DESTINATION GOLF SCOTLAND 2023
Pitlochry
Edzell ( Old )
The tall trees stretch elegantly across this landscape to give Edzell its easy air and pace . The highly regarded firm of Mackenzie and Ebert upgraded the course in 2015 , but there ’ s little doubt that the masterful design came from James Braid in the 1930s , and Bob Simpson before that . The course combines heathland and parkland traits , with tree-lined corridors framing holes while still offering a generous enough width to make driving a pleasure . The quality of the course ’ s presentation is also worth noting and the gently contoured greens will appeal to everyone . Located between Aberdeen and Dundee , the Angus Glens create a backdrop that ’ s easy on the eye and helps to establish the rhythm of the golf course .
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 .
Dunfermline
The golf course at Dunfermline is a gentle and charming parkland , routed around the old Halkett estate . Indeed , the clubhouse embraces its 15th century heritage ( Pitfirrane House ) so there ’ s a certain elegance to it all . The course moves over a lightly rolling landscape and between the trees , which can certainly present problems on the doglegs . The course was designed in the 1950s ( the club dates back far longer ) and the five par fives and five par threes add a little twist to your round , especially as three of those par fives are in your last four holes . The course is well known for the thrills of its par threes with the 9th and 16th proving particular favourites . Arranged in two loops of nine and promising a short par 72 , this is as relaxing a day ’ s golf as you could ask for .
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 .
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