Golf

Dalmunzie golf course is among Britain’s highest and is enveloped by stunning mountain scenery. The views in all diections are simply superb and can justify even a bad round! The course was introduced for the personal use of Sir Archie Birkmyre and his family and friends in 1922.

It's design is open to some conjecture and concerns two of Scotland's greatest golf architects. Dr Alastair MacKenzie of Augusta National fame and his contemporary James Braid of Gleneagles fame. They have both been put forward as the designers. It is possible both were involved as Dr Mackenzie designed the nearby prestigious course of Rosemount (then Lansdowne) in the early 1920's and James Braid the re-design of Rosemount in 1930. Dalmunzie's golf course probably being worked on by the two men in question at the same time.

Although only 9 holes and par 30 for gents, the course is deceptively difficult. It is sure to satisfy low & high handicappers alike and a small discussion of it's challenges follows.

The 1st tee is less than 50 yards from Dalmunzie’s entrance and with a 234 yard par 3 across the burn, it will daunt even the best players. The burn stays on the right for the full length of the fairway and plays into the prevailing wind from Glenlochsie. The fairway is cunningly wedge shaped trying to tempt you to play short and hope for the best from your wedge. The safest option is to allow a margin of safety by staying leftish, but here you have a small dyke to contend with, several trees and if short the burn will be at the back of the hole....If you can par this hole congratulations.

The 2nd 140 yard par 3 plays south towards Ben Earb along the top of a hill dyke. A small forest to the right of the green is to be avoided, whilst the left of the green slopes sharply down the hill. This can be tricky when the wind (as is normal) is blowing right to left.

The 3rd hole is a deceptive 354 yard par 4. You tee off the elevated hill dyke into the valley below and then need to gain the hill dyke at the far end where the green is situated. A ball into the rough on the right of the fairway is as good as lost whilst there is a hidden burn at the end of the fairway to be avoided. The shot to the green is very difficult for first-timers as you are playing relatively blind steeply uphill.

The 4th hole is a notoriously tricky 162 yard par 3. You are playing along the edge of a ridge so stay right at all times. The left of the fairway and rear of the green are to be avoided at all costs as it slopes steeply into long rough. The view in the distance here is spectacular as you look down Glenshee.

The 5th is the picture perfect postcard hole with Dalmunzie framed magnificently behind the greenand Glen Taitnaich beyond. The green is Dalmunzie's most impressive as you play a 160 yard par 3 with just a small amount of fairway on the left if you're wayward. Depending on the breeze, this hole can be played with anything from a 3 to an 8 iron! Short or right in Summer means a nice walk through metre high grass. The only ball you will find will probably be someone else's.

Enjoy the view from the 6th tees raised mound as it might be the last thing you enjoy for awhile! This 450 yard par 4 plays every inch into the prevailing wind. Firstly you will be happy just to get down onto the fairway which is 150 yards away (burn on the right). Secondly you have to negotiate an increasingly wedge shaped fairway until you reach the green. Oh, and don't go over the green as you will visit Lochsie burn. A very tough hole to par even for the low handicappers.

It would be nice to have a small recovery period after the 6th but unfortunately you have to face the 7th. At first glance this 116 yard par 3 should be a doddle, but then you notice the fast flowing Lochsie burn directly in front of the green. With no margin of safety to the left, right or behind the green, some players refer to this hole as the postage stamp!

A walk up hill and then down brings you to a separate part of the course directly below Dalmunzie. The 8th should be a straight forward 162 yards par 3 except for the huge tree directly in front of the green! Going long and over doesn't help as the road is just behind the green. Best bet here is to punch an iron, but be aware of conditions. The fairway can be notoriously damp after rain and your ball WILL plug.

The final hole is a 320 yard dog leg right par 4. Going long is dangerous as you have the burn on your left and a large bog on the right at the end of your range. The fairway at this length is extremely narrow. The best option is to play a strong iron or 5 wood slightly short and then cut the corner with a short iron. Watch out for the tarred tennis court just to the left of the green or you will see your ball spectacularly bounce.

You are now ready for a break and many players take advantage of our Bar meals between rounds. It is not unknown during the long days of Spring and Summer to play 9 holes on either side of lunch and dinner in the one day (36 holes in all!).

Visitors are most welcome, booking is not necessary, but advisable for parties of more than 4. Handicap certificates are not required but it is expected that all golfers look after the course and abide by "the rules of golf". There is also equipment available for hire.

Green Fees
Adult Day Ticket: £14.00 After 5pm Tee- off £10.00 Weekly Adult: £55.00
Weekly Family: £95.00
2 Week Family: £150.00
Children under 8: Free, Children 8-16: Half Price
Special rates are available for parties of 10 and over.