Course: Kings, Queens, PGA and Academy courses
Location: Gleneagles, Auchterarder
Brief description: Welcome to golf mecca. Set in the Ochil hills, 'the Glen' has everything you could possibly want from inland golf courses. Host to many events including 'A Round With Alliss', Scottish and European Tour events and of course the Ryder Cup it's difficult to write something you won't already know. With a 5 star hotel and an equally 5 star Dormie House adjacent to the 1st tees of the Kings and Queens, you are assured of absolute quality from start to finish.
What to expect of the courses: The Kings Course is a world famous 18 hole moor and heath land golf course. Very scenic this iconic course was a masterpiece designed by James Braid (5 time Open Champion) just over 100 years ago. Every hole is a challenge but also memorable. The course has huge greens but with wide fairways it presents a fair test for all levels of golfer. Many championships have been played over the Kings including the recent British Seniors Open won by Darren Clarke.
The Queens is regarded as the prettiest and is very popular. Not as long as the Kings but not without many challenges as its slightly tighter, this course ticks all the boxes, but of course does not get the events or the adulation of the televised courses. Play the Queens. It is a beautiful golf course; if the was the only course here, it would be lauded as the best course for many miles.
The PGA was once the Princes and Glendevon until remodelled by Jack Nicklaus into the Centenary PGA that it is today. It's a stadium course for sure and has hosted many international events including the Ryder Cup. Hole after hole of majesty but without the natural brilliance of both the Kings and Queens, the PGA offers a different challenge, not least of which is to try and do what the Ryder Cup players did.
The Academy and Academy course are first class for warming up, practice and a family outing.
What to expect of the overall visit: Expect to be treated like royalty, welcomed warmly and have your breath taken by some of the views and merchandise. It is priced accordingly and is a treat given the 5 star venue it is. You will leave Gleneagles glowing as it is a special place like no other in Scotland, or perhaps the UK, partially attributed to what it offers but mainly down to its location in 'the Glen'.
Website: https://gleneagles.com/golf/
