Scotland's Pitlochry: A very special golf experience

Sept. 7, 2003 By David Brice Special to GolfWeb

But golf is more than only parkland and linksland courses. There are also heathland, moorland and downland courses, none of which are to be found here, and each has played an important role in the development of modern day golf.

A case in point, too seldom played by visitors is the hilly, Pitlochry Golf Club, a prime example of heathland conditions and although not terribly difficult, one of the most rewarding and picturesque courses in Scotland. It also happens to be real fun.

Play Pitlochry and you will be reminded of why you have a passion for the game. Soak up the warm hospitality of the extremely welcoming clubhouse after your round and you will know why your passion for golf is as strong as it is.

Located in Central Scotland, a little north of the fair city of Perth, Pitlochry will grab your attention from the very first hole.

Pitlochry is located in central Scotland.

Considered one of the most dramatic opening holes in these parts, the uphill trek requires a drive that clears a pair of crucially placed bunkers. A further penal bunker guards the climb to the elevated, sloping green. Once on the green, danger is still present. Faster than most anticipate, it is not uncommon to putt off the surface.

The agility of a mountain goat is still a help as Pitlochry continues to climb through the second and third holes. A breath-gathering break at the fourth then it's back to the mountain adventure through to the sixth.

But Pitlochry is a place where hard work is rewarded and the magnificent vistas revealed on the sixth, seventh and again at Nos. 11, 14 and 16, drive home the fact that this area is known as the Switzerland of Scotland.

Take consolation in the adage that what goes up, must come down and enjoy the fun of the free-wheeling, homeward roll back down the mountain to the surprising closing hole.

Pitlochry is indeed hilly, perhaps even to the extreme, but it is exhilarating, great fun with an instant appeal, exposing a unique side of Scottish golf, not often experienced by visitors.

Make certain to linger a while at the 19th hole. Scotland is as much the home of whisky as it is the home of golf, and with almost half of the country's whisky distilleries located here in the Grampian Highlands, Pitlochry's clubhouse contains a generous selection, waiting to be sampled. The friendliness of the locals will make it hard to resist sampling at least a few, maybe even more.

Pitlochry may not appear on any ranking of the top courses, but it offers some very special experiences for those fit enough to take on the challenge. But more importantly, this course is also good fun, and isn't that what golf is supposed to be all about?

For suggestions on including Pitlochry into your golf trip, click here.

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