Discover the Magic of Golf in Perthshire

When people from afar think of golf in Scotland, they will typically consider the legendary towns of St Andrews and Carnoustie, or the revered links coastlines of East Lothian and Ayrshire. But there is far more to the game in Caledonia than just the seaside classics, and the historic county of Perthshire is arguably the best way to discover that rich variety.

Located in the heart of the nation, easily accessible from all the major cities, geographically connecting the Lowlands to the Highlands, this tranquil and beautiful landscape is home to many of the most scenic, enjoyable, and affordable courses in Britain. Simply put, there is something for everyone in the Big County.

The Championship Venues

Unquestionably at the luxury end of the spectrum, the Gleneagles Hotel is widely regarded as being one of the greatest resorts on the planet. Breathtaking in scope, this venue is home to three courses; the PGA Centenary, which hosted the Ryder Cup in 2014 and the Solheim Cup in 2019, the remarkable King's, ranked among the finest inland layouts in the UK, and the picturesque Queen's.

Gleneagles is an unforgettable place for anyone who has been fortunate to experience its grandeur and sense of wonder, and it's a jewel in Perthshire and Scotland. It's easy to see why it is rated so highly by members of Golfshake. Hear more about what makes this place special from author Ed Hodge on the Golfshake Podcast.

50 miles away, Blairgowrie Golf Club is home to a pair of heathland gems, the Rosemount and Lansdowne, which provide the quality that would be typically associated with the likes of Woodhall Spa, Walton Heath or Sunningdale south of the border. A favourite of Peter Alliss, this immaculate spot is worth the journey alone.

However, beyond the majesty of Gleneagles and Blairgowrie, there is much to sample in Perthshire, which is ideally catered for groups, couples, and families, thanks to its propensity of nine-hole course and wide range of outdoor activities.

Rich Variety of Courses

Just some of the most acclaimed courses in the county include Auchterarder - located adjacent to Gleneagles - and nearby Crieff Golf Club, which was recently featured on Golfshake. The Montgomery and The Bruce Courses at Kinross make for a popular stay and play destination, as does the serene Murrayshall located in the main settlement of Perth. 

Perth is a modest city with a population of around 50,000, but enjoys a prime location on the River Tay, with fine transport links to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness. For golfers, there is much to enjoy. Resting on Moncrieffe Island within the centre of town, King James VI is an Old Tom Morris designed parkland that uniquely can only be accessed by crossing a footpath on the railway bridge. 

The North Inch is a public layout that has a deep heritage. Golf has been played on these grounds since the 1500s, with Perth enjoying a similar, formative role to the development of the game as the likes of St Andrews, North Berwick, Leith Links and Musselburgh. 

Heading north of the city, you quickly reach Highland Perthshire, a visually astonishing part of the world. Here you find courses such as Pitlochry, Dunkeld & Birnam, Aberfeldy, Blair Atholl, and St Fillans, which boasts the endorsement of two-time major champion Sandy Lyle. 

We did mention those nine-holers, the best of which include Comrie, Dunning, Killin and Muthill, underlining the variety that exists within Perthshire. 

Other Activities

But your time in the county doesn't have to be solely golf related. Cyclists, hill walkers, and water sport enthusiasts will find much to enjoy across the mountain landscapes and tranquillity of heavenly gateways like Loch Tay, Loch Leven, Loch Tummel and Loch Rannoch. There are the panoramic vistas from Kinnoull Hill, and the magnificence of the Hermitage at Dunkeld. History lovers will also enjoy Scone Palace and Balhousie Castle in Perth.

Perthshire may not have been on your proverbial bucket list, but that should change. From the championship courses to scenic gems, the natural landscape and forests, the experience of visiting the heart of Scotland will take a piece of yours.

For more information, visit https://www.golfperthshire.com/index.php.