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GLENEAGLES
GOLF CLUB - PERTH & KINROSS
Auchterarder
Perthshire
Scotland
Kings
FOUNDED: 1919
DESIGNER: James Braid
LENGTH: 6,790 yards
PAR: 71
SSS (Course Rating): 71
TYPE: Parkland
Queens
FOUNDED: 1919
DESIGNER: James Braid
LENGTH: 5,965 yards
PAR: 68
SSS (Course Rating):70
TYPE: Parkland
Monarchs
FOUNDED 1993
DESIGNER: Jack Nicklaus
LENGTH: 7,081 yards
PAR: TBA
SSS (Course Rating):TBA
TYPE: Parkland
Gleneagles boasts three superb parkland golf courses, the King's Course
and Queen's Course, both designed by the legendary James Braid and
the modern Monarch's Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus. While the
King's Course is perceived as being the jewel in Gleneagles' crown,
having played all three, picking the best would be a difficult decision
to make.
Offering an often-welcome respite from the differing demands of links
golf, Gleneagles is truly a golfer's paradise. Set among ridges and
hollows; copious quantities of heather, bracken and gorse enhance
the challenge. On any of the courses, if you play well and rise to
the challenges imposed by the superb layouts, your round can enter
the realm of dreamland but slice a shot here and miss a green there,
then your only consolation may prove to be the stunning surrounding
scenery.
The King's Course has drawn nothing but the highest of praise from
various golfing luminaries. When Lee Trevino first played here, he
remarked "if Heaven is as good as this, I sure hope they have
some tee times left". Braid's plan for the King's Course was
to test even the most accomplished golfers' shot making skills, a
goal he achieved with admirable results. One of the most exhilarating
venues at which to play golf, the King's Course offers a majestic
layout, springy moorland turf and sweeping views of the surrounding
countryside.
Second only in length to the King's Course, the Queen's Course has
played host to many legends of the golfing fraternity including Johnny
Miller, Greg Norman and Tom Watson. Meandering through the estates'
many high ridges, the picturesque woodland setting offers true moorland
characteristics. Though excellent holes abound, the par 4, eighth
named "Auld Fauld" or "Sheep Pen" is of particular
note. Aptly named, as one can imagine a sheep pen nestling in the
sheltered hollow that houses the green, an array of bunkers will punish
a timid approach, while an overzealous stroke will carry down the
sloping green away from the hole.
The most recent addition to the golfing crown of Gleneagles is the
Nicklaus designed Monarch's Course and though it has only been in
existence since 1993, it is already being touted as a possible Ryder
Cup venue in 2007. Even for a proven architect like Nicklaus, the
Monarch's Course was a real test as it had to be unique in its challenge,
do justice to the existing courses and fit the landscape in a way
that did no violence to the great Scottish golfing tradition. Complimenting
the layout and obvious quality of the course, one of its features
is the feast of spectacular views.
Each course at Gleneagles thoroughly deserve their regal titles and
whatever course you play or whether you play all three, you will walk
away knowing that you have experienced something special.
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