Perthshire offers a top parkland golf experience with scenic hills, lush fairways and a layout for all skill levels
Crieff Golf Club, located beside the historic Crieff Hydro hotel, offers scenic parkland golf for all skill levels(Image: Crieff Golf Club)
Scotland is the home of golf and may be best known for its iconic coastal links, from the famous fairways of St Andrews to the windswept shores of Ayrshire and East Lothian. But for those who prefer lush fairways and tree-lined holes over seaside rough and salt air, Perthshire deserves special attention.
While Gleneagles is the star attraction, it is far from the only jewel in the region’s crown. Crieff Golf Club, located beside the historic Crieff Hydro hotel, offers a standout parkland golf experience.
It has rolling terrain, dramatic views and a layout suited to all levels of golfer. The market town of Crieff, situated on the road between Perth and Crianlarich, has become something of a spa resort destination, bolstered by the presence of Crieff Hydro, which overlooks the valley.
The golf club, which boasts 27 holes across two courses, sits adjacent to the hotel and shares the same panoramic views across the Strathearn valley, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
The 18-hole Ferntower Course is the main draw, winding up and down the hillside in a layout that provides scenic variety without ever becoming overly taxing.
Measuring more than 6,400 yards from the back tees, the course’s relatively small greens and lengthy par fours present a solid challenge. However, generous fairways and manageable rough ensure the test remains fair and accessible.
Crieff Golf Club has 27 holes, with the main 18-hole Ferntower Course offering a fair but challenging layout with scenic hills and long par fours.(Image: Crieff Golf Club)
Unusually, the round begins with a par three, 153 yards from the yellow tees, played uphill from just outside the professional shop. This is followed by two lengthy par fours, a common feature throughout the course.
The fourth hole is another uphill par three, one of three short holes where the base of the flag cannot be seen, adding to the difficulty. The front nine includes two consecutive par fives at the fifth and sixth, followed by a demanding 440-yard par four at the seventh.
The eighth hole, one of two par fours under 300 yards, offers a chance to score but remains a challenge due to wind and strategic bunkering. The final par five appears at the ninth hole.
The back nine starts with three par fours, including the 460-yard 12th. The stretch from the 13th hole onward showcases some of the course’s most memorable design features.
The 13th is another uphill par three, while the 14th is a short par four requiring accuracy off the tee, with a large bunker guarding the green.
The 15th stands out as one of the finest holes on the course. A downhill dogleg, it tempts players to cut the corner over the trees for a more aggressive approach.
The 16th, a long par four into the wind, demands two strong shots to reach the green. The 17th, a 129-yard downhill par three framed by trees, is arguably the most picturesque hole, with Crieff Hydro just to the right.
It is just £15 for a round at the nine-hole Dornock course(Image: Crieff Golf Club)
The round concludes with a drivable par four on the 18th, evoking comparisons to the iconic closing hole at St Andrews, with the town to the right and the green set just outside the clubhouse.
Crieff Golf Club has built a strong reputation for both its quality and hospitality. The course is consistently maintained to a high standard, and staff and members are known for their friendly welcome.
Affordability is another draw. A standard round during summer costs £60 on weekdays and £70 on weekends. Golfers with access to the James Braid scheme can enjoy a discounted rate of £35. The Dornock Course, a nine-hole layout, is priced at £15 for a single loop or £25 for 18 holes.
For those seeking scenic parkland golf away from the coast, Crieff offers a rewarding and memorable experience. More information and tee time bookings are available via the Crieff Golf Club website.