A Journal for the Thrifty Gowfer
Perthshire
Auchterarder, Perthshire
Queen's Course, Gleneagles - geograph.org.uk - 5745962— © Richard Webb / Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
James Braid's original 1919 design. Shorter and more accessible than the King's.
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.
Visitor green fee is £120 — confirm current rates with the club. 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
Fields marked “Contact club” aren’t public-facing in a way we’ve been able to verify. Call the club directly for these — we’ll update the entry when we have it from source.
Conditions This Week
Scored 0–10 for golf — wind, rain, conditions · Full 7-region forecast →
Location
Auchterarder, Perthshire · PH3 1NFOpen in OpenStreetMap →
While They Golf
Perthshire isn't only for the golfers. Walks, drives, distilleries, castles, a long lunch — five picks within thirty minutes of the first tee.
The Perthshire companion guide →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
Picked for heathland rounds in Scotland.
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.
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
Nearby courses
While they golf — Gleneagles
For the non-golfer in Gleneagles →
Drive Scotland's only safari park at Blair Drummond, tour Glenturret — Scotland's oldest working distillery — and see the Stone of Destiny at Perth Museum.
Getting there by train
On TripSCOTFive minutes by hotel shuttle from the Queen's Course. Glasgow Queen Street in 50 min; Edinburgh Waverley in 40 min by ScotRail.
Read more about Perthshire
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