Auchterarder Golf Club

We had organised a week away with a few golf buddies of mine to Gleneagles for a bit of a golf holiday. We were there a week so after we had played all that Gleneagles had to offer, we decided to give the local course of Auchterarder a go (after recommendations from the locals we me in the Dormy Clubhouse). I was pleasantly surprised as was everyone else in my group. It runs along the side of the PGA Centenary Course (The Ryder Cup 2014 venue), and definitely did not disappoint. Perhaps it was a little short, only measuring 5775 yards, but it offered a test for all of the golfers in the group (handicaps ranged from 6 -19). The greens are testing, due to the undulating characteristics of most; a good read is needed to shoot a solid score. The big hitters amongst us could potentially hit the short par four 2nd and 13th in one, but I think that just added to the fun of the round. The clubhouse had a good atmosphere and everyone there made us feel very welcome. With prices much cheaper for drinks than Gleneagles it is definitely worth a visit if you fancy a different challenge after playing the three championship courses that Gleneagles has to offer.

Visited during the week of the Johnnie Walker. The course was in great shape and the Pro gave us a warm welcome. It was fun to play the 6th hole and look across to the PGA and see the Tour Pros in action. We arrived back at the Club House and were welcomed by the barman. As we were enjoying our pints we saw menus being handed to a near table. We decided to order and asked for menus, only to be told "you get them there". We looked at one and other and decided to head to Gleneagles tented village where we enjoyed a supersized hog roast sandwich and a superb pint of Guinness. Magic. So for Auchterarder great course, but could do better in other areas.

Played the course in August as part of a Society from the Glasgow area that has visited on many past occasions. The course was, as usual, in excellent condition and the Staff very welcoming. The one area where I feel some attention is required is in the Club's catering. Our party was squeezed into the restaurant together with the local Rotary Club who started to make their speeches during our prize giving! The food served was only so so. In particular the fish they served was said to be "Fresh Haddock", but I think it was rather tired and of some other cheaper species of fish, maybe cobbler. Sadly many of our group felt standards had slipped in comparison to previous trips to this good old course.

22 club members went on a golf outing to auchterarder - many for the first time. Glorious weather combined with an excellent and flat course made this an eventful day. Dealing with the secretary beforehand was always a pleasure. The pro, Ewan, was very cooperative. The menu was excellent, kitchen and bar staff most hospitable. Great value for money. Highly recommended.

This was the first venue in our annual MAGI golf tour from Matlock GC, now in its sixth year. As the ex-pat Scottish organiser, I'm always slightly concerned that my selection - based mainly on my memory of courses going back 25 years - proves faulty. Auchetrarder however did not disappoint. It was as good as I remembered. There was a warm welcome from the pro and the members and the course was in great condition, despite a spring drought. It's not long, but it's no pushover; our top individual stableford score was 37 points on a dry, sunny but blustery day. In terms of challenge, 'wee and nasty' is how I'd describe it. There's also the smug satisfaction of looking over the fence at people playing the Gleneagles centenary and knowing that you're playing the same turf for a fraction of the cost. I'd recommend Auchterarder to any visitors

At just under 5500 yards off yellow tees, you could be mistaken for thinking Auchterarder provides an ideal opportunity to shoot low, particularly considering that both par 5s off yellows measure under 500 yards, and indeed off whites only one of them just scrapes over 500. The length of the course can mislead you though. This course offers a challenge of a different kind, where a little more thought about ball position and club selection off the tee is the order of the day. The fairways are not the most generous and good course management over the years has seen many tree lined, guaranteeing to hurt you should you stray off track. The greens are testing, with a number providing a real challenge due to their undulating nature. To have any chance at all, a good read is required. To score well at Auchterarder it's imperative that you hit your irons well. Yes the big hitters can reach a couple of the par 4s off the tee, the 2nd and 13th come to mind, but I suspect anyone who has a weaker short game (8 iron down) will struggle to find some of these tricky greens. You play 4 par 3s in the last 8 holes, an opportunity for birdies, yes, but by the same token an opportunity to destroy your card. The 14th plays 211 off whites to the norrowest of undulating greens with a well positiond bunker at the front, whilst 16 plays 225, into a headwind when we played, to a well guarded similarly undulating green. The course itself is well laid out, taking you away from the Clubhouse on a walk in beautiful surroundings. A number of holes leave fond memories, in particular the par3s and the par 5 6th which runs alongside Gleneagles. Everyone at the Clubhouse made us feel welcome, especially the club pro who did everything he could to make us feel extremely welcome. Well worth a visit, particularly considering the competitive green fees charged.

Have played here last 4 years on our annual Perthshire trip. Always in lovely condition and the surrounding area is beautiful. One of the holes runs adjacent to Gleneagles & you get a really smug feeling knowing how much 'They're' paying compared to you ! Low handicappers may fancy their chances, looking at the yardages, but it's not a pushover. Our party has handicaps 3 to 24 and of all the courses we play this may be the one that achieves the closest result, so it's fair to all.

This course has the quality of Gleneagles or any other Championship course at a quarter of the price! Beautifuly situated in the Earnvalley it has a mixture af challenging and picturesque holes. Sent in by Sandy hunter