Golf World Expert Review
Located in the Spey Valley is Boat of Garten, which before theopening of the new course up the road was the undisputed king of central Highland golf. The James Braid-designed layout is small, twisty and less than 6,000 yards – it’s major selling point being the amazing views. Unlike Spey Valley though, it offers a traditional layout that feels like Highland golf – not golf transplanted to the Highlands.
Today's Golfer Expert Review
Situated on the edge of town and sandwiched between the river and the steam railway, Boat of Garten can trace its illustrious history back to 1898 when the original six holes were laid out over pure heathland.
Two holes were added in 1910 and 20 years on extra land became available and the legendary James Braid submitted his design. Since it was opened in 1932, the 18-hole course has been tweaked a little but the remarkable individuality of the holes is still unmistakeably present in the delightful design that threads through the silver birch, heather and gorse.
All the holes are christened, some with names that are almost unpronounceable to everyone other than a native Scot. The signature 6th is said to have been Braid’s favourite. In providing wonderfully lofty tees, several of the holes, but in particular the 6th and 12th, make full use of the available elevation, of which there is plenty.
A feature of the course for which Braid can’t take any credit is the spectacular mountain backdrop provided by the Cairngorms. Another natural asset is the abundant wildlife - hares and deer are a particular feature.
