“ 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 it is little wonder .”
DESTINATION GOLF SCOTLAND 2024
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 . 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 it is little wonder . The course plays to a par of 70 or 73 : three par fives ( back tees ) become formidable par fours from the forward tees . There is wonderful shape to Downfield , especially on the back nine . Don ’ t be surprised if you haven ’ t heard of it … do be surprised if you don ’ t fall in love with it .
Blairgowrie ( Landsdowne )
The Rosemount course at Blairgowrie typically earns the bragging rights over its Landsdowne sibling , but that means little when you get stuck into this stern test of parkland / heathland golf . Not surprisingly there are similarities with the avenues of pine and silver birch ever present , 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 . The par four 15th is a long Index 1 , with the par five 17th weighing in at Index 5 . Go left or right on either and watch a good score evaporate .
“ 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 it is little wonder .”
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 .
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