DESTINATIONGOLF. TRAVEL
HIGHLANDS
Elgin
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.
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.
“ 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.”
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