Historic course with some challenging holes, but let down by its poor condition given its vulnerability to flooding.
Round £15. Par 68. Value (out of 5) 2.5
‘The Inch’ is one of the worlds oldest golfing venues (supposedly dating back 500 years) and sits on the banks of the River Tay in the city of Perth. It is the base for the ‘Royal Perth Golfing Society’ founded in 1833, a year older than the R & A of St Andrews. Although the “royal” connection is there, this is very much a local authoritity pay and play course accessible to all.
4th at North Inch, the first of 6 par 3s on this historic course.
The course traces its current roots to 6 holes in 1803, and it had several holes laid out by Tom Morris himself in the late 19th century; after various course guises it became the current 18 hole layout in 1927.
Given its flat layout and location adjacent to the river it has become very vulnerable to flooding and was submersed under water as recently as 2012. This accounts for much of the poor condition of several fairways I experienced, and whilst the course has made a dramitic recovery, it was nonetheless in a poor condition, which is such a pity given its historical importance to the home of golf. The teeing grounds in particular could do with a lot of work.
The short par 3 9th, showing the poor teeing area.
However, given its very reasonable price of £15, it represents decent value, and there are also some challenging holes to overcome. The back 9 is the tougher of the two, and the 5 hole stretch from 11th-15th provide the toughest golf. The 11th is the worthy SI 1 hole, where only a drive exceeding 250 yards off the white tee can get you to the dog leg apex, still leaving a mid iron to the small green, with the approach shot having to negotiate a 100 yard long ditch along the left side of the fairway.
The long 13th looking back from the green, presents a difficult drive.
The River Tay only comes into view and play at the tough par 4 15th and the very short 79 yard 16th.
I had the most mercurial of golf rounds. I was 1 under for the 6 par 3s, yet 26 over for the other 12 holes, including 4 lost balls off the tee!
The 16th with the River Tay on the left – not really in play.
If you are in Perth on holiday, it’s worth playing “The Inch”, but I wouldn’t go out of your way just for the golf.
Some Facts
Course Type: Parkland
Par 71 (2 par 5s, 10 par 4s, 6 par 3s)
Distance (white) 5442 yards
Moly’s Gross Score 93
Moly’s amazingly mercurial scorecard: -1 for the 6 par 3s, and +26 for the other 12 holes! Driving was very poor!