As the lucky owner of a black Labrador myself, I couldn’t wait to visit the Gundog School at the hotel. There was already a group of children at the kennels and they were playing with the latest puppy recruits – absolutely adorable! That was all I needed to sign up for a basic training session the next day and I had a great time with my doggie partner, Skye; she knew exactly what to do but waited for my commands so I could ‘pretend’ I was in charge!
Gleneagles - Gundog school, dog in training
The trainer also went through the various breeds used in Scotland for shooting parties and it was very informative as well as good fun. Would love to bring my own girl to stay in the guest’s kennels next time and maybe tackle one of the field courses.
The Gundog School is one of the many activities available at Gleneagles. To read about the Equestrian School, Falconry, Fishing and Shooting (to name a few), click here to check out the website.
By Yvonne Shaw. Yvonne has now been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is a member of our admin team.
It has recently been announced that Pope Benedict XVI has been invited to visit Scotland as part of a four day trip to the UK. This is set to be a truly historical event, as the last time a Pope (John Paul II) visited Scotland was back in 1982 and it saw crowds of 250,000 plus flocking to catch a glimpse of the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The visit – due to be between September the 16th to the 19th – will see the Pope visiting both Edinburgh and Glasgow; however details of this have yet to be confirmed. If he does visit in this time period, it is at a time when the Old Course, St. Andrews is closed for the R & A Autumn Meeting and historically fewer golfing visitors are in the country.
Pope Benedict XVI
Other rumours are also circulating of a possible visit by US President Barrack Obama; however this is merely speculation at this time…wonder if he’ll have time to fit in a round on the Old Course, St Andrews?
The North West of England is one of the best kept secret golfing destinations in Europe and has often been described as the ‘Finest Stretch of Championship Golf in the World’. This is no idle boast for an area that can offer three Open Championship venues and no fewer than seven of the top rated courses in the UK and Ireland.
Why therefore, I hear you ask, has this area been overlooked for so long?
The main reason is that the local accommodation has not been up to the same standard as the magnificent golf available. I am pleased to tell you, however, this is no longer the case and that this area is now officially open for business!
On a recent trip to the area I sampled many of the newly built and refurbished properties on offer. I would like to tell you about the following as some recommended examples you should consider if playing and staying in the area:
The Vincent opened its doors in June 2008 – a unique and chic hotel for the North West of England. Situated on Lord Street, the Vincent takes comfort and service to a new level – all within a fresh and modern environment.
The Ramada Plaza Hotel offers luxury city centre style hotel accommodation in the hub of Southport.
Ramada Southport Plaza
With fantastic panoramic views of the coast and ease-of-access to some of the most acclaimed Championship golf courses in the country, it’s worth considering. Also only two minutes from Lord Street, it’s only a short walk to the famous shops and boutiques.
Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa offers the ultimate golf resort, spa and luxury hotel experience. The resort underwent a £15million refurbishment in 2008 and provides a golf course that is well-known on the European Challenge Tour, an notable golf instruction school facility and the 1st PGA National Residential Academy in the UK.
By Jonny Ferguson. Jonny has worked with PerryGolf for over 2 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.
Edinburgh is a city that should be on your list of places to visit while in Scotland; a great place full of charm and fascinating history. On a recent visit there, I stayed at the Sheraton Grand Hotel – the hotel is in an excellent location, only a short walk from the restaurants, bars, shops and the sights.
Sheraton Grand - Thermal Suite
The highlight of my stay was a visit to the Thermal Suite located in One Spa at the hotel; you are able to enjoy the different spa experiences in the thermal suite that include a gently heated Laconium, the blissfully scented Aroma Grotto, the warming Tepidarium and the Rock & Bio saunas. You also have access to the Hammams, the rain forest showers and the rooftop Hydropool. There is an extra cost for use of the Thermal Suite – for a resident to utilize the Suite, it will cost an additional £25.00. I would say it was definitely worth the additional amount, it is a great relaxing experience and I would recommend this to anyone.
The Living Room, Edinburgh
After an afternoon spent rejuvinating in the spa, I visited Edinburgh Castle which offers an interesting history and is always a ‘must-visit’ while in Edinburgh. I enjoyed drinks and dinner at The Living Room located in George Street, a short walk from the hotel. Excellent food; classic dishes that I would call home comfort food.
The evening was finished with a night at The Stand Comedy Club – never a disappointment and great end to an excellent night in Edinburgh.
By Denise McKee. Denise has worked for PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of the members of staff responsible for our British Isles programs.
On the 1st April 2010, the Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch will again open its doors and welcome visitors from all parts of the world. This iconic hotel has been closed since 2006, but now with the backing of Grant Sword and other investors from Castle Stuart Golf Links, the newly refurbished hotel will be back in business.
Royal Golf Hotel
The hotel overlooks the 1st tee at Royal Dornoch and is in an ideal location for a stay in the Highlands. Other great courses within an hour’s drive are Tain, Brora, Castle Stuart, and Nairn. Dornoch is a great little town which also offers non-golfing activities for those who do not want to play; Dornoch Cathedral is where Madonna’s baby was christened, part of Dornoch Jail is now a lovely little gift shop, and the Glenmorangie Distillery is only a 15 minute drive. Dornoch was also the birthplace of Donald Ross and this is where he took a lot of inspiration for many of his designs in America. He used to work at Royal Dornoch as a green keeper before moving to the US in 1899 and you will find a plaque in his memory outside the house where he grew up in the town centre, just off of the High Street.
The scenery in the area is stunning and many visitors can enjoy long walks or drives to pass the time during the day. You can then retire to ‘the golfer’s bar’ at the hotel for a wee dram before dinner. Highly recommended!
For more information on touring the Glenmorangie Distillery, click here.
By Gary Sheppard. Gary has been with PerryGolf for over 3 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.
