15 of The Best Golf Courses in Perthshire

As ardent golfers, we should all be aware of the natural beauty that Scotland is home to, which is further enhanced through a collection of world-class golf courses.

You’re never too far away from a hidden gem in Scotland, but the area of Perthshire (Perth & Kinross) is particularly littered with some outstanding venues.

Below, we provide information on 15 of the best golf courses in Perthshire - have you managed to play any yet?

The Gleneagles Resort

The Gleneagles Resort is one of the most iconic golf facilities throughout the entirety of the United Kingdom. Three championship routings await any lucky golfers who visit, and all three are of the exceptional quality that you would associate with the esteemed location. The King’s Course was the first to open back in 1919, but the PGA Centenary has played host to both the Ryder and Solheim Cup. The Queen’s joins the King’s as being designed by the legendary James Braid, and there are three serious golfing challenges to be had at the remarkable Gleneagles Resort.

Golfshake Review: "Absolutely beautiful. Every golfer should play here at least once. The scenery is stunning and the course was immaculate despite a lot of recent heavy rain."

Blairgowrie Golf Club

Having opened for play back in the 19th century, Blairgowrie Golf Club is one that is of special importance. Considered as one of the top inland courses in Scotland, the premises contain two championship golf courses that better players will enjoy. The Landsdowne Championship Course has hosted PGA and SGU events, whilst The Rosemount Course was the venue for Greg Norman’s very first European tour victory. The Wee Course, which is a challenging 9-hole offering, is the perfect place to warm up your game before you tackle the premium layouts.

Golfshake Review: "One of the best courses I have played. The clubhouse and facilities were excellent and the service from the staff, in the clubhouse, was of the highest standard."

Alyth Golf Club

Old Tom Morris was responsible for the design found at Alyth Golf Club, and the historic course has since been extended and remastered by the late James Braid. The result from the reimagination from Braid is a well-conceived heathland that is bursting with character. It may not be the longest layout in Scotland, but what it lacks in length is makes up for in difficulty through placing a premium on accuracy with the driver.

Golfshake Review: “Excellent course in amazing conditions, considering the rain that had fallen during the morning. Would highly recommend and will definitely play again.”

King James VI Golf Club

Situated on Moncreiffe Island, which is only a short walk from Perth city centre, lies King James VI Golf Club - a very special and unique golf course. This golf course is thought to be one of only two inland island golf courses throughout the entire world! The club established itself in 1858 but moved location in 1897 and has remained at the site since. The parkland setting is easy to walk and the small greens will require extra attention for approach and short game decisions.

Golfshake Review: “Different not parking at the club - but having to cross over the River Tat on foot over bridge. Course excellent. Test for all golfers. Tight fairways but the odd errand shot is not too bad. Lovely course that is close to the city of Perth but not the noise.”

Strathmore Golf Centre

Strathmore Golf Centre was created by John Salvesen. The greens are generous in size and make for great targets, but their devilish undulations will demand respect throughout. Golfers will find two courses located on site, the 18-hole Rannaleroch and the smaller Leitfie Links. The latter is ideal for warming up or a quick trip to the golf club, with the premium offering boasting a par of 72. Numerous other facilities, such as a driving range and practice areas, can also be enjoyed by visitors.

Golfshake Review: “This is a really nice challenging course with a friendly clubhouse and superb restaurant. Worth coming for the food alone!”

Crieff Golf Club

Crieff Golf Club benefits from its stunning setting in the countryside of Perthshire. The club first opened for business in 1891 and it was recently voted as the 29th best golfing facility to be based in Britain by Golf World. Crieff is another club that is home to two courses, with the Ferntower being the premium one located on site. A fairly long test at 6,492 yards, the fairways are wide and the rough is intentionally cut short to limit pointless ball searches. The shorter course - coupled with the generosity of the 18-hole layout - means this is a viable destination for higher handicaps.

Golfshake Review: “Definitely worth visiting if you’re passing or staying close by. Great layout that features some fantastically shaped holes and green greens. Pro very friendly and helpful.”

Strathtay Golf Club

Having opened in 1909, golfers having enjoyed the parkland setting of Strathtay Golf Club for many years. The 9-hole course is a combination of flat and hilly holes, which helps to provide a varied challenge to the round. The difficulty is cranked immediately, as the second hole is home to a new elevated green. The following hole rests behind an army of tall oak trees and provides different methods of playing the hole.

Golfshake Review: “Great to be back at this course. Great improvement with added tees. Greens in great condition.”

Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Club

Another course to be founded in the 1800s! Scotland’s rich history with the sport of golf is mesmerising. Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Club was designed by the iconic Old Tom Morris and it is often regarded as the most picturesque golf club to be situated in Perthshire. The magnificent heathland routing is set on a hillside above the historic area of Dunkeld; the golf course provides all the right challenges that any visitor would anticipate.

Golfshake Review: “An excellent course but buggies are a must to fully enjoy it due to the elevation changes.”

Blair Atholl Golf Club

If you’re looking to tick another James Braid course off your list, then look no further than Blair Athholl Golf Club. The already challenging design has been further strengthened through the introduction of several ponds. The parkland setting is relatively easy to navigate, and the variety of the layout is something that draws golfers back. The collection of par threes is especially good here, as they’ll test both your wedge and long iron play.

Golfshake Review: “Had a great day out. Fantastic 9-hole course that is well worth the visit if you are in the area.”

Auchterarder Golf Club

Golfers who enjoy parkland settings may want to visit Auchterarder Golf Club, which boasts terrific views towards Glendevon. With a modest measurement of 5,750 yards, this won’t be the longest golf course you’ll tackle this year. However, a collection of six par threes allows for six ace opportunities! The short holes are testing and place high importance on being in control of the golf ball.

Golfshake Review: “Always enjoy playing this course. Lovely condition and wasn’t too busy - can’t wait to play again!”

Pitlochry Golf Club

Positioned just two miles from the geographic centre of Scotland lies Pitlochry Golf Club. The course at the club is regarded as one of Scotland’s finest inland offerings, with fabulous views of the Tummel valley to be enjoyed from the state-of-the-art clubhouse. It measures 5,700 yards from the tips and the beautifully manicured greens and tree-lined fairways provide a wonderful afternoon of golfing.

Golfshake Review: “Every single hole is a feature hole. Beautiful clubhouse and spectacular scenery.”

Kinross Golf Courses

Kinross Golf Courses is home to two layouts that vary greatly. The Montgomery Course is the more senior of the two and the 6,508-yard track is also known to be the more demanding of the two available. The Bruce Course is seen as a great test of golf and whilst it can be perceived as slightly more forgiving, a good score is far from a given.

Golfshake Review: “I’ve been playing both of these courses as a visitor for the best part of 15 years now and I can honestly say they get better every year.”

Comrie Golf Club

Comrie Golf Club is a 9-hole course that is home to a classic James Braid design, which should garner the attention of golfers who know their history. Braid was highly successful in his bid of creating a wonderful and unique golf course, as no two holes are the same. The greens are shaped and occasionally raised - which will test your short game - and the deep bunkers can cause problems too. What rounds off the experience are tremendous views!

Golfshake Review: “I enjoyed this course; nice setting, quite challenging in places and not too hilly. A nice welcome from the club.”

St Fillans Golf Club

St Fillans Golf Club is a cosy facility that is situated in the heart of the Highland Perthshire, which is one of the most beautiful locations in Scotland that features spectacular lochs and towering mountains. Although only a 9-hole course, there is a hefty challenge awaiting any golfer. Despite the imposing hills that encapsulate the course, the terrain is relatively level which means it should be a comfortable walk for the majority of golfers.

Golfshake Review: “Excellent course in very good condition. A lot of the holes bend to the right and favour a player with a draw - would play again.”

Muthill Golf Club

Muthill Golf Club boasts a parkland course that has well-manicured greens and narrow fairways, which places a realm premium on accuracy. The experience is bolstered through picturesque views of Strathearn and the Grampians. This is another 9-hole golf course but all golfers will feel a warm welcome when they arrive. If you’re looking to enjoy hospitality after your round, please be aware that catering for the clubhouse only operates between March to October.

Golfshake Review: “Quite a short course, a bit hilly in places but an enjoyable round and excellent value for money. Was quiet but with it being 9 holes, it could possibly bunch up in places at peak times. Would play again.”

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