When most people think of the great game of golf, attention is usually drawn straight to Scotland and the world renowned golfing venues of Turnberry, Troon, Muirfield, The Old Course, Carnoustie, Gleneagles and the more recent Kingsbarns. However if you look beyond the “jewels in the Scottish crown” you will find a fantastic array of “hidden gems” located in the heartlands, which for many a discerning golfer helps to capture the true essence of golf in Scotland.
Perthshire has a very long golf history and it is indeed ironic that James IV of Scotland, who even tried to ban the game as it conflicted with his archery practise, made the first ever recorded purchase of golfing equipment, a set of clubs from a Bow Maker in Perth in 1502! Perthshire and the heartlands are easily accessible from all of the major cities in Scotland, making it the ideal location for a golf break. Here we will go through a few of Perthshire’s “hidden gems” and a few that aren’t so “hidden”.
1884 was the year that Kinross Golf Club first opened its gates, and at just half an hour’s drive from Edinburgh and about an hour from Glasgow it is in an ideal location for travel from the two big Scottish cities. The Kinross Golf Club plays host to two challenging but fair Perthshire tracks; the Montgomery Course and the Bruce Course. The Montgomery (formally known as the Blue) is generally regarded as the first course at the club. The testing par-71 layout is sublime with the holes gently wind their way across the superb Perthshire countryside which means eye-catching views are in plentiful supply. The Bruce is the second course at Kinross; it may come up slightly shorter than its big brother, but should not be taken lightly! It has no less than four par-5s, so the big-hitters will probably fancy their chances. The 19th hole at Kinross has recently been refurbished to a high standard and offers everything a modern day golfer could ask for.
Golfing at Perthshire fits in perfectly with the tranquil, classically traditional atmosphere of a stay at The Green Hotel whcih neighbours the Kinross Golf Club.
Blairgowrie Golf Club has a prestigious reputation, it has played host to top professional and amateur competitions and is often regarded as one of Scotland’s best golf destinations. The Rosemount Course was even described by Old Tom Morris as “the most beautiful inland green I have ever seen”. It was originally James Braid who laid out the track, which, as with many top courses in Scotland, has an abundance of heather that lines the fairways, ready to gobble up any stray balls. Blairgowrie is also home to the Landsdowne Course which complements perfectly the more esteemed Rosemont. Famous duo Peter Aliss and Dave Thomas worked their magic to produce a tricky track which uses the natural characteristics of the land to great effect. To top off two stunning courses there is also a third 9-hole course named the Wee Course, heathland in character and comprising of par 3’s and par 4’s it provides a pleasant and charismatic contrast to Rosemont and Lansdowne. Part of it formed the original layout designed by Dr. Alistair McKenzie who famously produced the magnificent Augusta National and the outstanding Cypress Point.
The Blairgowrie Golf Club offers the chance to play on two of the finest championship golf courses, and one of the best 9 hole courses, in Scotland.
The Murrayshall Estate is home to the Murrayshall and Lynedoch golf courses; the resort’s primary championship course is the Murrayshall, a very highly regarded par 73 layout which is able to test even the finest of players. The 6,441 yard track often plays host to national amateur events, which is a testimony to the quality design by Hamilton J. Stutt, whose architectural influences and expertise was handed down from the legendary James Braid. The course is known for its immaculate fairways and manicured greens, thankfully these characteristics are also passed on to the Lynedoch Course. It may not be as celebrated as the Murrayshall but it is still a truly enjoyable course to play. The par 69 course requires precise iron play to avoid the hazards which are in plentiful supply. The spectacular Lynedoch is also a Stutt creation and is the perfect foil for the resort’s main event. The estate not only has two top class courses, but is also able to boast a dedicated golf centre with an exceptional driving range which is ideal for game improvement.
Murrayshall’s impressive reputation is certainly justified, and is a fantastic golf break option in the stunning heart of Scotland.
Auchterarder Golf Club is often (and understandably so) overshadowed by its next-door neighbours at Gleneagles. It actually runs parallel to the PGA Centenary Course and is able to benefit from the same setting as the celebrated Ryder Cup host. Its parkland layout measures a relatively modest, by today’s standards anyway, 5,775 yards but this takes nothing away from the entertainment factor or the stunning views of the surrounding glen. The short holes at Auchterarder are definitely the highlight of the course, the six par 3’s demand very accurate iron play. The track is a pretty relaxing walk, and the warm welcome offered to every visitor by the modern clubhouse only adds to the appeal, which is why Auchterarder is a certain gem in the heart of Scotland.
The greens at Auchterarder Golf Club are testing, due to the undulating characteristics of most; a good read is needed to shoot a solid score.
So we’ve now discovered that Perthshire has some a number of ‘hidden gems’, nevertheless it is still able to boast a few ‘not so hidden gems’. The renowned Gleneagles Hotel has three of its very own championship courses as well as a 9-hole par 3 track. The hotel golfing options originally consisted of the King’s and the Queen’s which are both glorious James Braid designs and have hosted numerous high profile professional and amateur events over the course of their existence. As Gleneagles looked to expand their course portfolio even further they commissioned none other than the great Jack Nicklaus to construct the PGA Centenary Course which is a bit of a monster in its own right, at over 7000 yards and counting, as Gleneagles looks to extend its yardage for the Ryder Cup 2014. The great man gave credit to the canvas he had been given, proclaiming that it was “the finest parcel of land in the world I have ever been given to work with”. The Wee Course is great entertainment for both beginners and experts; the tricky 9-hole par-3 course provides a real test for any golfer while at the same time manages to be a lot of fun. Playing any of the three courses at Gleneagles is a wonderful experience, with the springy moorland turf underfoot, the green hills to the South, and the peaks of the Trossachs and Ben Vorlich to the West.
The PGA Centenary at Gleneagles will play host to the Ryder Cup in 2014, one of the biggest sporting events in the world!
Surely all of the above must be enough to tempt you to visit Perthshire next time you’re planning a golf break. If you’re looking for golf in spectacular surroundings, easy access to courses, great-value-for-money, around 40 excellently maintained tracks to choose from then Perthshire is the perfect destination. There are many fantastic courses throughout the area, and also some stunning accommodation for you to stay in whilst you sample the delights of heartlands golf. There’s no need to look any further!
For more information on Perthshrie Golf Holidays and other Scottish Golf Breaks please visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call free on 0800 043 6644.
