Some places are quite simply synonymous with the game of golf. Think of St. Andrews and you think 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 three superb championship golf courses at Gleneagles, the Kings Course and Queens Course, both designed in 1919 by James Braid and the PGA Centenary 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.
Previously known as the Monarch's Course, the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles only began its existence in 1993 and it bears testament to the design work of Jack Nicklaus that the course is already rated alongside it two older siblings and has been chosen to stage the Ryder Cup matches of 2014. Even for a proven champion and an acclaimed golf architect like Nicklaus, the design of this course was a challenge. It simply had to be a great course and being set in the heart of Scotland, it had to fit into the landscape in a way that did no violence to the Scottish tradition.
From the championship tees, the PGA Centenary Course measures over 7,000 yards and as such, is the longest inland golf course in Scotland. The tees, however, are graded at each hole in five stages, and range from a challenging 6,558 yards from the white stakes down to little over 5,000 yards from the ladies tee. And as such, golfers of all standards can enjoy this great golf course. A real feature of the course lies in the veritable feast of spectacular views offered throughout and putting on the two-tiered second green can actually prove a distinct distraction as a result.
Like both other courses at Gleneagles, the PGA Centenary Course boasts many fine holes and from the opening 426-yard, par four through the beautiful par five closing hole, the course is a pleasure to play. Some of the many holes that stand out on the outward nine include the par five, 2nd hole where water and a number of bunkers protect the green, the dogleg 3rd hole and the 564-yard, par five 9th hole. The homeward stretch may be slightly shorter but is equally exhilarating, with the short par four, 11th hole, depending on which tee you play from, proving a particularly tantalizing challenge. And the par five, 16th hole is another gem; where even to think of striking over the lake in two would be an aggressive play.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
It's sometimes true that whenever a newer course is designed alongside an existing gem, the result is never as good. Thankfully, that is not the case here. The PGA Centenary Course is a fantastic challenge and deserves to host the 2014 Ryder Cup.
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 quite simply synonymous with the game of golf. Think of St. Andrews and you think 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 three superb championship golf courses at Gleneagles, the Kings Course and Queens Course, both designed in 1919 by James Braid and the PGA Centenary 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.
