take advantage of this great opportunity.

Ednam House is one of the Borders most beautiful sporting hotels with individually designed rooms, period furnishings, fabulous food freshly prepared and a Bar and Restaurant with stunning views of the River Tweed : it is truly the perfect place to unwind after a day on the course. This year we have a very special offer for golfers to sample great golf and true scottish hospitality , with our Free Golf Pass Offer*. (* 1 Free 3 days Golf Pass, based on 2 sharing a room for 4 nights; a saving of £110 for a party of 4 golfers. This offer is valid for a 4 night Golf Breaks between 01.06.01 and 14.08.01 and must be booked by the 31^st of May).

Not only can the Scottish Borders provide golfers with huge diversity of courses (over 20, all within an easy drive of each other and ranging from links to moorland and parkland, flat to undulating and all with spectacular views and in impeccable condition) there is also accommodation to cater for all tastes and budgets.   Special short break deals available at the moment include: 4 nights in a 3* B&B by Jedburgh for just £45pp (£11.25pppn), 4 nights B&B in a 3* hotel in Galashiels for £132 per person, 4 nights B&B in a 3* inn, Bonchester Bridge for £100 per person, 4 nights B&B in a 3* guest house in Eyemouth for £80 per person.

Freedom of the Fairways Golf Passports can be ordered by contacting the Scottish Borders Tourist Board direct on 0870 60 70 250, and from the region’s many Tourist Information Offices. In addition, the Scottish Borders Tourist Board publishes a Freedom of the Fairways Golf Course Guide and Freedom of the Fairways accommodation supplement both of which are available free upon request.

More information on "Freedom of the Fairways" plus details of special accommodation offers is available on the Scottish Borders Tourist Board website www.scot-borders.co.uk.