The Carrick
Ranfurly Castle
This area of Scotland is rich in moorland golf, where the heather,
gorse and bracken blanket a terrain of springy, free-draining
turf. It is ideal for golf and Ranfurly Castle takes full advantage
as holes 3 to 16 cavort over the top of the moorland, on hills
enjoying glorious views of the Renfrewshire countryside, towards
Ben Lomond and the Scottish mountains. The opening two holes
head straight up to the plateau where the beauty of the course
and the surroundings opens up. The last two holes take you
back down to the impressive clubhouse. The course may not be
a monster (par 70, 6,260 yards) but it will be a stern test in the
winds that whip in across the moor. Add in some blindshots,
exceptional greens and the beautiful routing and this is a
sparkling day’s golf.
The Carrick
Set alongside Loch Lomond, The Carrick is part of the five star
resort at Cameron House. The course opened in 2007, and was
designed by little known Canadian architect, Doug Carrick. There
are two distinct nines, divided not only by the terrain but also
by the line which falls between the Scottish Lowlands and the
Highlands. The front nine begin on lower, level terrain where
trees and water embrace fairways. The back nine rise quickly and,
from here, the views over Loch Lomond and the surrounding area
are breathtaking. There is a more heathland feel up here, before
the final holes take you back down to the water’s edge.
A stern test in the winds that
whip in across the moor.
It is by no means hilly but
the older nine offer up some
delicious high tees.
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