Downfield
Downfield
Set amidst deep woodland, Downfield has that sweet, lazy parkland
feel where holes are embraced by mature trees and several greens
are cocooned by them. It makes for a sublime setting. Downfield
was designed originally by James Braid, in 1932, although only a
few of his holes remain. It is often listed among Britain’s favourite
parklands… given that water appears on seven holes and you are
constantly overshadowed by the endless and elegant woodland,
this is no surprise. The course plays to a par of 70 or 73. Three par
fives (back tees) become formidable par fours from the forward tees.
There’s wonderful shape to the course, especially on the back nine.
Blairgowrie (Landsdowne)
The Rosemount course at Blairgowrie may be rated higher than its
Landsdowne sibling, but that means little when you get stuck into
this stern test of parkland/heathland golf. The avenues of pine and
silver birch display similarities, but fairways here are tighter and the
greens smaller. Designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas, in 1979,
accuracy is essential on a mostly level landscape where holes curve
gently through the trees. It bumps up against the Rosemount from
time to time but with its air of seclusion you barely notice. One
other thing these two courses have in common is a challenging
finish… not that Andy Sullivan would agree: he made eagle on the 553
yard 17th in the final round to win the 2011 Scottish Amateur.
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Auchterarder
Located right next to Gleneagles, this is a short and entertaining
parkland with plenty to offer golfers looking for an alternative to the
mighty Gleneagles experience alongside. At only 5,800 yards it may
be short but this par 69 contains six par threes, with two of those
over 200 yards. There is plenty of movement to the terrain and small
greens to keep you from swinging wildly. And then there are the
views towards Gleneagles and the Ochil Hills… the most intriguing
view, however, might be from the 6th, where you can look down on
the Gleneagles Centenary course.
Blairgowrie (Rosemount)
This is one of Scotland’s most highly rated inland courses and it only
takes a minute to see why. Home to three courses and Scotland’s
‘Best Clubhouse’ (2017 Scottish Golf Tourism Awards), you’ll be
immersed in the course’s avenues of whispering trees and blankets
of heather from the moment you tee off. The trees embrace greens
like amphitheatres and hitting approach shots promises a backdrop
of endless colour. Yes, the Rosemount is a pretty affair and also a
very playable one as generous fairways and crisp turf make driving
a joy. Greens offer large targets but the undulations will challenge
golfers of all abilities. The two-tiered green on the acclaimed par
three 17th is a case in point and the 18th will ruin many a card. The
design is mostly James Braid, with flourishes of Alister MacKenzie
thrown in.