As the Home of Golf, Scotland is famed for its links golf courses. From the likes of St Andrews, Muirfield and Turnberry all synonymous with the game of golf, it’s easy to forget some hidden gems which Scotland has to offer. We take a look at some of these golfing stalwarts which are well worth a visit when taking a golf break in Scotland.
A recent addition to golf in Scotland is Spey Valley which is located in the scenic retreat of Aviemore. The newly built championship layout measures 7,118 yards off the back markers and boasts fantastic views of the Cairngorm Mountains and the River Spey. Designed by Dave Thomas, of Brabazon and Donnington Grove fame, the course will test all areas of your game as you encounter heather and gorse lined fairways and strategically placed trees, bunkers and water hazards.
A less than hidden gem is found in current Johnnie Walker Championship venue, the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles. Famed as one of the best inland courses in the UK, this fantastic course has been selected as the host venue of the 2014 Ryder Cup and continues to go from strength to strength. The course opened in 1993 and was designed by Jack Nicklaus who described the course as “the finest piece of land I have ever been given to work with”. The course is a tricky par 73 with large sloping greens and make or break tee shots, thus ensuring any golfer who has played to their handicap will have been tested to the limit. Located in the countryside this course also offers fantastic views all the way round.
The Roxburghe Golf Course is another fantastic non-links experience which is located on the Scottish Border. This is another championship Scottish golf course designed by Dave Thomas, which has hosted prestigious championships such as the Scottish Seniors Open and the Amateur Boys Championships in recent years. To play well on this course you will need to hit accurate tee shots from elevated tees and avoid penalising bunkers which line the tight fairways. Beautiful views surround the course, particularly on the 14th where a river with a steep embankment runs down the left of the hole with a viaduct further down to the left of the green. Those seeking to challenge the course record will be expected to beat none other than Spain’s Sergio Garcia who signed for a 66 during a round at the Roxburghe.
The Duke’s Golf Course is one of St Andrews’ hidden gems and is located a few miles inland of the Old Course and its hotel. It is a challenging par 72 with fairways lined with heather and gorse and 120 bunkers placed tactically through out the course. The course was opened in 1995 and designed by 5 time open champion winner Peter Thompson who designed the course to be “a bit wild”. It is a long course at 7,512 yards however 5 tee boxes means that golfers of all capabilities can enjoy the fantastic golfing spectacle.
Dalmahoy Golf Course is to be found in East Scotland, designed by James Braid and opened in the 1920’s. This prestigious parkland course has hosted events such as the Solheim Cup and the Scottish PGA championship in the past and is a testing par 72. With the course measuring more than 7,400 yards it is certainly one for the long hitters. The course is at the bottom of the Pentland hills and requires great accuracy as the course uses bunkers, sloping greens and the Parkland area as its defence and will test the games of all golfers who play it.
For more information on golf in Scotland and Scotland Golf Breaks simply visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644
