A Journal for the Thrifty Gowfer
Perthshire
Auchterarder, Perthshire
Plate III — Heathland course — heather-framed, sandy subsoil
James Braid's original 1919 design. Shorter and more accessible than the King's.
From the Notebook
The Queen's Course is the third of Gleneagles' three 18-hole layouts and the only one that James Braid designed without significant subsequent alteration. Laid out in 1919 on the heathland below the King's Course, the Queen's is shorter — par 68, around 5,700 yards — and more forgiving than its celebrated neighbour, but it retains the essential Braid characteristics: intelligent bunkering, greens positioned in the natural folds of the heathland, and a routing that uses the terrain rather than fighting it.
The course is frequently overlooked by visitors focused on the King's or PGA Centenary. That is an error. The Queen's provides a more intimate, less exposed experience than either of the other Gleneagles layouts, and for golfers of mid to high handicap it offers the Gleneagles heathland at a more manageable scale. The views across the Ochil Hills are identical to those from the King's.
Green fee is £120–175 depending on season — significantly lower than the King's (£250–350) or the PGA Centenary (£200–275). Hotel guests receive preferential rates. The combination of a morning on the Queen's and an afternoon on the King's (or vice versa) is the most efficient way to experience two Braid designs of contrasting character at the same venue.
The Full Scorecard
Plan This Round
Where to Stay
Hotels, lodges and self-catering near the first tee. Map-style search via Stay22 covering Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb and Vrbo.
How to Get There
Edinburgh (EDI) is 75 minutes away by car. Train + onward taxi works for the carless visitor.
Insure Your Round
Most home contents policies don't cover golf clubs in transit. The picker matches you to the right kind of cover in two minutes.
Played here? Consider
Course-tuned recommendations, not generic gear lists.
Outerwear
Wind off the firth changes club selection two irons. A breathable, fully-waterproof shell that's light enough not to swing in is the single biggest upgrade for Scottish links golf.
Layer
Scottish-made merino — the locals' choice for shoulder-season rounds. Warm enough for a 7am tee time in October, light enough for the back nine when the sun comes out.
Tech
Handles blind tee shots and exposed-coastal yardage cleanly. Battery lasts a 36-hole day; the wind-direction overlay justifies the price on its own.
★ The Sunday Post ★
One short Scottish-golf email every Sunday. No sales pitch.
The Sunday Post
One email, most Sundays. No sales pitch.
Stays Nearby
Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering within easy reach of Auchterarder. Tap any property to check rates.
Rates and availability via Stay22. We may earn a small commission if you book — at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work.
Frequently Asked
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