Gleneagles
Kings Course
Situated
in Perthshire Gleneagles “Playground of the Gods”
has nearly 700 acres from which was born the Kings Course. Designer
was James Braid and at that time no professional golfer had
ever attempted such a feat. As it transpires the Kings and the
Queens courses are arguably James Braid's finest work. They
continue to enthral the visitor with spellbinding views of the
Scottish Glens.
Braid's
favourite on the Kings was the 423 yard par 4 13th hole. The
course taken in its entirety is a masterful design. Each hole
blends beautifully into its surroundings. It’s also a
lot of fun where birdie opportunities abound to the precise
golfer on his game. Gorse, heather, firs, pines and silver birch
line the fairways and the conditioning of the course is always
perfect.
17th in The Top 100 Courses in the British Isles
2002
Gleneagles Queens Course
The
lack of length makes the Queens a softer challenge in comparison
to the Kings, however it is probably the most beautiful of the
three. It won’t lull you into a false sense of security
for what it loses in distance it puts a high reward on accuracy.
This can be found from the very first hole, a 409 yard par 4
where par is an excellent result. The course threads its way
through some of the most gorgeous woodlands on the estate with
dog-leg par fours needing strategic planning from the tee. There
is only one par 5 so big hitters don’t have the upper
hand on this layout.
43rd in The Top 100 Courses in the British Isles
2002
Gleneagles Centenary PGA Course
The
2014 host venue for the Ryder Cup, it has been designed by Jack
Nicklaus and probably has to come third to its sister courses.
It has been set up with an American flavour. Buggies are allowed
with specialist cart paths, 5 tee options with the championship
tees some 7000 yards plus. It is a course designed to provide
the modern game and encompasses the majesty of some of the best
golf views in the world.
