|
|
|
|
|
Is Golf Perthshire's best kept secret?
|
When you think of golf, thoughts automatically turn to Scotland and the acclaimed golfing venues of the Old Course, Carnoustie, Turnberry, Troon, Muirfield, Gleneagles and the more recently lauded Kingsbarns. But look beyond the 'jewels in the Scottish crown' and you'll find a selection of 'hidden gems' which for many capture the true essence of Scottish golf.
Most of the 40 courses in Perthshire fall into this latter category. Ironic really, as it is strongly purported, that Perth's South Inch (from the Gaelic 'Innis' meaning island or water meadow) was the first golf course in the world and was used by Scottish Kings in the 14th century, when Perth was the country's capital. Perth also boasts the oldest club in the world to hold a royal charter, this being granted by William IV in 1833, a year before that of the Royal and Ancient!
Many of the courses in Perthshire have celebrated or are due to celebrate their centenary year, the expansion of the local game being attributed largely to the Victorian era. However it is only in the last five years that visitors have discovered the remarkable quality of golf in this area.
So why is Perthshire becoming such an attractive golfing venue?
Although this area doesn't have the caché of St Andrews or the undoubted benefit of links layouts, its proximity to the hallowed courses entices golfers beyond the aforementioned 'jewels', to broaden their 'golfing career'. More than that, Perthshire's golfing heritage, cultivated by famous names such as Dr Alastair McKenzie and James Braid, who clearly understood the attributes of this area, have helped to shape the development of both old and new courses. These prolific course architects matched Perthshire's aesthetics with challenge, scenic inspiration with sensitive placement and as David J Whyte, a prominent golf writer, suggests 'the intrinsic element to golf in Perthshire is the scenery … a round of golf goes so much better with a beautiful backdrop'.
Perthshire courses are also easy to access for golfers of all abilities. Virtually every Perthshire town and village has at least one ready to welcome non-members and they're easy to get to by car. Aiding this accessibility is the surprisingly low cost of playing the courses in comparison to counterparts further south, west and overseas. In high season a round will set you back on average £25-30. If you still feel this is expensive, VisitScotland Perthshire operates two discount schemes (the Perthshire Green Card valid on 19, 18-hole courses and the Perthshire Highlands Golf Ticket valid on 12, 9-hole courses) to give golfers even greater value for money. If you'd like to find out more about these schemes click here.
Another reason why golf in Perthshire is becoming so popular is the quality of the courses themselves. Consider for instance, the Lynedoch at Murrayshall House Hotel - only three years old and already described as 'a mature course on young shoulders', this clearly due to the careful nurturing of the courses by Ian MacMillan and his staff. Ian is one of only two master greenkeepers in Scotland. Add to the mix James Braid designed courses at Alyth, Rosemount at Blairgowrie, Ferntower at Crieff, King's and Queen's at Gleneagles and Taymouth Castle at Kenmore and the quality begins to speak for itself. Indeed one of Ian Botham's favourite courses is the picturesque 9-hole layout at St. Fillans on Loch Earn and the closing 9th hole at Killin has been described as one of the most scenic in Scotland with dramatic views sweeping across Loch Tay. This quality coupled with a friendly welcome from starters, clubhouse staff and local member's alike appeals to visitors.
The essence of Perthshire Golf can be readily summed up. If you're looking for golf in dramatic surroundings … easy access to courses … great value-for-money (including the golf discount schemes) … 40 superbly maintained courses with close proximity to a further 60 in Angus and Dundee and Fife and a warm and friendly welcome … look no further than Perthshire … Pure Golfing Pleasure!
|
|
|
|
|
|
