DESTINATION GOLF SCOTLAND 2025
THE CARRICK
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 .
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 .
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 .
East Renfrewshire
Holes embrace a loch and burst with moorland flourish at East Renfrewshire , one of the area ’ s most popular and highly rated courses . There ’ s no question that this is one of the finest moorland courses in Scotland , and one that promises stunning views to Glasgow and Loch Lomond National Park . Holes are routed in every direction over bumpy , always undulating and often unpredictable terrain , so it promises plenty of fun shot making . And , with scatterings of trees and burns , it demands strategic play . Add in the location , some 500 feet above sea level , and you will find the wind is always an important factor . James Braid – yet again – designed the layout , back in 1922 .
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