Queens Course at Gleneagles #7

Nestled in the heart of Scotland, the Glen Eagles Queen’s Course offers a golfing experience that rivals some of the most prestigious courses in the world. Despite being ranked 77th on the Top 100 courses list, the Queen’s Course delivers an unforgettable experience that elevates it beyond its ranking.

The journey begins before you even step onto the first tee. The approach to Glen Eagles is magnificent, with golden lettering adorning the entrance and an impeccably maintained driveway leading to the clubhouse. The entire arrival experience sets the tone for what awaits – luxury, attention to detail, and exceptional service. From the dedicated bag drop attendant to the Mercedes Vito shuttles transporting guests between the hotel and clubhouse, every aspect of the experience screams world-class.

The clubhouse itself is a magnificent structure, redesigned for the Ryder Cup with separate areas for European and American teams. Walking through its halls, past the Ryder Cup memorabilia, creates a sense of walking in the footsteps of golfing legends. The locker rooms are immaculate, and the staff anticipate your every need, from providing course guides to offering complimentary tees and ball markers.

What truly distinguishes the Queen’s Course is its remarkable design and stunning natural beauty. Despite being just 5,500 yards, it never feels short or underwhelming. The course features five par 3s, each more spectacular than the last, with tall trees framing shots and providing what many golfers describe as “nature’s ball tracer.” The par 3s on both the Queen’s and neighboring King’s Course are consistently magnificent – visually stunning and offering the perfect balance of challenge and playability.

The course flows beautifully through the Scottish landscape, with holes 5, 6, and 7 forming a particularly memorable stretch. Hole 6, with its beautiful rolling hills and little country road lined with street lights, creates a picture-perfect setting. The 7th hole, the only par 5 on the course, begins from the highest point, offering panoramic views including a glimpse of the exclusive “ghost course” – Glen Eagles West, owned by the Highland Spring Water magnate and virtually never played by the public.

What makes the Queen’s Course special is its playability. While challenging enough to keep excellent golfers engaged, it remains forgiving enough for higher handicappers to enjoy their round without losing multiple balls. The course has exceptional flow – described as “rollercoaster-y” rather than rippled – making for a satisfying rhythm throughout your round. The mandatory 10-minute stop at the halfway house (where you can phone ahead to order food) perfectly breaks up the round.

The back nine features back-to-back par 3s culminating in the spectacular 14th, with its dramatic two-tiered green featuring perhaps the biggest tier drop you’ll ever encounter. It was here that one of our players came within a centimeter of a hole-in-one – a magical moment even without the ace.

The Queen’s Course experience is about more than just the golf. It’s about the feeling of being treated like a professional, the breathtaking Scottish landscape, and the perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment. While some courses earn their high rankings through sheer difficulty, the Queen’s Course reminds us that golf should ultimately be about enjoyment – walking away with a smile regardless of your score.

For anyone planning a trip to Glen Eagles, playing both the Queen’s and King’s courses is highly recommended. But if you can only play one, the Queen’s offers an accessible, visually stunning, and thoroughly enjoyable golfing experience that will leave you planning your return visit before you’ve even finished your post-round drink.