9 HolersHere's two that are worth a visit if going up to the Highlands;
Ballindalloch (not that far north of Boat of Garten and Granton-on-spey) - modern 9 holer designed by Tom MacKenzie which has two sets of tees so that you can play it as an 18 holer if you wish. Some nice elevational changes, some nicely contoured greens and one of the prettiest par 3's in Scotland.
Covesea (located in the next bay along from Lossiemouth) - used to be a 12 hole par 3 course but recently a lot of changes made to including rebuilding the greens and tees and joining some of the holes to make par 4's. Think of a miniature Cullen with seastacks to play over. Greens are small and with some big contours. A course you don't use a new ball at. Play with your practice balls and accept you'll lose a few. A real blast.
5 Course you won't find in Golf DigestHamilton - there are a number of really good Braid courses around Glasgow but Hamilton is one I wish I got to play a bit more often.
Troon Darley - most fun of any of the courses at Troon
Elgin - played it again last week and got no where near my handicap. A par 68 that gives you a mauling and yet its terrific fun at the same time. For those of you that haven't played it (that will be all but two of you
) its a bit like Rosemount but better.
Duff House Royal - what Dr MacKenzie did with a flat bit of land. All about the wonderful greens and particularly the two double greens, just fantastic. Not difficult but still full of interest. Everything the good Doctor talked about.
Carlisle - played in the height of summer, its an absolute joy. Bit of a heathland feel. Has one of the best short and unique par 3's ever. Well worth visiting for that alone.
Niall