You can’t travel far in Scotland without seeing a golf course. There are 550 so far – and counting. New courses are being constructed, often close to existing ones. Many of the famous big- name courses offer a wide variety of facilities. In addition to top-rate accommodation and dining there are swimming pools, spas and athletic training rooms. The variety of Scotland’s landscape, especially its extensive sea coast, creates exciting playing conditions and stunning panoramic views. But if you have a love for exploration many of the smaller courses come up with delightful surprises.
One of our prettiest local courses is set between the Fife Coastal Path and the broad waters of the Firth of Forth at Aberdour, one of the string of picturesque old fishing villages along the south coast of Fife. The panoramic view across the Firth of Forth takes in the Forth Bridges to the west, the island of Inchcolm with its tiny ruined abbey, to the City of Edinburgh and Holyrood Palace on the far shore, protected by the heights and crags of Arthur’s Seat to the east. If you can take your eyes off the views, which change with every shot, you will find the course a testing one.
Our local club in Dunfermline has a winding approach road that leads through the course to the imposing cream-rendered castle-mansion of Pitfirrane House, previously the home of the Halketts (pronounced Hakkett) from the 16th century. Up a wide stone spiral staircase is the dining room with magnificent wood panelling and a painted ceiling decorated with the family’s coat of arms, and crest, a hawk – the Halkett family were Royal Hawkers to King James I/VI.
The Dunfermline Golf Club also has the distinction of introducing the game ‘across the pond’ in 1888 when two of its members, John Reid and Robert Lockhart, set out a short course of three holes in an apple orchard in Yonkers, New York. Initially known as the “Apple Tree Gang”, it was formally organised in the same year and named, ”St. Andrew’s” (with an apostrophe) as a tribute to the cradle of the game in Scotland.
The historic university town of St. Andrews, at the eastern end of the“Kingdom of Fife”, is a delightful setting for the world-famous St Andrews Royal and Ancient Golf Club, which is acknowledged as the birthplace of the game as it is played today, and boasts the first Ladies’ golf club in the world in 1867.
Regarding the ‘Ancient’ in the title, there is documentary evidence from1552 confirming that golf, as well as other games, was played on the links at that time, but it was not until 1754 that a club was formed. The ‘Royal’ title was added in 1836 when King William IV became Patron, and six members of the royal family have since captained the Club. In 1863, the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, was the first Royal Captain, followed in 1876 by his brother Prince Leopold. King Edward VIII was an ardent golfer and in 1922 became Captain of the Club, being followed by his brother, later King George VI. In 1937, the Duke of Kent became Captain and was followed in 2004 by Prince Andrew, the present Duke of Kent.
The almost legendry ‘Old Tom Morris’ laid out the original course, and many others too. St Andrews boasts eight courses including the famous ‘Old Course’, right in front of the imposing Club House. Right now they are gearing up for the Open Championship taking place from 16-19th July this year.The British Golf Museum, just across the road, has been totally refurbished in time for this important event.
Moving north, across the River Tay and to the east of Dundee, is the famous Carnoustie Golf Club, constituted in 1842. Members of Carnoustie are proud of having helped to develop golf in fourteen countries around the world. Like so many Scottish courses, it is sited right on the coast. In fine weather the views are inspiring, although there are times when the weather off the North Sea is ‘challenging’, but that brings out a real golfers’ skill!
Further to the north, past Aberdeen, is the much publicised Trump Golf Links, also right on the North Sea Coast, and offering a testing course through the sand dunes. Another Trump enterprise is the famous Turnberry Club on Scotland’s south-west coast in Ayrshire. This resort complex is situated next to an old lighthouse on the Forth of Clyde, with a stunning vista across the sea to Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Arran and the Mull of Kintyre – as well as the coast of Northern Ireland, on a good day.
In Central Scotland, between Stirling and Perth, there is a scenic way through the Ochil Hills called “Glen Eagles”. Way back in 1910, the General Manager of the Caledonian Railway Company was so impressed by the site that he decided to build a Grand Hotel where his“rail guests will travel on our trains, stay in our hotel, to play golf on our courses.”While the Hotel was being built, the great James Braid designed and built the King’s and Queen’s Courses utilising the natural complexities of the ground to make a fascinating challenge for the players. The First World War delayed completion but both courses were opened in 1919 and Gleneagles flourished until 1939 when the hotel became a military hospital.
Since the end of World War II major changes have taken place, and Gleneagles, was the venue for the Ryder Cup in 2014. The PGA Golf Academy is now established at Gleneagles, and the addition of a top-ranking restaurant, conference facilities and a luxurious spa have expanded the hotel’s appeal, but it is the range of sporting and other leisure activities that is mind-boggling: equestrian school, falconry, fishing, shooting and gun-dog school, archery, wildlife photography, cycling, off-road driving,
and even indoor tennis!
American in Britain takes a peak through the gates at one of the World’s most revered Private Member Golf Clubs
There aren’t many golf clubs in the UK that replicate the US private club model. At most British clubs, visitor play is welcomed as an additional source of income and a way to reduce the cost to members: this is in stark contrast to the classic US clubs, at which access is extremely difficult without an introduction from a member.
In the last twenty years, though, a small number of clubs have been created that work on the American model and exclude green fee visitors and corporate days. The first and most successful of these in the UK was The Wisley which opened in the early nineties and was designed by renowned course architect, Robert Trent Jones Jnr.
Located just across the river Wey from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Wisley Gardens, set in such a tranquil area of north - west Surrey, The Wisley is only a 30 minute drive from London's West End and was immediately ranked within the UK’s top 20 by Golf World when it opened in 1991.
Twenty years on and The Wisley is clearly firmly established as one of the World’s leading exclusive private Member golf clubs, attracting captains of industry, sport and movie stars amongst its discerning membership. The Wisley is currently the home choice for fourteen tour professionals including some of the world’s leading golfers amongst its membership. Indeed, the club can boast an amazing statistic that ‘at least’ one of its Members has featured in every Ryder Cup since the Club opened and is testimony to its undoubted quality.
The Wisley was the first Robert Trent Jones Jr.’ Course in the UK and has clearly been designed to challenge players of all abilities and features three loops of nine holes which combine to make three 18 hole courses each with a par of 72. Water is an integral feature; the River Wey borders the undulating fairways and beautifully manicured greens while the lakes provide not only perfect reflection, but also extra challenge. The mark of a Trent Jones’ Course is the unique ability to combine love of nature and passion for the game of golf. The Wisley is a magnificent testament to his skill and creativity.
The Wisley is wholly owned by its shareholder Members and despite its exclusivity, seems to have a real ‘club atmosphere’. A wealth of competitions, events and a varied and thriving social scene ranges from family Halloween and pancake nights to a Spanish restaurant night and during our visit preparations were underway for an Italian Ryder Cup night with one of its Members, Francesco Molinari. There appears to be an eclectic mix of nationalities, cultures and backgrounds that binds a common love of the game of golf, with an appreciation for the finest things in life.
The clubhouse provides an ideal environment in which to relax. With influences from the work of Sir Edwin Lutyens, the clubhouse was designed by award-winning architect Charles Mador and the open-plan style and interior design creates a warm and inviting ambience with a comfortable contemporary edge. The dining experience at The Wisley is built upon a fine reputation for quality cuisine, freshly prepared by Head Chef Sam Peschier and his team, and fantastic hospitality. Whether it is a quick bite between nines, or a formal dinner with friends and family, you will be served in the renowned and warm Wisley style which its chief executive insists upon and his team follow with such enthusiasm.
The Wisley is a true private members’ golf club with 700 shareholder Members, and shares are only available on the secondary market through a monthly auction. However, we were told that from time to time a limited number of shares become available for rental, usually in circumstances where the shareholder/member has to move abroad for a period of time. The availability of these shares is limited and may only be used by the renter for a maximum period of 2 years.
We were sad to leave as The Wisley really does offer an environment and ambience of luxury, elegance and impeccable service. However, it manages to mix such exclusivity and quality with a relaxed atmosphere evidently enjoyed and appreciated by Members, their family, friends and anybody lucky enough to be their invited guests.
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