DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL
HIGHLANDS
The Carnegie Club
Carnegie ( Skibo Castle )
A few years ago , the private and exclusive Skibo Castle decided to offer a few weekly tee times to accommodate visitors . Just as well , for this is a links course with considerable magic and golfers will be enchanted . In part that comes from its location , on the Dornoch Firth estuary , where it is surrounded by mountains and forest . This only seems to make the fescue grasses appear more golden and the fairways greener . But , like any links , it has that windswept aura as you negotiate your way through dunes of different sizes . This is a rather special place with exceptional facilities and a cleverly routed , well balanced golf course . Limited tee times available .
Elgin
It is fair to say that Elgin blends parkland and heathland traits with some fast running turf , ever-present trees and strong green complexes . Oh , and small bunkering . You might even think it has links influences with so many bumps and hollows ! A par of 69 might convince you that this is a quiet amble but Elgin has eight par fours over 400 yards ( including the opening two holes ) and five of these are over 450 yards ( back tees ). You ’ ll be glad of wide fairways and those fast , firm fairways . It also has back to back par threes of very different lengths , which adds a splash of intrigue . There are panoramic views with Elgin immediately to the north and the distant Cairngorms to the south .
Grantown on Spey
Short it may be – a par 70 ( back tees ) of 5,700 yards – but this is charming golf amidst the considerable beauty of the Cairngorms National Park . The landscape switches from gentle parkland to hilly woodland and back to parkland , giving the course its unique feel . The short length and open parkland attributes mean there is plenty of room to swing freely , but you ’ ll need to be more contained on the woodland holes . Elsewhere , heather adds colour while burns will capture the unwary . Golfers who play sensibly will score well for there is no need to be flashing the driver … but if you do save your best for the 275 yard downhill par four 9th : the backdrop is beautiful . Originally laid out in 1890 , the course bears the hallmarks of Willie Park and James Braid . That ’ s a rich pedigree .
Spey Valley
This is a big and beautiful heathland course , quite literally cavorting through the Cairngorms National Park , which is on full display . It is a Dave Thomas design , only opening in 2006 , and it glides alongside the River Spey , so expect water features aplenty . Heather , scots pine and silver birch drench the landscape providing a beautiful framework for the 18 holes . Fairways are wide , inviting you to open your shoulders but the heather and gorse are close by … and the wicked bunkers closer still . Thomas doesn ’ t hold back when it comes to sand ! With the doglegs , enormous greens , those bunkers and Spey Valley ’ s considerable length , this is championship golf at its finest and the club boasts a 635 yard par five – the longest hole in Scotland . It blends seamlessly with its majestic setting .
91