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.
Like the Kings Course, the Queens Course was designed by legendary golf course architect, James Braid, and opened for play in 1919. A real feature of the course is its inspiring natural beauty and over the course of its history, the Queens Course has played host to some of the world's golfing greats, including Johnny Miller, Greg Norman, Seve Ballesteros, Tom Watson and Lee Trevino. And in case you want to know, Alan Shepard, a man who holds the distinction of hitting the longest drive ever (by virtue of hitting a ball on the moon), has also played here. Threading through high ridges on the north and west sides of the estate, the course offers a lovely woodland setting and countless fine moorland characteristics, adding to the challenge.
The course itself measures less than 6,000 yards but with a par of 68, is a stern test for those with aspirations of beating par. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security on the first tee, as this is a challenging opener. The ground falls away at your feet, the fairway swings round to the left and slopes towards the trees and there are a couple of cunningly placed bunkers, which test your approach to a miniscule green. Some brief respite from a tough opening is found at the short 2nd hole but the 421-yard, 3rd hole is rated as the hardest on the course. With the presence of a large bunker on the left and a ditch running all the way up the right hand side, your drive here must be long and precise in order to set up a reasonable approach to a green sloping from back to front.
Two of the other great holes on the outward journey include the par five, 7th hole, the only par five on the course, and the short par four, 8th hole, which plays to an interestingly positioned green, well-protected by bunkers. The doglegging 10th hole is a nice start to the back nine before water comes into play on the 13th and 14th, two consecutive short holes of varying length, with the latter requiring a tee shot of over 200 yards to a tiered putting surface. At odds with its name, the par three 17th is no "Hinny Mune" (Honeymoon). There is no escape unless you hit this undulating green and sometimes, there is no escape even if you do, as the green is some 50 yards long.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
Not a long golf course but then again, it is a par 68 and given its standard scratch of 70, it's obviously none too simple so don't approach the Queens Course lightly. Scenic and challenging, be sure to play here if you are in Gleneagles.
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.
