Pitlochry Golf Course

Small Greens, Grand Highland Ground

The Pitlochry golf course opened in 1909 on the former Balnacraig and Drumchorry farms, following a layout prepared by Willie Fernie during the previous year. Major Cecil Hutchison revised parts of the course in the early 1920s, and the present routing still reflects the work of both designers.

The round announces its character immediately. The first three holes climb sharply away from the town, bringing elevation into both club selection and the walk. Once higher ground is reached, the course opens to wide views across the surrounding Highland Perthshire landscape.

Length has never been its main defence. The course remains under 5,700 yards from the back tees, while small, quick, sloping greens place greater value on distance control and a steady short game. The original finishing hole was a three-shot par five; its ground now forms the present 17th and 18th holes.

That compact scale gives the course its rhythm. It moves through undulating inland terrain without losing its sense of challenge, using gradients, green shapes, and changing elevation rather than sheer distance to hold a golfer's attention.