Gleneagles: three courses, one long weekend.
The King's, the Queen's and the PGA Centenary. What it costs, where to stay, and which round to play if you only have one in you.
Some places live up to the postcard. Gleneagles is one of them. Three of us went up for a long weekend, played all three courses, and came home arguing about which was best. That's the sign of a good trip.
The courses
- 1The King'sThe classic. Heather, big views and greens that reward a proper strike. If you only play one, play this one.
- 2The Queen'sShorter and kinder, but don't be fooled. Lovely in the evening light and the one most of our group scored best on.
- 3The PGA CentenaryThe Ryder Cup course. Long, open and a proper test from the back. Play it from the tees that match your game.
Where to stay
The hotel is a treat if the budget stretches. If it doesn't, Auchterarder and Perth have good options within a short drive, and you'll still feel like you've been somewhere special.
Is it worth it off 17?
Yes, with one condition: play the right tees. The courses are fair to a club golfer who knows their distances. Pick the Queen's for your first round, enjoy the King's, and treat the Centenary as the bucket list round.
Play the King's if you only have one round. Play all three if you can. Leave the driver in the bag more than you'd like.
Members' tips
Book tee times before you book anything else. Take layers, even in summer. And leave room in the case for something from the pro shop. Everyone does.
