Category: £40 – £59 (Page 6 of 7)

53. Stirling. 19th Sep 2016.

September 22, 2016 / Moly McMillan

“Camera’s Please” at this historically located parkland course with outstanding views.

Round £45. Par 72. Value (out of 5) 4

If you play at Stirling remember to take a camera. There are spectacular views of Stirling, it’s castle and other historic buildings and of the Trossachs, Ochill and Lomond Hills, even the Southern Highlands (in clear weather!).

2nd tee at Stirling with views towards the historic town – the rounded turret of the gaol is evident.

Given Stirling’s strategic and historic location, it’s not surprising that golf was played in the area currently occupied by Stirling golf course, by King James IV, King of Scots, in 1505. There was no golf course as such, on what was historically a “Royal Park” dating back to 1200 and used for Hunting – perhaps worth reflecting on when you hunt for golf balls here:)

3rd at Stirling, a typical well defined hole on this course

The current course was established in 1869, and has been subsequently developed by some of golf’s aristocracy – in 1892 Tom Morris Junior designed a 9 hole layout; in 1904 Willie Fernie of Troon extended it to 18 holes; and in 1967 Sir Henry Cotton redesigned the course with significant tree re-planting which is now bearing full fruit.

The apex of the dog leg on the 9th, with fine hill views

The resulting golf course does justice to the views on offer and at well over 6000 yards, even from the yellow tees, will challenge your handicap to the full (see Moly’s card below for evidence!). Stirling is a classic layout, with both front and back 9s, each having a par of 36 with 2 par 3s and par 5s. There is also a really good level of architectural variety, in terms of uphill, downhill, dog-legs right and left. The course sits on a hill and this is therefore no easy walk, but it’s worth it.

One of my playing partners, Gordon, plays at the 11th with Stirling Castle in the background

The highlight holes for me were the dog-legs: the par 5 1st is a tough start, the 9th offers great hill views from the dog leg apex, and the par 4 15th, which is SI2, is the best hole on the course in my opinion requiring a 220+ yard uphill drive to give access to the plateau green. The only omission in the design for me is the lack of a 200+ yard par 3, although the par 3 8th, at 180 yards uphill, required a recovery or long iron.

The 15th at Stirling with the Castle in the background

The course was also in great condition when I played along with some former colleagues of the charity Apex (Scotland), which does so much good work helping people rebuild their lives after offending. Only downside was that the greens had been treated with sand, making putting very slow and different compared with my local links greens.

Stirling also has a nice club house, serving good food. Its well worth playing Stirling.

Some Facts

Course Type: Parkland

Par 72 (4 par 5s, 10 par 4s, 4 par 3s)

Distance yards: 6201 (yellow)

Moly’s Gross Score: 99

Moly’s Stirling scorecard – 99

28. Brechin. 22nd Aug 2015

August 23, 2015 / Moly McMillan

Weak link in the Braid Association?

Round £40 (variable). Par 72. Value (out of 5) – 2.5

Green at the par 3 third at Brechin

This 6162 yard, 18 hole parkland course, was founded in 1893 and is part of the Braid Association – a group of courses designed by James Braid, which gives golf playing discounts to members of courses within the association. On closer examination, some of the association’s courses have fairly tenuous links to Braid – in Brechin’s case, it’s website claims:

“By 1926 the famous James Braid was invited to play the course. J.P Gellatly, the Club’s Captain at the time, generously offered to pay his fee. Braid was so impressed he suggested suitable sites for sand bunkers in the Limefield section (holes 10-17) of the course.”

The tricky and fun par 4 8th at Brechin

It’s clear that holes 10-17 are the best part of the course, with holes 13 and 14 being the toughest in my book – the greens are also measurably better in the section and some of the best in the area. However stand on the first tee and you’ll realise this is a weak addition to the Braid association.

12th green at Brechin with views of the Angus Hills

Moreover, several of the holes are new editions in the 1990s, and fairly bland additions at that. These new holes are on either side of the Brechin A90 bypass and designed by John Farrell.

The 8th deserves a mention, which is a shortish par 4, with a very small gap in a line of trees – the only tactic I could see was take driver and try and clear the trees – there is an ironically placed wishing well to the front right of the green – I enjoyed this humour from the Members:)

Brechin is nevertheless in a nice setting, with good views of the Angus Glens, and is easily accessible and close to the main Dundee-Aberdeen road – coupled with some good clubhouse facilities it would make an excellent venue for a society golf day. However, the amount of road noise is significant.

Brechin’s 17th green

It’s a well kept course, with nice fairways and greens, but the £40 per round is a bit over priced in my opinion, hence the value for money score of 2.5.

I played well on the front 9, but 3 “blobs” on the back meant I ended up with a 97, for 31 stableford points.

Some Facts

Course Type: Parkland

Par 72 (4 par 5s, 10 par 4s, 4 par 3s)

Distance (white) 6162 yards

Moly’s Gross Score 97

Moly’s Brechin Scorecard – 97

25. Boat of Garten. 4 Aug 2015

August 8, 2015 / Moly McMillan

“The Boat” – the “must play” highland course

Weekday round £45; weekend £49. Par 70. Value (out of 5) – 4.5

The Ladies 2nd tee,, with Cairngorms in the background

“The Boat”, close to Aviemore in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, was founded in 1898, with the current 18 hole layout designed by the renowned James Braid in 1930.

The course could serve as the definition of what a “highland course” should be – a good variation of challenging holes carved into a surrounding landscape of trees, heather and broom, against a backdrop of the Cairngorm mountains.

The magnificent 6th “Avenue”

On a good day, especially if playing well, then this may be as close to golfing paradise as it gets. This has been recognised through the many accolades the course has won, including being “Scotland’s No 1 Hidden Gem”.

8th approach – Boat of Garten

The combination of (invariably) wind, changeable weather and some undulating fairways, makes “the Boat” feel and play longer than its 5876 yards from the white tees. Play to your handicap here versus the SSS 69 and many will rightly be referring you to the Handicap committee.

Regardless of your play, this is a beautifully architected course. The unusual opening par 3 first hole at nearly 190 yards is normally played into the prevailing wind – with danger left and right – par or bogie is a good start. Then the 2nd and 4th played in the same direction, mean that getting to the 5th tee with your score intact is key to your overall score. After a bit of respite at the 5th, normally with the wind, the 6th, called “Avenue” is a magnificent longer par 4, played to a plateau green.

Boat of Garten – 11th Ladies Tee

There are then many further great holes on this course, with only the 9th and 10th being the main easier birdie contenders. The 18th is a fantastic hole, demanding a long drive if you are to have any chance of holding a shot on the plateau green.

The course was in lovely condition when I played, with the greens true and fast.

Boat of Garten’s 18th approach

Due to its celebrity this is a popular course with visitors from both home and abroad, therefore ensure to make a booking. I played a twilight round (after 4pm) at only £30 – brilliant value.

Some Facts

Course Type: Highland

Par 70 (2 par 5, 12 par 4s, 4 par 3s)

Distance (white) 5876 yards

Moly’s Gross Score 99

Moly’s Boat of Garten Scorecard

10. Spey Valley; 7th July 2014

August 9, 2014 / Moly McMillan / 0 Comments

Breath-taking scenery, but your “A” game is required if you want to truly enjoy the views!

Summary: Cost £40 (midweek pm). Par 72. Score 102. Value (out of 5) – 4.5

Andy’s approach to the 18th with the Cairgorm mountains in view (note the rain on the right!)

Detail: Spey Valley, designed by the renowned architect Dave Thomas, is part of the McDonald Aviemore hotel resort. It is a magnificent golf course that feels much more mature than its actual age and is now an established part of the European Challenge Tour, hosting the Scottish Hydro Challenge (2009-2014). The scenery of the Cairngorm mountain range is breath-taking and Spey Valley, arguably, has the best golf views from any course in the UK.

The formidable approach shot to the 15th green

The course is a significant test at over 7000 yards from the white tees with a SS of 75, versus a par of 72. It’s a very traditional layout with 4 par 3s and 4 par 5s, with the 5th being Scotland’s longest hole at 635 yds (608 yds off Yellow!). The par 3s are particularly challenging and I needed a wood from the tee on them all. The heath and the heather are always close by to eat up your precious golf balls, so make sure you stock up well before starting.

Spey Valley’s version of the “spectacles” on the 7th – in range with a driver.

Andy Needham and Alvin Hopley of the Army GC

I played with Alvin Hopley (8 hcp) and Andy Needham (19 hcp), both of the Army GC; we played a three-ball match play game, using the 6 points/per hole format. Alvin and I halved, both narrowly beating Andy. In truth the golf course soundly beat all 3 of us and this on a day blessed with sunshine and only a light highland breeze. I scored 102, but the local assistant pro advised that many people never break 100 on this monster.

Take your A game or lots of balls – probably both!

At a £40 green fee, which also received 20% discount because I played free using a Golfcare voucher, this course is also incredible value. However, either ensure you take your A game, or just accept that the fee is worth it for the views alone whilst having a drink in the lovely little bar with its nice terrace area.

Key Facts

Course Type: Parkland/Heathland

Green Fees: Variable Summer PM (not twilight): £40

Par 72 (4 par 5s, 10 par 4s, 4 par 3s)

Distance(white): 7071 yards

Moly’s Gross score: 102

Moly’s scorecard – 102 with 3 lost balls

Category: £40 – £59 (Page 6 of 7)

53. Stirling. 19th Sep 2016.

28. Brechin. 22nd Aug 2015

Par 72 (4 par 5s, 10 par 4s, 4 par 3s)

25. Boat of Garten. 4 Aug 2015

Par 70 (2 par 5, 12 par 4s, 4 par 3s)

10. Spey Valley; 7th July 2014

Par 72 (4 par 5s, 10 par 4s, 4 par 3s)

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