Carnegie (Skibo Castle)
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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.
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.
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.
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