Golfers simply must visit Scotland, where the ultimate itinerary for a golfing holiday would incorporate three courses: Turnberry,
St. Andrews and Gleneagles, in that order. All three here have serious gyms, big indoor pools and, of course, a seemingly endless selection of prize Scotch whiskies.
Turnberry, A Luxury Collection Resort in Ayrshire, is less than two hours’ drive south from Glasgow. The open coastal landscape is dominated by a gigantic three-floor building, built in 1906, perched 50 metres up from the sea. On the site of the 14th-century Turnberry Castle, the resort looks out over one golf course and 17 kilometres of the rough waters of the Firth of Clyde to Ailsa Craig, a 340-metre high rocky island where locals source the stones used in the traditional sport of curling.
One of the resort’s three golf courses is Ailsa, a 7,217-yard, par-70 course. The ninth hole is Turnberry’s trademark. The Kintyre is a par-72, at 6,921 yards, and the nine-hole Arran plays at par-31. Whatever time you tee off, try to be back at the hotel by 6.00pm, when a bagpiper in full kilt makes his way around the outside of the building. Drink a wee dram (of Scotch) as you listen to him.
The 209 rooms, expertly overseen by general manager Jordi Tarrida, include white-harled cottages a couple of hundred yards from the main hotel, which are popular with groups of friends. Within the main building, room 125, the Price Suite, is specially prized for its modern, heather-tweed-and-new-oak look. Book the Chef’s Table at restaurant 1906, for whatever cuisine appeals, and of course enjoy a whisky tasting. Also make time for an ESPA spa treatment, where you can look out through the glass walls of the sauna at rabbits frolicking in the grass.
Fairmont St. Andrews was opened by the Panoz family in 2001, passing to Fairmont management five years later. It is now overseen by general manager Robert Glashan. It enjoys prime position on a dramatic cliff top and made great headlines on June 20, 2013, when two of its young golfing professionals – one of whom only has one arm — played all the local courses (189 holes) in one day. Together they walked more than 50 miles and each lost five pounds in weight.
The Kittocks Course is a par-72 and 7,192 yards, and the Torrance Course is par-72 and 7,230 yards. The fitness centre has 600 members and the hotel’s 120-seat theatre is very popular for corporate promotions. There are 209 bedrooms; suite 3001, Kingdom of Fife, is an end suite in the North Wing that boasts commanding views across the North Sea. If you need to make a quick trip to London during your trip, now is the best time as they will shuttle you to Leuchars rail station for the five-hour train service direct to London’s Kings Cross.
The Gleneagles hotel, vintage 1924, hosts the Ryder Cup in September 2014. The Jack Nicklaus-designed PGA Centenary Course is a par-71 (for professionals) and 7,296 yards. James Braid’s King’s Course is par-70 and 6,790 yards. The woodland- and water-featured Queen’s is par-68 and 5,926 yards.
Other activities at general manager Bernard Murphy’s 344-hectare estate include horseriding, off-roading, falconry and shooting, and there’s a significant health club. Of the 232 rooms, choose the third floor of Braid House, which has balconies and, if front-facing, views of the putting green. Savour one of the eating ambiences, from casual to chic, at Deseo Italian grill, or book ahead to enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine at Andrew Fairlie.
