The hills are alive

Neil Tappin visits Gleneagles to sample its three top-class courses and see why it's still one of the most sought-after resorts in the world

- Neil Tappin

With so many incredible links courses to consider, those planning a golf trip to the homeland often plot a route that hugs the coastline. While this is an obvious and understandable strategy, it shouldn't be forgotten that Scotland is home to one of the most luxurious and impressive inland golf resorts anywhere in the world. I am, of course, talking about Gleneagles and my first experience of this epic

Perthshire estate was in 2003. Back then, I was on a day trip from university at St Andrews to watch Europe's best compete in the Diageo Championship. Since then, I've returned a few times for various work (if you can call it that) reasons, but never had the chance to stay and play.

That was rectified this spring when I spent a glorious three days experiencing everything Gleneagles has to offer. Given this is a golf magazine and I'm a golf writer, I'll start with the courses, of which there are three. The King's and Queen's were both designed by James Braid and opened in 1919. There are plenty of commonalities between the two - swathes of beautiful yellow gorse, stunning views of the rolling Perthshire countryside and a good mix of long and short holes. It is the differences, however, that make them a perfect pair.