Top 5 Inland Courses
Although Scotland is mostly famous for its
stunning collection of links courses and Open Championship venues -
it is also home to some of the world’s most sensational inland
venues.
In 2014, The Ryder Cup, no less, will be held at
the country’s most famous inland venue, Gleneagles, where there are
three unforgettable moorland golf courses. And there are many more
besides…
Gleneagles
(Kings)
Where better to find yourself reclining but in
the beautiful Gleneagles resort? With three championships courses
to choose from, it is a destination that you will want to spend
some time in. Best of the three is Kings. This course was built in
1919 by James Braid and is easily one of the most beautiful and
exhilarating places to play golf in the world. With the springy
moorland turf underfoot, the sweeping views from the tees all
around, the rock-faced mountains to the north, the green hills to
the south, and the peaks of the Trossachs and Ben Vorlich on the
western horizon, golf at Gleneagles is breathtaking.
Loch Lomond
If you visualise a beautifully manicured golf
course with lush fairways, greens to die for, bound by a glorious
loch and towering hills, you are getting close to the majesty of
Loch Lomond. Home to the Scottish Open, Loch Lomond boasts one of
the longest holes in Scottish golf at a meagre 625-yards. Designer
Tom Weiskop called this course his lasting memorial to golf.
Rightly so. However, it nearly killed him before it was even built,
when he went wandering late at night across the wetlands, as he had
inspiration for a great golf hole. Not used to the land, he found
himself sinking into the ground. By the time he was found a few
hours later, he was up to his neck. A close call. The resulting
design by Weiskopf and Jay Morrish is a private members club
heaven.
Spey Valley
Arguably one of the finest designs in Scotland,
Spey Valley was designed in 2006 by Dave Thomas. A new course on
the Scottish circuit of over 550 courses, Spey Valley is a fine
example of Scottish golf. The Highlands setting is stunning. The
greens are amazing. The backdrop is the awe-inspiring Cairngorm
mountains. This picture postcard course, whilst set in some
glorious Highland scenery, is not hilly. Golfers having a bad game
can luxuriate amongst the heather and watch the eagles. Whether it
be bubbling water features or the brooding mass of Braeriach and
Bynack More, a game at Spey Valley is escapism at its best.
Blairgowrie
(Rosemount)
When Old Tom Morris holed a long put on the
18th, he declared Blairgowrie Rosemount 18th
green to be one of the most beautiful inland greens in Scotland. It
is as relevant today as it was then. Set in beautiful parkland,
each tree lined hole makes you feel a million miles away from the
hustle and bustle of daily life…and other holes on the course.
Charles Dernie, the pro at Blairgowrie Rosemount, says “Our
signature hole on the Rosemount course is the 17th and
is part of a tremendous closing 3 holes. The par 3 165 yard hole
features what is believed to be one of the first Mackenzie greens.
The course was designed by both James Braid and Alastair
Mackenzie.
Boat of Garten
Another James Braid design, Boat of Garten's
course is a simply a magnificent setting for the game. A real gem
in the Scottish Highlands, Boat of Garten, enjoys distinctive views
of the Lairig Ghru and the northern corries of Braeriach. Alongside
the course run the steam trains of the Strathspey Railway from
nearby Aviemore. The course is beautiful, idyllic and also not too
short to put off the seasoned golfer. At over 6000 yards the course
blends great strategic golf in a setting that will draw you back
time and time again.
