Kings Course at Gleneagles #8

Following our adventure on the enchanting Queen’s Course, we took on the challenge of Gleneagles’ celebrated King’s Course. Situated in the heart of Perthshire, Scotland, this iconic course offers a distinctly different experience from its sister course, yet maintains the remarkable quality and breathtaking scenery that Gleneagles is renowned for worldwide.

The King’s Course presents itself as the bigger, bolder sibling to the Queen’s. Everything here feels more substantial – wider fairways, larger greens, more dramatic undulations, and a greater overall challenge. The first hole immediately sets the tone with what might be the widest fairway imaginable, stretching like a verdant runway before you. However, don’t be fooled by this seemingly generous opening – the raised green with its subtle slopes quickly reminds you that precision remains essential despite the apparent generosity off the tee.

We were fortunate to play with Colin, a member who has called Gleneagles home since he was just five years old. His knowledge of every contour, every breaking putt, and every strategic play option proved invaluable. Standing 20 yards away as we lined up putts, he would casually mention, “That’ll break two balls left to right,” with unerring accuracy. This insider guidance created a completely different experience, highlighting how playing with someone intimately familiar with a course can transform your round. Colin’s insights provided a unique window into the course’s history and evolution, including how the recent ownership change from Diageo to a family enterprise has sparked substantial investment across the entire resort.

The front nine offers several memorable holes, including the challenging par-3 fifth, aptly named “Het Girdle” (Hot Pan), with its upturned bowl green surrounded by strategically placed bunkers. The sixth hole provided one of our highlights, offering eagle opportunities that ultimately resulted in satisfying birdies. The fairways throughout have been thoughtfully maintained, with much of the gorse removed to improve pace of play – a sensible compromise that maintains challenge while enhancing playability.

The back nine continues to impress, with the 13th hole – “Braid’s Best” – standing out as our unanimous favorite. This visually stunning par-4 features undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and magnificent mountain vistas that perfectly frame your approach shot. The 14th, a drivable par-4 with a green nestled in a valley, offers another compelling risk-reward opportunity.

Comparing the King’s and Queen’s courses provokes interesting debate. While the King’s is arguably the superior technical test with better-conditioned greens during our visit, many golfers (ourselves included) found the Queen’s course offered a more visually captivating and enjoyable overall experience. The Queen’s front nine, in particular, provides a highlights reel of picturesque golf that’s difficult to surpass.

The entire Gleneagles experience extends well beyond the courses themselves. From the complimentary bucket of TaylorMade balls at the range to the professional welcome, and from the well-appointed clubhouse to the magnificent hotel amenities, everything works in harmony to create a truly memorable golfing destination. The recent significant investment across the resort is evident in every detail, making it clear why Gleneagles continues to attract golfers from around the world, particularly American visitors touring Scotland’s golfing treasures.

Whether you prefer the character-filled charm of the Queen’s or the more substantial challenge of the King’s, Gleneagles deserves its reputation as a bucket-list destination for any serious golfer. The combination of exceptional golf, outstanding facilities, and the timeless beauty of the Scottish countryside creates an experience that lingers long in the memory – even if that memory includes an £18 sandwich from the clubhouse menu!