Glorious Gleneagles

Michael Weston discovers for himself just what is so special about thisPerthshireparadise of golf and much more besides.

- Michael Weston

Since opening in 1924, Gleneagles has offered guests a truly luxurious experience. Today, under the new ownership of Ennismore, the grand resort has benefited from a multi-million pound investment project, which has reaffirmed ‘The Glorious Playground’ as one of the world’s best golf destinations. There are a number of other pursuits to experience on and around the beautiful estate, although golf sits at the heart of its rich history.

The King’s course is a James Braid masterpiece, beautifully carved into the pine trees. It represents ‘inland links golf at its finest. Soak it all in at the 1st where an inviting fairway rises to a hilltop green. Lee Trevino once said, “If heaven is anything like this, I hope they save me a tee time.” There’s a real premium on finding the right spots from the tee, and a long iron is often the answer. Many regard the 4th as the toughest hole on the resort, and one where length does have its advantages. Doglegs follow at 6 and 7, the latter of which is sharper with a number of punishing bunkers. But fear not, for sustenance awaits at one of golf’s best halfway huts just a few holes away.

THE RUN FOR HOME