Some places are simply synonymous with the game of golf. You think of St. Andrews and you think of golf, think of Turnberry and you think golf and so it is with Gleneagles, although there is also much more to it than just golf. Dealing specifically with golf however, there are no fewer than three superb championship golf courses at Gleneagles, the Kings Course and Queens Course, both designed in 1919 and the PGA Centenary Course, previously known as the Monarch's Course, which was designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened for play in 1993. There is also a par three course, known as the Wee Course, which is an ideal light alternative for all golfers.
Boasting a championship length of 6,790 yards, the Kings Course at Gleneagles is probably recognised as the best of the three championship layouts, but really it is just a matter of personal opinion. Designed by James Braid in 1919, the King's Course is a masterpiece in golf course design and having first played the course, Lee Trevino was prompted to say: "If Heaven is as good as this, I sure hope they have some tee times left". And if Braid's plan was to test the shot-making skills of even the most accomplished golfers, then it will take you until you play your first approach shot to realize that he achieved his ambition with some aplomb.
Club selection is all-important in negotiating the Kings Course and the sooner you realize this, the better your chances of recording a decent score. Taking the first as an example - what looks like an easy pitch to an elevated green can often prove to be anything but, and the usual punishment for a tentative shot is the bunker that yawns some 20 feet below the green. It is difficult to select holes worthy of particular praise here but the 466-yard, 4th hole is an excellent par four and is rated as the second hardest on the course. The 7th is a tough dogleg left, which requires your tee shot to clear the ridge and an approach that should not come up short, while the 9th hole, aptly named "Heich o' Fash" or "Height of Trouble" can sometimes prove just that.
The homeward journey, which is that little bit longer than the front nine holes, starts with a long par four of almost 450 yards and with your approach being played to a well-bunkered narrow green, it probably deserves its rating as the most difficult hole on the course. The 14th is an interesting short par four, while the 16th is an excellent par three played to a sloping green, surrounded by an array of bunkers. And as closing holes go, the last two on the Kings Course, a par four and par five, do not disappoint. The 17th has the narrowest fairway on the course, while the 18th is a superb par five of 525 yards and is a fitting finish to a wonderful experience.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
The King's Course at Gleneagles is a course that does not require any justification to play - the fact that it's Gleneagles is enough. And with two other magnificent courses on site, this is a great venue.
Situated on the A823 route, two miles southwest of Auchterarder and less than two miles northwest of Gleneagles.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, Auchterarder PH3 1NF
Tel: + 44 1764 694267. Email: andrew.fairlie@gleneagles.com.
Not in the least bit like a standard hotel restaurant, this is an evening's only venue and the décor reflects this. An excellent wine list compliments the unpretentious cuisine.
Strathearn at Gleneagles, Auchterarder PH3 1NF
Tel: + 44 1764 694270. Email: resort.sales@gleneagles.com.
There are several restaurants to choose from at Gleneagles but the Strathearn is the traditional option. It boasts an excellent wine list and a range of simple, classic dishes.
Cairn Lodge, Orchil Road, Auchterarder PH3 1LX.
Tel: + 44 1764 662634. Email: email@cairnlodge.co.uk.
Situated on the road to Gleneagles, this turreted country house is surrounded by attractive gardens. The cooking has a classical Scottish feel but offers some exciting interpretations.
63 Tay Street, 63 Tay Street, Perth PH2 8NN
Tel: + 44 1738 441451. Fax: 01738 441461.
This refreshingly appealing restaurant offers good food, accurately cooked from quality ingredients. Worthy of particular note is the pan-fried halibut fillet, with stir-fried greens.
Some places are simply synonymous with the game of golf. You think of St. Andrews and you think of golf, think of Turnberry and you think golf and so it is with Gleneagles, although there is also much more to it than just golf. Dealing specifically with golf however, there are no fewer than three superb championship golf courses at Gleneagles, the Kings Course and Queens Course, both designed in 1919 and the PGA Centenary Course, previously known as the Monarch's Course, which was designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened for play in 1993. There is also a par three course, known as the Wee Course, which is an ideal light alternative for all golfers.
