Golf: Winter layout at Braids has become a big hit with golfers

A DECISION to turn back the clock and return to what was once a winter tradition at the Braid Hills by playing a combined course is proving popular with Capital golfers.

The hybrid layout takes in 13 holes on the No.?1 course and five from the neighbouring Princes course and has been busy since all the snow finally cleared.

"We are pleased to be offering what was once a winter tradition at Braid Hills with the return of the winter combination course," said Edinburgh Leisure's head of golf, Ian Grimwade. "It is our busiest course at the moment and we seem to be pulling in a good few club golfers." The combination course used to be on the No.?1 and No.?2 courses but the latter became the Princes after the decision was taken to cut it to just nine holes.

"Many of our existing customers have expressed excitement about taking on a new winter challenge at the Braids," added Grimwade. "We also hope to attract some new customers to the Braids who are looking for a winter golf experience that does not involve playing to temporary greens. I have received positive feedback from all of the Braids based clubs about the return to the winter combination course."

The combined course will be in operation until the end of February, with the Princes back in action again on March 1.