The picture-perfect postcard Victorian town of Pitlochry is an arresting setting for a golf course. Yet golf is merely one attraction which draws tourists. The town largely developed after Prince Albert purchased the nearby Balmoral Estate (and a few nearby estates as well!) in 1852 as a summer home and the arrival of the train in 1863. The current Balmoral Castle wasn’t completed until 1856 after it was decided the original building was too small. The working estate now covers about 50,000 acres in the middle of the Cairngorms National Park. Below is a painting of Balmoral by Queen Victoria.
In summer it can seem as though every tourist without a golf bag on their shoulder is in town. This shouldn’t be surprising as Pitlochry, also known as the Gateway to the Highlands, is located on the edge of the Cairngorms on the A9 which connects the Highlands with Edinburgh. The distractions in town are numerous. There are two distilleries, one of which, Eradour, is the smallest legal distillery in Scotland. The fish ladder is an entertaining detour which allow spawning salmon to bypass the dam which was completed in 1951. The man-made Loch Faskally completed the Tummel hydro-electric power scheme. The fish can be observed from an underwater viewing station. Pitlochry is the final event of the Scottish Highland Games schedule which is held annually on the second Saturday of September. For those interested in performing arts, the Festival Theatre hosts the marvellous annual summer season of six plays in daily repertory. And then there is golf…
The original nine-hole course was on the River Tummel. It was never found to be a satisfactory site hence the reason for a new course on the other side of town built to Willie Fernie’s design in 1908. Cecil Hutchison had his say in the 1920s. Suffice it to say the current course is quite different from the original. For one, there are currently no par 5s. Previously, two par fives were included on the card. Pitlochry now tips out at just under 5700 yards to a par of 69.
If there is to be climbing, its best to get it squared away at the start. And my, there is climbing at Pitlochry. The first three holes seemingly ascend to the heavens. For that, the 1st is one of Pitlochry's best holes. We plunge to the fairway then scamper back up the far hill.
The second involves more climbing. A fine green is the reward.
The front of the green is a gully.
The third is another down n' up hole. Its not just the photo, in the light we had it was difficult to discern the features.
The only flat hole on the course, the fourth is probably the best short hole of the three.
More to follow.
Ciao