Golf course architects always try to build “signature holes” - we are fortunate that the natural landscape around the castle has provided us with a number of such outstanding holes. The 4th, 5th and 9th are stunning - both visually and from a golfing point of view. The Laird’s Course was originally built in 1995 to celebrate the Laird’s 50th birthday. In its early years it was strictly a private course, but in 2005 it was decided to open it to the public. In recent years a number of adjustments have been made to make this once notorious course more “user friendly”. Although we have added a number of new bunkers much of the high rough has been cut back and the fairways widened. New forward tees have been introduced on each hole for ladies, juniors or those that may like to go around twice offering them an alternative shot. We like to encourage youngsters and therefore under 16s can play free as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Parties are most welcome and catering can be provided with adequate notice. Please phone (01241 828691) to book teeing off times as there are some restrictions when weddings or corporate events are taking place.
The Course, Hole by Hole
1st (Par 3, 166yds) - Don’t let this one lull you in to a false sense of security! Teeing off from alongside the castle to the green situated adjacent to Carrington cottage. In April and May, when the Rhododendrons and Azaleas that form a back drop to the green are in bloom, this is a one of the most beautiful holes on the course.
2nd (Par 4, 357yds) - A short uphill walk through the Guthrie “Yett” brings you to the 2nd tee. A good drive will take you over the old dry stone dyke that crosses the fairway and leave you sitting pretty for the right-hand dogleg to the bunker protected green.
3rd (Par 4, 292yds) - From the tee set back amongst the trees it’s all downhill, doglegging left to a duel level elevated green.
4th (Par 3, 148yds) - The first of the “signature” holes on the course. Playing off from alongside the boathouse it’s all carry across the loch to a small elevated and slightly crowned green.
5th (Par 4, 357yds) - Another “signature” hole. Play from an elevated tee down the fairway, which is banked to the right, hopefully avoiding the large bunker if the glimpse of the 9th tee hasn’t put you off your shot! Take in the great view of the castle on your left before playing a nice lob over the bunker guarding the edge of what is probably the fastest green on the course. Particularly attractive early in the season when the bulbs, rhododendrons and other shrubs are all in bloom.
6th (Par 4, 350yds) - Doglegging right and going slightly uphill this fairway is lined by a great mix of colourful trees and again you can enjoy views of the castle to your right this time! Once more a number of bunkers protect the fairway and the green.
7th (Par 5, 441yds) - A long dogleg right fairway once again lined with a colourful mix of trees on your left and several well established ones on your right There is a narrow entry to the slightly elevated, bunker protected green.
8th (Par 5, 471yds) - Currently the longest hole on the course. From an elevated tee the fairway, which runs alongside an old railway embankment, starts off level before sloping down into a gully then dogleging right and up to the green.
9th (Par 3, 175yds) - Some say we’ve kept the best ’til last. - a stunning view. Like the 4th it’s all carry across the loch, however this time from a highly elevated tee position. The green sits right on the edge of the loch and the right hand edge is also protected by a small burn.
We hope we’ve whetted your appetite and look forward to seeing you enjoying yourself on the course.
Yardages
| Hole | SI | Standard | Forward | Par |
| 1 | 6 | 166 | 115 | 3 |
| 2 | 1 | 357 | 224 | 4 |
| 3 | 7 | 292 | 276 | 4 |
| 4 | 4 | 148 | 95 | 3 |
| 5 | 3 | 357 | 357 | 4 |
| 6 | 8 | 350 | 350 | 4 |
| 7 | 2 | 441 | 427 | 5 / 4 |
| 8 | 9 | 471 | 471 | 5 |
| 9 | 5 | 175 | 108 | 3 |
| Totals: | 2,757 | 2,409 | 35 / 34 |
Rates
| Period | Mon - Fri | Sat - Sun |
| 1st Oct 08 - 30th Mar 09 |
9 Holes £10 18 Holes £15 |
9 Holes £10 18 Holes £15 |
| 1st Apr 09 - 30th Sep 09 |
9 Holes £10 18 Holes £15 |
9 Holes £10 18 Holes £15 |
Membership
Whilst “Membership” is restricted to family and a few close
friends we do offer “season tickets”.
1st Apr 09 - 30th Sep 09: £195
1st Oct 09 - 31st Mar 10: £100
Some Testimonials:
… haven’t enjoyed a game more … super scenery … spectacular
holes … eager to return - thanks for opening this gem up to the
public.
John Fletcher, Caledonia, Carnoustie
… Thought the course was great … enjoyed the layout, very
different … a tricky course, but a good, fun course … you’ll
enjoy it.
Gary Hay, Panmure, Carnoustie
… A fantastic crack, I will return!
Hamish McAlpine, Dundee
… A truly fantastic experience, each hole offered a different, but
honest challenge. A fantastic day.
Alasdair Smith, Stonehaven
…
