Picture Perfect Perthshire
BY ED HODGE
2 MINS READ
“Amid all the provinces in Scotland, if an intelligent stranger were asked to describe the most varied and the most beautiful, it is probable he would name the County of Perth,” famously noted Sir Walter Scott, the distinguished Scottish novelist, playwright and poet.
Scott’s words are also an accurate summary of golf in Perthshire, an area in the very heart of the country and one simply steeped in golfing history offering fantastic value.
The region’s jewel needs little introduction. Images of the famed fairways of Gleneagles and its historic Hotel were beamed across the globe after the five-star resort’s memorable staging of both The Ryder and Solheim Cup over the last six years. With three world-class courses to sample – The King’s, Queen’s and PGA Centenary – the venue takes pride of place in Perthshire, offering take-the-breath away golf for any visitor and all manner of sporting pursuits.
Neighbouring Auchterarder is another parkland gem, while architect James Braid – renowned designer of The King’s and Queen’s – also worked his magic at Blairgowrie, with the Rosemount and Lansdowne Courses holding their own among the very best in Scotland. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and the adjacent Hydro Hotel, Crieff is also not to be missed.
Built on gently sloping parkland, it is a challenging experience for all level of golfer. Indeed, Gleneagles, Blairgowrie, Auchterarder and Crieff are coming together this year for the relaunched Legacy Cup – celebrating the Ryder, Junior Ryder and Solheim Cups all being contested Perthshire over recent years. The event has been expanded to a 72-hole better ball competition for both same gender and mixed pairs.
Just outside Perth, Murrayshall Country House Hotel & Golf Club also offers superb stay-and-play options, boosted by recent investment into the Murrayshall and Lynedoch courses as well as other areas of the club, including a new Spike Bar and changing room facilities. Further north, Pitlochry is another scenic beauty, with the quality of product on the course just as good as the friendly service off it.
If 9-hole golf is more your choice, Perthshire ticks that box too. From Dunning to Dalmunzie and St Fillans to Strathtay, the region boasts 17 nine-hole layouts, all with their own unique charms.
Indeed, why not try the West Perthshire Golf Pass? For just £55, you can play 18-hole rounds at any three of five 9-hole courses: Comrie, Crieff (Dornock Course), Killin, Muthill and St Fillans. Perthshire golf – just picture perfect.