Defending US Open champion, Lucas Glover, has confirmed his entry for the Barclays Scottish Open this year. It is the first time that Glover has been at Loch Lomond, joining Phil Mickelson (the Masters champion) and a good number of other US players at this years’ event. The Scottish Open is scheduled for 8th – 11th July, the week before the 150th Anniversary British Open at St. Andrews.
By Yvonne Shaw. Yvonne has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is a member of our admin team.
This year’s Masters Champion, Phil Mickelson, confirmed recently that he can’t wait to return to Loch Lomond and compete in the Barclays Scottish Open this year. Due to family circumstances, the Californian was unable to compete last year but is determined to do so this year – we will be looking out for him!
By Yvonne Shaw. Yvonne has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is a member of our admin team.
If you happen to be staying in the Loch Lomond area or are playing at the Carrick Golf Course, might I suggest you stop by the Cameron House Hotel for lunch or dinner. With 4 different dining areas to decide from, you’re bound to find an experience to suit your mood or occasion.
Martin Wishart at Loch Lomond opened in 2008 and is the hotel’s fine dining restaurant which offers a classic, chic setting in which to enjoy the fine food on offer. The Boathouse is a New England style restaurant placed in a picturesque position by the water’s edge while The Cameron Grill is a more informal dining experience set in a contemporary atmosphere and showcases an open feature kitchen and walk-in wine cellar. Finally, The Claret Jug; this is the golf club house, but do not be put off by this, it is a stylish and relaxed eating area which presents local, timeless fare. So now all you have to do is decide which restaurant to go for –whichever you choose, you will not be disappointed!
Wherever you are in the Cameron House Hotel, you cannot help but notice the boats of all sizes enjoying the loch, and so we decided to join one of the daily cruises. The skipper of the Astina was very knowledgeable and entertaining and I sensed we were in for a good trip around a few of the thirty-eight islands. We headed north away from the ‘busy’ end, past the famous Loch Lomond Golf Club and some of the larger islands and up to Tarbet where history has it noted that Viking raiders would drag their longships overland from the sea-lochs to the west. Turning back south we saw the cave where Rob Roy is reputed to have hidden (he was often in hiding from the law!) This is MacGregor country and there are many links to the infamous outlaw around the loch. The clan burial place lies on the island of Inchcailloch.
Our lunch stop was at the tiny (but very busy) village of Luss; with its sandy beaches, narrow lanes of tiny cottages and flowers everywhere, it’s a step back in time. There is a small sea-plane based there and we were just leaving as it flew in; an impressive sight below the mountain of Ben Lomond. The plane is apparently popular with golfers, as it can take them and their clubs to courses that are our hours away by road. Our return journey took in the larger islands, each with a story to tell and lots of rumours too. We didn’t see the wallabies on Inchconnachan, hear the ghostly bell on Inchtavannach, or catch sight of any nudists on Inchmurrin…but who could doubt that they are there?
By Yvonne Shaw. Yvonne has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is a member of the admin team.
It is no longer a member’s-only treat to use the Spa at Loch Lomond Golf Club as Day Spa guests are now welcome. The building itself is a relaxing and luxurious spa placed in a magnificent and breathtaking setting.
Having booked in for an Energizer Massage, the staff at the spa recommend that you arrive at least 1 hour prior to your treatment in order to fully experience the heat experiences and the vitality pool (not to mention the sauna and the crystal steam room).
After the initial welcoming into the spa, I was shown to the changing rooms which were well-equipped – dental kits, brushes, hairspray, etc all available – and put on my swimwear, fluffy white robe and waterproof footwear in preparation for my afternoon of bliss.
First of all I decided to spend some time at the hydro pool which has different points providing various water pressure jets for underwater massage. From here I flitted between the steam room, the sauna and the ice fountain (this provides a much-needed cool down amid the heat experiences). By now my circulation was certainly working and I had a quick shower before moving onto the relaxation room to await the call for my treatment. The relaxation room itself which was very placid and offered a set of headphones for each lounger to allow you to listen to relaxing songs while admiring the lovely view out onto the small garden.
The treatment was fantastic, providing me with a (desperately) sought after boost…that must have been the Eucalyptus oil! The purpose of the Energizer Massage is to leave you with a clear head and a feeling of wellbeing; and I believe it did just that.
I should note that the spa is set within the walled garden at Loch Lomond Golf Club which also contains a large palm house and vast lawns and is really rather an extraordinary setting that I truly hope to attend again soon.
