Category: Local Knowledge

The Highlands of Scotland for Golf – Far more than a One Trick Pony

Gordon Dalgleish

The 2013 Scottish Open at Castle Stuart shall enjoy one enviable footnote; it is the first regular European Tour event to be broadcasted on network television in the USA (on NBC). Doubtless this shall introduce many more golf fans to the wonderfully designed Castle Stuart which was opened in 2009. Castle Stuart is the creation of Mark Parsinen (who created Kingsbarns) and Gil Hanse (of Olympic Golf Course notoriety).

It has added yet another dimension to a region of Scotland that was historically famous for Royal Dornoch, the course where Donald Ross served his apprenticeship as a greens keeper. Ross subsequently emigrated to the USA and built an untold number of courses using the same style he had seen at Dornoch with pushed up greens. Beyond these two fine links courses you will enjoy Nairn (venue for the 1999 Walker Cup Matches) and a myriad of classic, small town links golf that includes Tain, Brora, Nairn Dunbar & Lossiemouth. This is a region of Scotland that is rich and understated, yet thoroughly enjoyable links golf in it’s purest form.

This Google Earth Video Tour below gives some sense of the logistics of the area, with a range of accommodations options including the recently completed Quarryfield House which serves as an ideal base for groups in which to remain in one location and enjoy an exclusive-use facility.

In the last year or two, Trump International, about a 2 hour 15 min drive to the east, has enjoyed much deserved attention. It is a fine, modern style links course and with another course having been announced, it will add yet another arrow in a full quiver of exceptional golf experiences. Aberdeen serves as the host city to the oil & gas industry which works in the deep and challenging waters of the North Sea.  It has also been home for many years to three great links courses: Royal Aberdeen (venue for the 2014 Scottish Open), Cruden Bay & Marcar. Each of these courses is a treat to play and another reason to extend your stay in the Highlands of Scotland.

Quality accommodations and restaurants abound in both Inverness & Aberdeen, which despite their northerly location in the British Isles, have become quite chic and sophisticated for visitors to enjoy.

While all of the “name” golf courses in Scotland that are associated with hosting the Open Championship are in the Lowlands, there are plenty of reasons to find the time to enjoy the Highlands. One visit and glimpse of the scenery and you will clearly understand why each region has it’s respective moniker.
 

About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+

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Scotland’s 4 Gold Star Meldrum House

PerryGolf Staff

Meldrum House

 

The Meldrum House is a fantastic country house style property located to the north west of Aberdeen, Scotland.  It’s in the ideal location if your next stop is the Dornoch / Castle Stuart / Nain region, as you’re already on the correct side of Aberdeen, while it’s a very handy base for the best courses in the Aberdeen area; being only 25-45 minutes drive from Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay and Trump International.

Read more “Scotland’s 4 Gold Star Meldrum House”

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Merion Golf Club vs Pine Valley Golf Club

Harrison Gould

Merion Golf Club - Photography by L. C. LambrechtCo-founder and President of PerryGolf – Gordon Dalgleish – was asked to write the piece “Which is Better? | Merion or Pine Valley” for the Summer 2013 edition of LINKS Magazine.

An insightful and timely article as The 113th U.S. Open Championship at Merion Golf Club is just around the corner, here’s an inside glance into the article:

 

“Its incomparable championship history and taut test of shotmaking give this year’s U.S. Open site a decided edge” – Gordon Dalgleish

It takes either a brave or remarkably naive member to think he can mount a successful defense of his golf club in a faceoff with the number-one course in the world. Pine Valley has a storied and, in many respects, mythical history.

But speaking of history, my Merion has hosted four U.S. Open Championships, six U.S. Amateurs, four U.S. Women’s Amateurs, one World Amateur, a Walker Cup, and numerous other significant events. It was the fitting venue for Bobby Jones to begin his illustrious career—in the 1916 U.S. Amateur (as a 14 year old!)—and to conclude it with the completion of the Grand Slam (in the 1930 Amateur, on the 11th hole). And who could forget Ben Hogan’s heroic return to competitive golf when the iconic photo of his 1-iron approach on the 72nd hole of the 1950 U.S. Open hangs in clubhouses around the world?

To finish reading the full article, visit LINKS Magazine’s website here.
 

About the Author: Harrison Gould is the Social Media Marketing Manager of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+

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The Eriskay Whisky Galore Golf Club

Mhairi

Now officially registered with the Scottish Golf Union (SGU), Eriskay Whisky Galore Golf Club is once again trading after losing their own course 16 years ago.

The club’s history is really quite extraordinary; from the origination of the club’s name to the distance members have to travel to play the course.  It certainly shows the dedication and devotion that some players have to the game.

To read more on the story of the course, click here.

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Vietnam and Cambodia – part 2

Gordon Dalgleish

]Hello again from Colin Dalgleish in South East Asia where my visit continues with a stop in Siem Reap Cambodia. This country reopened its doors to visitors just 20 years ago, after suffering decades of civil war and international isolation. It has now established as one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. The ancient lost temples of Angkor Watt here just outside Siem Reap have rapidly moved onto the must-visit list for many international travellers. The area is now also home to three excellent golf courses. It’s mix of modern golf, fascinating history, and wonderful hospitality makes it a perfect three or four night stop on any south east Asian tour, exactly as we have scheduled for our February 2014 fully escorted tour to the region. By the way, a piece of trivia for you, Cambodia is the only country in the world to feature a building (Angkor Watt) as a part of its national flag. Take a look at the National Geographic video of the history of Angkor Watt

About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+

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