DESTINATION GOLF 2022 SCOTLAND 2022
Alyth
Montrose ( Medal )
Golf has been played on these links since 1562 . That alone should tempt any golfer but this is as traditional as links golf gets . The design stamp of approval belongs to Old Tom Morris and Willie Park Jr ., but you get the feeling this land had always been destined to host golf holes . It ’ s all in the rhythm and sway of the dunes and the firm fairways streaking between nests of gorse . You need to play smart golf here , both from the tee ( there are some blind shots ) and especially on approaches to large greens where you can find yourself a long way from the pin . You start beside the shoreline which offers the best views before returning slightly inland . There ’ s a second 18 here and the value is excellent for a course that hosted Final Qualifying for the 2007 Open Championship at Carnoustie .
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 .
Pitlochry
The golf club sits on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park , wrapped in all that Scottish mountain beauty . There are not many golf clubs up this way , but Pitlochry is worth the journey , rolling over heaving terrain that adds considerably to the challenges and also the charm of its location . It may be short but with its hillsides ( the first three holes go up and up ) it is testing … especially around the small fast greens . Your short game will need to be razor sharp as several of the par fours are around the 300 yard mark , and both the bunkering and green complexes can be devious . And yet every shot is a pleasure – especially the par threes . The club has changed little over the decades which only adds to its appeal .
Alyth
Laid out on moorland by Old Tom Morris , Alyth opened as a nine hole course in 1894 . It was later extended to 18 and revised by James Braid , creating another excellent combination of work by these two legendary designers . Holes move over rolling heathland , constantly chaperoned by trees . It makes Alyth a fun and colourful round of golf . But not necessarily easy : despite its short length ( 6,200 yards ) accuracy is key as the folds of the land ask questions of every golfer and burns make quite a nuisance of themselves … especially on the par four 5th signature hole ( The Brig ), where you must cross water twice . Alyth was awarded ‘ Best Course Under £ 50 ’ at the 2015 Scottish Golf Tourism Awards .
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