I’ve just been leafing through this months Golf World (the UK edition) and there is an article about new courses in Scotland, inspired by the Ryder Cup in 2014. Taking pride of place in the article is the remodelling of Taymouth Castle.
This is a course I know well, having spent many holiday nearby walking the course during the winter months or playing it in the summer, but with apparently so little construction work taking placeacross the country, this did come as a surprise as it’s a few years since I’ve been up there. The course wasn't long, and a par 69 if I remember correctly. A great setting for a course, but probably not one of Braids finest and so one I'd often daydreamed about improving...
From the clubs website:
“Taymouth Castle Golf Club was established in 1925 playing on the course designed by James Braid set in the grounds of Taymouth Castle near Kenmore, situated in the heart of highland Perthshire. As well as being a five time winner of the Open Championship James Braid was a renowned designer of over 200 golf courses, and Taymouth continues to be a fine example of his work.
The course is laid out in the former deer park of the Taymouth estate within the valley of the river Tay. As well as offering some testing holes, the course affords spectacular views of the surrounding countryside including the peaks of the Lawers range, the sparkling waters of Loch Tay, and the wooded slopes of Drummond Hill.
Although the present building largely dates from the 19th century, Taymouth Castle stands on the site of the ancient Balloch Castle which was built in 1550 for Sir Colin Campbell of Glenorchy. Over the years, the castle has seen use as a hotel, a school, a hospital for Polish servicemen and a civil defence training establishment.
After a period of financial uncertainty, in November 2010 the Taymouth Estate was purchased by Meteor Asset Management with the intention of developing the Castle into a luxury hotel and also creating leisure and residential properties around the Estate. These plans include extensive remodelling and upgrading work to the golf course which commenced in February 2011. Taymouth Castle Golf Club is delighted that Meteor continues to support the Club playing on the course.”The estates website talks of a 7,039 yards from the Championship tees, restoring original design features, especially bunkers and the work being done by Weller Design with Stephen Gallacher.
Here is the new layout and a couple of illustrations, again from the clubs website:
It looks like they are certainly keeping some of the old layout and also bringing the course closer to the river, which will only enhance the Scottish country estate feel of the place.
Interesting to see such a project taking place! I’d be interested to hear if anyone knows any more, or if anyone wants to know anything of the old layout etc I’ll try and help out.
Cheers,
James