Hidden Golfing Gems in Perthshire

Scotland: the historic home of golf! Anyone who knows golf will know the most famous courses: the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie, Turnberry, Troon, Muirfield and Gleneagles. Sadly, these courses are outwith the budget of most golfers. In Gleneagles, Perthshire has one of the best courses in the world. But it also has its hidden gems, and many Scottish golfers "in the know" regard it as the place to go if you want to play true Scottish golf with stunning scenery and demanding holes.

Gleneagles

As one of the most famous golf courses in the world, Gleneagles has hosted major tournaments and attracted the best players. Its three courses have seen tournaments such as the Scottish Open, Dunhill Trophy, PGA Cup, British Ladies Open, and is a venue for the Ryder Cup. With gravely banks and firm, springy fairways and greens, it looks and plays much like a coastal links course, but being inland, it is more sheltered and offers a more tranquil golfing experience. On the King's Course, the amateur golfer can believe he is a pro for a few hours, treading in the footsteps of greats such as Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. Club choice is crucial to getting a good score, as most of the holes are deceptive and lure the golfer into making the wrong shot. From the tees, the views of the surrounding Perthshire landscape are magnificent, and for the nature lovers there are twenty sites of scientific interest dotted around the course.

Auchterarder

This charming parkland course lies right in the heart of Perthshire only 50 miles from Glasgow and Edinburgh. Running beside Gleneagles' PGA Centenary Course, Auchterarder has beautiful views of Glen Devon on every hole and six demanding par 3s. It also has ample parking, offers catering packages, and welcomes large parties or corporate events.

Muckhart

For a truly varied day out golfing, Muckhart Golf Club is the place to go. There are 27 holes comprising three heathland courses - Arndean, Cowden and Naemoor - each one with its own distinct character, and signature holes with names such as Top of the World and Windy Ridge. Set at the foot of the Ochil Hills, this is one of the most scenic golf courses in Scotland with views not only of the hills but rolling vistas of the Perthshire countryside.

Milnathort

Milnathort is a 9 hole course in Kinross set in a quaint Scottish village. Its chief features are lush parkland fairways flanked by well maintained tree plantations that play very well due to their superb drainage. The club prides itself on the high quality of its greens, which are always kept in tiptop condition. A highlight of the course is its two double greens.

Kinross

Kinross boasts two 18 hole courses thought by many golfers to be among the finest in Scotland. Named The Bruce and The Montgomery, both are set in scenic parkland close to Loch Leven and were upgraded in 2006 to provide a superior golfing experience. The Montgomery (6452 yards) is the harder test, and although it is a flat course, there are many two tiered and sloping greens that makes putting a challenge. The Bruce (6231 yards) is a favourite with visitors. Although it is the easier of the two courses, it is still a test with four par 5s over six holes and plenty of water hazards.

Discount Green Fees

With forty courses to choose from, Perthshire is a golfing Mecca. All are easy to get to, are close to each other and welcome non-members. Another boon of making Perthshire your golfing base is that the cost of a round is low compared to average prices. Green fees range from £20 per round to around £60 for a day ticket. The Perthshire Green Card will give you discounted green fees on nineteen 18-hole courses as well as cheaper admission prices to local distilleries. If this isn't enough, there are around 60 courses in around Dundee, Angus and Fife which are within an hour's drive.