Brent
I played Killin every time I travelled to Scotland in the mid 1980’s through to the early 1990’s. I actually returned last June, and stopped to check out the course. Minor changes, but still a pleasant 9 hole course. If you are looking for a game after a long drive, it worked for me. Certainly not the most challenging but always seemed to enjoy it after my trip from Loughton, Essex.
I particularly have fond memories of the river hole - had a fair tee shot, but, suddenly something disturbed the sheep, which bolted over the fairway (from left to right) away from the river - my ball hits the second to last animal, turns at right angles and proceed towards the river, when one of the ducks waddling by the bank made a spectacular save, which can only be compared to one of the classics produced by Gordon Banks (England Goal Keeper mid 60’-70’). The duck had stopped waddling, I presume to see what has scared the sheep, the next he or she is cart-wheeling through the air, and my ball makes another remarkable forty-five degree turn right, back onto the fairway. I lost some distance but still on the fairway. The sheep by now had disappeared into a small wooded area and one duck was seen waddling off toward the river trying to inspect its side as it went. Relatively pleased with the final result, I was suddenly brought back to my senses by, what I can only describe, as wailing. I turned to find my three friends (I use the word adversely), collapsed and crying on the Tee. Well, to cut a long story short, I actually won the hole (easily). My friends had great difficulty in focusing on their game after that – as for me, I did not pay for the drinks or meal that evening – Nor do I now eat Duck.
There are a few hotels in Killin, Bridge of Lochay (
http://www.bridgeoflochay.com/) near the course, Falls of Dochart (?) and Killin Hotel (
http://www.killin-hotel.com/.) Been 15 years – so can’t comment on them.
Taymouth Castle, never played there, something about the place – gut feeling? Just never said come in and you will enjoy, so can’t compare against Killin.
Pitlochry, although I have never played at Pitlochary have spent a few good evenings relaxing after a long drive up form England or after a game, at Knockendarroch House Hotel (
http://www.knockendarroch.co.uk/) Hotel is quiet and relaxing.
Blargowrie (Wee Course), worth playing, you may enjoy yourself. Old Tom modified the 9 hole course in 1889.
As in all things the above is my opinion, apart from the game of golf which actually occurred in the 1980’s.
I have been told (from sources close to the sheep - Alfie Ward ??
) that the sheep in the above pictures are not related to those at Killin!!