Often overshadowed by its coastal counterparts, Perthshire, despite being home to the illustrious Gleneagles Resort, quietly makes a strong case as Scotland’s most underrated golf region. While it might not boast the iconic links courses found in areas like Ayrshire, Fife, or the Scottish Highlands, Perthshire offers an abundance of exceptional inland heathland and parkland layouts that rival the best in the country.
The Gleneagles Resort itself is a world-class destination, acclaimed not only as one of Scotland’s premier all-round golfing venues but also globally recognized for its excellence. With four courses and 63 holes, it stands out. Its historic King’s Course and Queen’s Course, both designed by James Braid and opened in 1919, are complemented by the PGA Centenary Course. This younger addition holds the unique distinction of being the only European venue to have hosted both the Ryder Cup (2014) and the Solheim Cup (2019).
Beyond Gleneagles, Perthshire’s golfing prowess continues. Blairgowrie Golf Club features two highly-regarded 18-hole courses, the Lansdowne and Rosemount, alongside a 9-hole Wee Course, making it a substantial 45-hole complex. Nearby, Auchterarder offers another excellent experience, sharing a border with Gleneagles’ PGA Centenary Course and providing a distinct challenge with its sporty par 3s.
The region is also rich with other outstanding inland courses, including Alyth, Pitlochry, and the Ferntower Course at Crieff. These venues collectively highlight Perthshire’s depth and quality in offering diverse and engaging golfing experiences, suggesting it deserves far more recognition than it currently receives as a top Scottish golf destination.
