Loch Lomond has long been one of the most sought after golf courses in the world and while it is notoriously difficult to get a game on the former Scottish Open host course, it is not the only one that enjoys an idyllic location along the banks of this famous lake. The Carrick Course joined the party at De Vere Cameron House in the summer of 2007 and has been thrilling visiting golfers ever since.
The location of the Carrick is unique as the front nine holes are played over relatively flat, open land at the boundary of the Lowlands in Scotland and the back nine are routed over higher ground in the Scottish Highlands before returning to the clubhouse by the loch side.
The front nine holes on The Carrick are played over relatively flat, open land at the boundary of the Lowlands in Scotland, with the back nine climbing into the Scottish Highlands before returning to the clubhouse by the loch side.
With a strenuous task at hand after nine holes, golfers who frequent The Carrick Course will be pleased to learn of the new half way house on the course and, suffice to say, it is as unique as the course’s amazing location.
The Highland Laddie – a former Thames riverboat – has been transported to a new home between the ninth and 10th holes and it will now serve as the course’s new halfway house. Stocked with a unique selection of local fare – expect Scottish pies, soups and drinks – the Highland Laddie now prepares golfers for the back nine in fine style.
The Highland Laddie was originally used to take golfers from the hotel to the golf course via Loch Lomond but the vessel’s limited top speed proved to be a problem when it came to keeping to the tee time schedule. Guests can now reach the course by a complimentary shuttle service or a cruise aboard the speedier Celtic Warrior.
As with any water going vessel, the newly deployed Highland Laddie was christened with a bottle of booze – a fine malt whisky in this case – before it opened for service on the golf course. A time capsule filled with memorabilia – golf score cards, balls, tees and menus, plus a short history of the Laddie – was buried under the boat prior to its opening.
Whilst we are big fans of some half round refreshment, we’ve put together our guide to apres golf activities with our best 19th holes in golf here.