Tee Off in Scotland

6,259 yards • par 70

An 18-hole (6,259 yds) heathland layout, Alyth Golf Club was established in 1894. The original 9 holes were designed by the master Old Tom Morris of St Andrews with James Braid completing the extension in 1934. Playing the course demands constant attention as a combination of tree lined fairways and diverse rolling terrain make the emphasis on precision golf rather than distance, although both are required.

Alyth’s most demanding aspect however, might be its tranquil setting. Within the pines, silver birch and heather and overlooking the nearby hills, it is easy to lose yourself in the joys of a good game of golf with a layout so conceived that you barely notice other groups of golfers.

A round of golf at Alyth is usually a challenge to any golfer, no matter his or her handicap. The fairways in general are wide and receptive whilst the greens are possibly larger than on most courses. Five consecutive holes from the fifth do have out of bounds to the right, but unless you are prone to wayward slicing, they shouldn’t present too much of a problem.

So where’s the aforementioned challenge?

Well, lurking on either side of most fairways are trees and gorse bushes ready to gobble up the wild shot. Therefore, it is not an uncommon occurrence to see a downcast golfer taking club lengths back to the playing surface and dropping the ball from shoulder height (and possibly muttering under his or her breath!)

A straight putt on the first green is a rarity and with its large borrows it’s not unusual, especially for the unwary visitor, to be home in two, down in five. Of course, if the phrase “tricky greens” is implanted in the mind early on, then the danger is that the putter will be working overtime during the round.

However, Alyth is nothing if not a fair test of golf. It’s easy to say it in writing, but if you can hold the fairways, judge the distances, choose the right clubs and have a reasonable run of success on the greens, you should come off the 18th with a decided spring in your step.

Weekday (M.T.W.T.F.) Round: ££. Day Ticket: £££.
Weekend (S.S.) Round: ££. Day Ticket: £££.
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