We’d rather be playing… Gleneagles, Scotland
The History
An opening gala was held at the Gleneagles Hotel on June 7, 1924, but its history began 14 years earlier when Donald Matheson, of the Caledonian Railway Company, envisioned a palatial country house hotel where visitors would come to play golf.
The King’s and Queen’s were carved out of the glacial wilderness by manual labour using pick and shovel and horse and cart. They were ready much earlier than the hotel, opening in 1918.
The Courses
Team Europe secured the Ryder Cup on the PGA Centenary course last year, but for a true taste of Gleneagles’ prestige, play the King’s and the Queen’s. Both were designed by James Braid, with the King’s intended to test even the best players’ shot-making skills.
Each hole carries an evocative Scottish name, such as Warslin’ Lea – Wrestling Ground – which reflects the challenge of overcoming this sweeping par 4.
The challenges start early – just ask anyone who falls into the cavernous bunker in front of the King’s 1st green.
The Queen’s threads through high ridges on the north and west sides of the estate. Within the woodland setting, natural features such as ditches form the main hazards.
The Resort
The Gleneagles Hotel is a magnificent ‘French chateau’ featuring 232 rooms, including 26 luxury suites.
Set among 850 acres of rolling Scottish glens, the resort features a double Michelin-starred restaurant, spa, indoor pools and range of outdoor leisure pursuits.
