Gleneagles goes back to the future
Gleneagles will unveil its new- look King’s Course on Friday.
A seven-figure sum was set aside to pay homage to the original lay-out of the James Braid-designed course.
It will be officially unveiled on Friday by Scotland football coach Gordon Strachan and 2014 Ryder Cup star Stephen Gallacher.
The hotel’s golf academy has also been transformed with half an eye on major tournaments, including the 2017 European Sports Championship and the 2018 Solheim Cup.
PGA head professional Andrew Jowett has been impressed by the changes on the King’s Course, which turn back the clock to make Braid’s 1919 masterpiece even more enjoyable for 21st century golfers.
Andrew said: “Some places, even five-star resorts, might have been tempted to rest on their laurels after hosting one of the most memorable Ryder Cups but not Gleneagles.
“There was massive investment across the facilities and the golf courses in the build-up to 2014 but a multi-million-pound rolling programme continues under Ennismore.
“In addition to the changes at the King’s Course, a three- phase development programme at the academy is being introduced and we have some exciting tournaments on the horizon.”
The 335-yard driving range is being tweaked by PGA Centenary head greenkeeper Steve Chappell, with fairway definitions focusing the minds from the bays and new outdoor mats.
Andrew explained: “The idea is to replicate the golf course rather than just drive into open spaces and the feedback from members, guests and visitors has been very positive.”
And he added: “In addition to a new studio for custom fitting and coaching with the latest Trackman technology, we are looking forward to introducing a dedicated custom fitting bay overlooking the driving range, while phase three will see another internal swing studio created.”
The Trackman technology is based on defence radar systems. Within minutes of rounding off a lesson, information can be emailed to a pupil en route to the car.
Andrew said: “It’s possible to keep tabs on your lessons and refresh your memory from anywhere in the world, simply by logging on and accessing the data which has been downloaded.”