This is my last in this series of GB & I golf course reviews. I hope that you have enjoyed it, that it has given you some inspiration and importantly helped you through the tough times we are all in at the moment. I am always here to help and to listen.
It seems fitting that as I start this series in Scotland, The Home of Golf that I should finish it here too.
As before, this series is about showing you some genuinely good golf to play around the UK and Ireland. Auchterarder is no exception to this.
Arguably it isn’t the longest course, there are 6 par 3’s and 3/4 par 5’s. It measures 4967/5800 so is an easy walking course.
In the shadow of its big boy neighbours you can catch a glimpse of the PGA Centenary course at Gleneagles as you enjoy playing Auchterarder. In fact, time it right and you can shoot to the green to the crowds whooping and hollering No one need know they are actually cheering golfers on the adjoining course! A beautiful, hilly in places, but not too silly, parkland course with amazing views.
Auchterarder Golf Club
Only 28 miles from Edinburgh
Airport located with the beautiful Ochil Hills as its backdrop. Doing some research I found 78 Ochil in Scotland, so maybe don’t put that into you navigation system! The name Ochil, recorded as Okhel in 13th Century is from Pictish origin. Although it may have evolved from Ogel meaning ‘ridge.’ Either way, it is quite beautiful.
Hole number 13 is actually called Ochil View. A par 4 SI16/18 268/289 yards this downhill shot is fairly narrow with green side bunkers in play. So if you’ve played it badly, take solace in the view.
Auchterarder Golf Club
With Auchterarder
In Gaelic meaning ‘the summit of the rising ground’ gives you some idea of the altitude. Located on the Strathern Ridge it is one of the highest towns in Scotland.
Life started in 1913 when Ben Sayers designed a 9 hole golf course. In the early years maintenance was done by goats grazing the high ground. With WWII came the call up of a lot of its members, it also saw the golf course return to pasture land once again.
Post war and into the 1950’s and 1960’s the Old Nine was recognised a good place to play. In 1979 it became an 18 hole course. More recent works include an extension to the clubhouse in 2002.
Auchterarder Golf Club
It was lovely to see some of the names of the holes. No. 7 is called Dinnae Stray, a par 4 SI5/9 332/473 yards. The exit off the tee is a little intimidating with established trees left and right. It does open up a little but the green with it amphitheatre of trees around the back of the green add drama. Quite an appropriate name though!
With a continued plan
Of phased improvements the 12th hole bears the mark of more recent upgrades. This par 3 SI 18/16 116/164 yards could be a nervy tee shot through a relatively narrow exit off the tee. The new three tied green is protected by bunkers from right and left and water at the back. I loved playing this hole, in fact I didn’t realise at the time it was a fairly new improvement. It had clearly bedded in well.
Auchterarder Golf Club
The 18th is called Hame… no guessing as to what that means. A par 3 SI 12/10 145/184 yards is a tight closing hole. But a warm friendly club awaits your return — what could possibly go wrong!
So might not be the course you thought I might feature for my final letter, but one I wanted to give a shout out to as a good club to visit. Despite its relative short length, it is a good course to play. Strategic bunkering and well established trees made it a pleasant game and the clubhouse atmosphere was great too.
Auchterarder Golf Club
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I am showcasing one golf club a day across GB & I over 26 days – in reverse alphabetical order. Full write up and more images can be found on http://golfgurugroup.blogspot.com.
Blairgowrie means ‘Plain of Gowrie’ in Scottish Gaelic. It’s name pops up all over the world; in Australia, or where I first heard it, in South Africa. I’m sure there are others too. The one I am talking about is in Perthshire, Scotland. Being so close to exceptional links courses, playing Blairgowrie offers a great, yet equally tough golfing experience. Usually without the buffeting wind!
Blairgowrie Golf Club – Rosemount
In 1889 a piece of land
Was purchased from the Marchiness of Lansdown by Black Loch. Nine holes were built with a further nine scheduled for work in 1914. At a cost of £3,000 Alistair MacKenzie was bought in to do this job. Mackenzie is probably best known for his work at Augusta, Cypress Point and Royal Melbourne. However the Great War delayed opening until 1927. In 1930 James Braid was appointed to add a further eight holes to the MacKenzie design. He also did some bunker work and I’m sure much more! The Wee Course at Blairgowrie is the original 9 holes. I played the Wee Course and would definitely recommend that too.
You could say two great designers of the time put their mark on this course. Initially called Lansdown, it was later renamed Rosemount. Another 18 holes designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas in the 1970’s was called Lansdown.
Blairgowrie Golf Club – Rosemount
Credit to a golf club
That doesn’t rest on its laurels with it’s desire to continually improve. As close as year 2000 Donald Steel did some work on the first green. Holes 6 and 7 have also recently been remodelled to bring back some of the MacKenzie influence and style.
Hole 6 is a par 3 SI 18/6 171/189 yards. With a sloping green back to front it is the longest green on the course. Add a couple of dimples in the front of the green for good measure means club selection and commitment are key.
Consulting my notes; hole number 7 has a ‘hashtag nightmare’ in the margin. This made me giggle as that’s what I clearly thought at the time when referencing the pin position!
Blairgowrie Golf Club – Rosemount
An established woodland course
With a huge dollop of heathland thrown in for good measure. Carved out of scots pines, silver birch and enough heather to bring everyone good luck, except when playing golf. It isn’t unusual to see red squirrels and roe deer wandering around this peaceful setting.
The day I played it was a bit grey and miserable. You could still see the colours of the heather push though in defiance of the weather. The fairways were spongy and bouncy and clearly drained well. There were surprisingly comfortable to walk upon, but the golf ball also responded well to the surface too. The greens were in tip top condition when I played.
Blairgowrie Golf Club – Rosemount
I loved the way the course ran around the site
In amongst the tall trees and ball grabbing heather. The fairways clearly laid out in the woodland as if a band aid had been ripped off a hairy leg. I’m sure thats not how golf course designers do their planning, but it does conjure up the image I want!
Another hole worthy of a mention is hole number 17. I didn’t really appreciate it at the time, but it is known as one of the best par 3’s in Scotland. A sneaky little ditch running across the fairway isn’t really in play from the tee. This gem of a par 3 is SI 15/13 147/165 yards has a menacing two tied green. I was told to take enough club, I went out the back.. Bunker heaven or bunker hell? A few bunkers to chose from here with a long one stretching across the front right. The enclave of trees surrounding this large green perfectly frame the finish to the hole.
Blairgowrie Golf Club – Rosemount Course
Greg Norman
Won his first European Tour event here in 1977. Frequently appearing in the Top 25 Heathland courses, tipping the balance as the best heathland in Scotland. Old Tom Morris said ‘I think this is the most beautiful inland green I have ever seen.’ This was just after he’d sunk a long putt on the last green to win his friendly match against the then club captain.
This classic mature golf course with its unique design mix of MacKenzie and Braid is a pleasure to play. I can’t wait to get back.
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Interested in this golf club, or any in this series, or wish to be featured in the future, please email me on [email protected]
I am showcasing one golf club a day across GB & I over 26 days – in reverse alphabetical order. Full write up and more images can be found on http://golfgurugroup.blogspot.com.
I was given the opportunity to visit Carnoustie a while back. Subsequently I took a number of clients and again revisited a couple of years ago, just before the Open in 2018.
Carnoustie is the name of the town in which sits this well known championship course. In fact there are three golf courses here, but my focus is on Carnoustie Championship. A double C if you like!
It is unclear where the name Carnoustie came from. Most likely it is from Scandinavian nouns of Car and Noust, meaning Rock and Bay respectively. Another story. The Battle of Barry in 1010 where a Danish General invader, Camus, was put to the sword by clansmen led by Scottish King, Malcom II. The Norse Gods were not happy at the loss of their favourite warrior. To show their displeasure they cursed the neighbourhood and released thousands of crows on Barry Sands. Colonising the locality it became known as Craw’s Nastie, corrupted to Carnoustie. As the village evolved into a borough in 1899, three crows flying was adopted as the crest for the area.
Photo credit – Kevin Murray
Of the Championship course itself
It has been noted that golf has been played here since 1500, with the present course being mapped out in 1850. Old Tom Morris extended it twenty years later to 18 holes. An extensive redesign was made by James Braid in 1926. However, it was felt his design did have a weak finish so it was a local man, James Wright who we can thank for the closing holes! Wright was drafted in ahead of the 1937 Open Championship. The course as we know it has pretty much remained the same for the last 80 years or so. In fact, it is not a course that flips its holes around when a Championship is played here. There are no airs and graces at Carnoustie, it is what it is. Take it or leave it. Most will take it, and enjoy it, even if they don’t score well.
As you stand on the first tee of the Championship course, the hotel behind you, you’re pretty much out there alone. The Tee box, despite it proximity to the clubhouse and Links House is almost in the middle of the course, or so it seems. You just know that people can see you from the hotel and are most likely watching too. But as it is far enough away, it doesn’t bother you. You ‘get into the course’ from that very first hit. You hit your drive, into a reasonably large area and you can forget the rest. You’re off and into the bosom of the course almost immediately.
Photo credit – Kevin Murray
Barry Burn
Makes a menacing appearance early on, but slinks back into oblivion until the closing holes. It is a relatively flat course, quite open and the weather is in play pretty much all the way round.
When you look at the course on televisions, you see the long whispy grass taunting your every shot. But actually down on the ground, the course is in exceptional condition and you can see clear cut fairways. Hogans Alley, 6th hole a par 5 SI2, 485/520 yards is good demonstration of this. Although a relatively narrow fairway, the 1953 Open Championship winner, who has been honoured with the naming of this hole, showed the way when hitting it straight down the middle. As golfers we often hear, just hit it down the middle. Not an easy feat at the best of times, but when confronted with a narrow landing strip, the task appears near impossible.
Photo credit – Kevin Murray
I will be honest with you.
I never really quite understood the nerves of some golfers, I’m a happy hit and play golfer. But even I had a little heart flutter on that hole the first time I played it. I did manage to get it where I wanted, in the middle. Needles to say subsequent games have never yielded such good results. Doing it once was clearly a fluke, replicating it is what makes a good golfer!
Playing Carnoustie
Was one of the rare moments where I had done some research before visiting. Being such an iconic course, I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss out on any experiences. You know how it is when you go on holiday only to return home 2 weeks later being told you should have visited…..
Photo credit – Kevin Murray
I had read up about the Spectacles on hole 14, and was keen to see them in person. A par4/5 at 375/476 yards SI1. The first time I saw them I wasn’t playing, so I was less than impressed. The next time I saw them was as I stood there with a club in my hand. I swear those bunkers had grown overnight! A good par 4/5 they don’t come into pay until about 50 yards short of the hole. In fact, despite their size, they almost sneak up to you. I have not had the pleasure of landing in them yet. Probably a good job as I might still be in them now, with their high sides and uninviting shot to the green. Most likely I’d go out backwards, maybe even with a putter if allowed!! Call me chicken or call me sensible.
To be honest getting to hole 14 is the start of any potential card wrecking day. Whilst I do love this course, I also totally respect it and play it using all my shots. I really love hole 16. The start of Barry Burn making its persistent appearance again over the next few holes. A par 3 at 212/225 yards, SI 13, which looks so inviting and plays more than I have even given it.
Photo credit – Kevin Murray
Those Carnoustie bunkers
Are in play all around and the Barry Burn sliding in from the left. I always feel as though I can get on the green and pop it in for a birdie. That hasn’t happened yet! I did sneak one in between the bunkers on the left once and it happened to roll close to the green, more good luck than good play if I’m honest!
Then I think I must have taken 3 putts – but thats another story for the 19th!
The greens are generally quite large at Carnoustie, they are short cut and roll like anything – or have the days I’ve played! Carnoustie is one of those places that you look at an aerial picture of and think, what’s the problem?
Photo credit – Kevin Murray
The oldest Ladies Club in the World
Is at Carnoustie with gender discrimination being a nasty word. That’s the only time ‘nasty’ should be used when referring to this golf course. They have a healthy ladies section and I have always been pleased to see this continues to be the case.
It would be rude of me not to mention the closing holes. Hole 17 a par 4, SI5, playing 364/473 yards. I do recall going in Barry Burn on the 17thwith my second shot A horrible little scummy things barely getting off the ground. I was gutted, even more so when I got close and realised how deep it was with my ball was in sight but out of reach. Carnoustie beat me that hole fair and square. Placement is key to getting any score here and not getting dragged into Carnoustie’s golf abyss.
To me, hole 18, par 4 SI 11 374/444 yards appeared less daunting, although still slightly narrow. Barry Burn on this closing hole has seen many a great golfer weep, John Van de Velde being the most notable of them all. But I’m not going to write about him, you probably know already, and I don’t want to end on a negative!
Photo credit – Kevin Murray
The key is navigation
And not to be too greedy. I did OK here, but I haven’t experienced the wrath of the Barry Burn on this final hole – yet.
Me, I’m looking forward. I’m seeing the hotel for some welcome food and drink. Now you can relax in the Links House too. The hotel is not owned by the golf club, it is a separate organisation, but has a close working relationship.
With the AIG Women’s Open playing here in August 2021, I can’t wait to return. If only to see if I can relive my one and only straight drive on Hogans Alley, or to see if I can continue to avoid spectacles. But most importantly to see if I can conquer these closing holes – or at least play to my handicap! Whilst there I also hope to experience the lovely Scottish hospitality at The Rookery and to look around the now completed Links House. The latter still under its finals stages of construction when I last visited.
Over the next 26 days, I am going to showcase one golf club a day in GB & I. It is my ode to some great golf in the UK and Ireland. Full write up’s and more images can be found on golfgurugroup.blogspot or www.golfgurugroup.com Travelling Lady Golfer tab. So there is no missing out on that extra little bit of information, if needed.
Originally a nine hole course the James Braid Queen’s Course opened in 1919. Later being extended to a full 18 holes in 1925. Often regraded as the little sister to the Kings and the newer PGA Centenary courses. Shorter in length than its big brothers, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by this par 68 course. It packs a punch with its receptive fairways and great quality greens. Even in the wettest Perthshire weather, those greens seem to hold up well.
Intertwining
The courses around each other weaving across the prettiest tamed but still remarkably rugged and colourful moorland. Trees are a nice features of the Queen’s Course, drawing the eye up as well as forward to maximise the whole of the landscape.
In 2017 course realignment bought it back to the the original Braid design. The course had gone through a series of renovations to suit the time which meant some bunkers were lost into the rough. Using old imagery the original design was reinstated calling for 89 bunkers being re-built and some drainage work undertaken.
I recall the 13th
A pretty par 3 with sculptured fairways around heather and water in play. Offset by the backdrop of tall trees looming in the distance. Quite an intimidating hole despite its relative short length of only 129/140 yards.
I recall playing Queen’s and getting to a cross roads where the paths crossed over and it struck me how lost I could get without good signage!
The closing hole, aptly called ‘Queen’s Hame’ does entice you across the water to an inviting, reasonably wide fairway, before it softly bends left to the green insight. It has to be said this is one of the most welcoming closing holes. Not least because of the Dormy House looming ever present on the left as you putt out.
The Dormy House
Has been designed as one huge space, cleverly split up into little nooks for the feeling of intimacy. An intimidating fire pit takes centre stage as you gravitate towards its heat after your round of golf. A bit more than ‘golf club food’ was welcome after playing the Queen’s.
The onsite hotel was refurbished in 2016. This 232 bedroom hotel wraps itself around a central courtyard entrance with its grey, almost gothic in style, granite arms outstretched to envelop you into its warmth. A lovely bar and plenty of food choices are available, so you’ll be spoilt for choice as you ponder the ‘what ifs’ of your round on the Queens Course
Over the next 26 days, I am going to showcase one golf club a day in GB & I. It is my ode to some great golf in the UK and Ireland. Full write up’s and more images can be found on golfgurugroup.blogspot or www.golfgurugroup.com Travelling Lady Golfer tab. So there is no missing out on that extra little bit of information, if needed.
Benches dotted around the course, taking time out to enjoy this 9 hole course seems to be the best way to embrace the ethos of Ullapool Golf Club.
Just North of the fishing village of Ullapool is this friendly golf club awaiting your presence to give it a go at only £20 per 9 holes (£30 for 18 holes/day ticket). It doesn’t try to be something it isn’t, it doesn’t claim to be a long course, or even a particularly hard one either, but it does have wildlife aplenty and stunning scenery to enjoy as you play a relaxing round at Ullapool. And if you fancy a bash whilst on holiday, you can hire clubs with golf trolleys being free to use.
My friend and fellow journalist, Kevin Markham, has played Ullapool and has this to say about the course:
So many of the Highlands golf courses are wrapped in glorious views, mountains rolling across horizons and sea stretching out of sight. Ullapool is no different. This is a nine hole course (18 tees) and you get a wonderful taste for it as you start your descent into the large village, coming from the north. Ullapool sits in the heart of Lough Broom, and dates back to 1788.
The golf course came 210 years later and is laid out at the eastern fringe of the village. It is a picturesque coastline course, squeezing up against the lough’s edges and promising views all day long. Visitors are always welcome (there’s an honesty box) but this is very much a local affair. You won’t find immaculate conditioning because it’s simply not needed at a club that was founded for the love of playing golf… and not perfect fairways.
It’s an enjoyable ramble and the holes are well routed with holes 1 and 9 taking you to and from the clubhouse, from the shoreline. Thereafter, holes run parallel to the water. That ‘local’ feel is emphasised by the shapes and flow of the land which have been absorbed into the course. To say the course has a ‘natural feel’ is an understatement.
Over the 18 holes
There are four par threes and two par fives (three for ladies). The par fours are rarely long: the shortest is 230 yards, the longest is 378 (298 for ladies), and with 18 different tees you will find the course changes its length to the tune of 260 yards for men and 244 for ladies. Sometimes the second tee on a hole doesn’t make much difference… on others it does. It means playing the nine hole loop twice offers different challenges.
Holes 2/11 and 3/12 are the most memorable and tempting holes. The par three 2nd hits straight out at the water, curving around a beach onto a little peninsula jutting into the lough. Mountains rise beyond and the men’s tee boxes on the two loops are 40 yards apart… the ladies just 10.
The par four 3rd runs right above the stony beach. Fairway then beach then lough. At high tide it must be incredibly intimidating. Whatever the tide, two brave shots are required. It measures between 261 and 338 yards, with tee boxes again well separated. The green sits at the foot of a steep gorse covered hill and as tough as the drive is, the approach is even more of a knee trembler. A lovely par three follows, from a high tee, with the green once again right on the water’s edge.
That Gorse
That gorse is a common theme at Ullapool. There are trees here but they are widely scattered while the gorse embraces you time and again as you rise up the gentle slopes, channelling you towards small greens. Keep it on the fairways and it’s a sweet amble… if not, expect the occasional prickly end.
Don’t expect complex golf at Ullapool. That is not its attraction. This is a fun and friendly local club that promises an enjoyable day out amidst the beauty of the Highlands.
Over the next 26 days, I am going to showcase one venue/location a day for GB&I Golf Courses. It is my ode to some great golf starting backwards today with the letter Z. The full write up can be found on golfgurugroup blogspot too, so there is no missing out on that extra little bit of information.
Look out for the daily influx of unique, quirky, amazing golf courses across the GB & I can offer.
In 1975 Zetland became Shetland.
Whilst Shetland is singular in speech, Shetland is actually an archipelago of nearly 100 islands in the North Sea, with a population in excess of 22 thousand. Only 16 of these islands are inhabited and our focus for this golf course is Shetland main Island, just outside Lerwick, being the main town.
Whilst I have a daughter and her family living in Shetland, and having driven past the golf course multiple times, I am sad to say, I have not played the course, yet. So have sought help from their friendly management committee.
Unique in its location Shetland Golf club surpassed only by the wonderful honesty box system. (Currently being replaced by an on-line booking system during covid times). I love it when an honesty box is in play, it tells me so much about the club, and its members.
With just one green keeper on the books their volunteer system is second to non. With around 20 to 30 members giving up a few hours each week to repair the ditches, trim the grass and the never ending task of cutting fairways.
Being so far North
The weather does come into play. During summer you can pretty much play 24 hours with a longest day comp starting at 8pm. On the opposite spectrum, winter golf is only playable for 5 to 6 hours a day.
Be mindful to take plenty of golf balls, not for the terrain so much as the crows who take delight in taunting the golfers by stealing their golf balls whilst in play! I wouldn’t mind being the one to find that treasure trove of golf balls stashed somewhere near the golf club – but never in the hole!!
Shetland itself is a beautiful totally unspoilt location, with the golf course within a natural fold of the rugged landscape funnelling towards the North Sea. You can sometimes spot killer whales (Orca) hunting the prolific seals off the coast.
With a 300 strong membership Sheltand Golf Club also enjoys a thriving junior section (6 to 17 years) of 30. The Junior section is run by volunteer coaches who are keen to see a good mix of female and male children taking up golf.
Whilst Shetland might not be everyones cup of tea, for the nature lovers amongst us, it is a true gem. Just don’t forget to pack your golf clubs and enjoy a round of golf at Shetland GC. Thats what Im going to be doing next time I’m visiting my daughter
Membership from £150 with guest rates at £30 a round
Shetland Golf Club, Dale Gott, Shetland, ZE2 9SB
And just in case you’re not too sure where Shetland is, look North Scotland then look higher up! In fact Shetland is so far North it isn’t always shown on the map of GB&I! An overnight ferry from Aberdeen or a short one hour flight from Inverness. Other airports in the UK serve Shetland, but may not be direct flights.
Look out for more letters in the Z to A of GB&I Golf Course reviews
