For nearly 100 years, Gleneagles has been home to one of the best golf resort experiences in Scotland.
The grand resort debuted in 1924 and quickly earned the nickname “the Palace in the Glens.”
Five years prior, the first two golf courses at Gleneagles opened with equal fanfare.
In 1921, Gleneagles hosted the first match between professional golfers from the United States and Great Britain.
That event came to be known as the Ryder Cup. And the rest, as they say, is history.
When pairing a little leisure with Scotland golf trips, few places, if any, can match what’s on offer at Gleneagles.
The King’s
We have long maintained that The King’s at Gleneagles may be the finest of all the golf courses designed by James Braid.
Without question, it’s the best inland golf course in Scotland.
The five-time Open champion made expert use of a ridge that flows through the Gleneagles property to form a piece of golfing ground that is nothing short of spectacular.
Despite its greatness, however, when the 2014 Ryder Cup came to Gleneagles, the event wasn’t contested at The King’s. Instead, that duty went to the Gleneagles PGA Centenary course (more on that later).
Some might say the Ryder Cup cast Ben Affleck when Tom Hanks was available. Both have Oscars, but only one is an icon.
The Sport of Kings
The Gleneagles Falconry School has been a popular feature at the resort for decades.
Gleneagles offers a variety of falconry classes designed to introduce guests to the techniques, skills, and history of this wondrous sport.
We challenge you to find an activity at any other resort in the world to match the unique experience of interacting with these majestic creatures.
Country Pursuits
In addition to Falconry, Gleneagles offers a variety of activities focused on the great Scottish outdoors.
Everything from fishing and clay pigeon shooting to cycling and off-road driving is on offer as part of the resort’s “Country Pursuits.”
If you don’t leave Gleneagles feeling like a Victorian aristocrat on holiday, then you haven’t properly experienced “The Palace in the Glens.”
The Queen’s
Every good king must have a strong and endearing queen to stand by him, and James Braid provided just that with The Queen’s course at Gleneagles.
The golf is not strenuous here, but nowhere else in Scotland will you find a more enjoyable inland course.
The Queen’s measures to just shy of 6000 yards, offset by a par of 68.
The turf is springy, the greens are true, and the views are, at times, magnificent.
Put simply: The Queen’s is exactly what a good “resort course” should be… Fun.
Andrew Fairlie
Given the caliber of experience offered at the resort, it’s no surprise that Gleneagles features an array of exceptional dining options.
The most highly acclaimed venue at hand is Restaurant Andrew Fairlie.
As the only two Michelin Star restaurant in Scotland, Andrew Fairlie takes guests on a delectable tour of locally inspired fare in a refined, yet relaxed setting.
We’re certain that the signature dish – home smoked Scottish lobster with lime and herb butter – will find a permanent home in your bank of memories.
Stirling and the Wallace Monument
Less than 30 minutes from Gleneagles, the town of Stirling is an excellent choice for a little off the course exploration.
The same is true for the nearby towering monument to William Wallace.
Few places symbolize the rich heritage of Scotland more than Stirling Castle. The fortress was an important defensive position for centuries, and served as the royal residence for numerous Scottish monarchs.
The PGA Centenary
As the host course of the 2014 Ryder Cup, the PGA Centenary is likely the best known golf course at Gleneagles to most Americans.
Jack Nicklaus called it “the finest parcel of land I have ever been given to work with.”
With that parcel, the Golden Bear created a course that was clearly designed to test the best in the world.
For proof, just check the scorecard: the PGA Centenary is the longest inland course in Scotland.
As a result, the average golfer will probably find a more enjoyable experience at the King’s or Queen’s.
In the years leading up to the Ryder Cup, the Centenary course hosted numerous matches between H&B travelers and the members of Gleneagles.
No doubt the post-round activities were far more cordial than the U.S. team press conference with Captain Tom Watson.
All Photos are Courtesy of Gleneagles
Our free guide includes over 40 pages of valuable insight, plus links to nearly 50 additional resources, on Golf and the Good Life in Scotland.
For more insight on planning your golf trip to St. Andrews, visit the pages below or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
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