The Carrick
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.
Lanark
The course may be another to bear the marks of Old Tom Morris
and James Braid, but perhaps more interesting is the fact that the
original six holes were laid out in 1851, making Lanark the 13th oldest
course in the world. Set in the Upper Clyde Valley, overlooking the
South Upland Hills, Lanark is as charming and curvaceous as its
surroundings. This is pure moorland golf, with perfect turf ensuring
golf is playable all year round. It is a stern challenge, too, with greens
perched high or hiding over shoulders, rough to be avoided and
fairways that can narrow alarmingly quickly. With a par 70 measuring
just under 6,500 yards golfers will need to play intelligently. Lanark is
well known for the quality of its fast and tricky greens.
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.
This is pure moorland golf,
with perfect turf ensuring
golf is playable all year round.
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