The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Blairgowrie’s Wee Course given name check in top 100 list.
Blairgowrie’s inclusion in National Club Golfer’s top 100 list was no surprise
Blairgowrie Golf Club features regularly on the lists of the UK’s top courses.
But it is usually the Rosemount and Lansdowne championship tracks that warrant the kudos.
But now the nine-hole Wee Course has been listed among National Club Golfer’s Top 100 Fun Golf Courses in GB and Ireland.
The list is topped by North Berwick, the Old Course and Cruden Bay, with Royal West Norfolk, Lahinch, St Enodoc, Swinley Forest, Castle Stuart, Pennard and Perranporth completing the top 10.
Royal Dornoch, Gleneagles’ Kings and Queens, Kingsbarns and Turnberry all get a name check.
And the Wee Course comes in at 75 in the 100 selected by a panel of golf writers.
“Essentially it comes down to whether a course puts a smile on your face,” explained golf journalist Chris Bertram.
“The Rosemount is generally regarded as the No 1 – with the more exacting Lansdowne close behind – and its beauty and serene challenge make a strong contender for our Fun Top 100.
“But while it doesn’t quite make it, the ‘third’ course at this Perthshire club does.
“The Wee Course is actually where golf began at Blairgowrie and was originally designed by local members.
“It does, however, have significant influences by the altogether more celebrated golfing brain of Augusta creator Dr Alister MacKenzie.
“Like its sister course, the Wee is heathland in character and enjoys the same firm but springy turf that is such a delight to strike irons from.
“Also routed through woodland, it is made up of a combination of par-3s and gentle par-4s and, while it is no pushover, equally these are holes that were built to be enjoyed, not endured.
“Play it after a day on one of the ‘bigger’ courses and all the way home the chat in the car will be about how courses are generally too long and difficult, so much will you have enjoyed the exquisite Wee.”
Blairgowrie managing secretary Steven Morgan admits the joys of the Wee Course have long been appreciated by members.
“I’m not surprised it features in National Club Golfer’s list of the country’s top Fun Courses,” he said.
“It has always been popular with juniors and senior players, along with members looking for a quick nine holes.
“But more visitors are coming to appreciate the attraction of teaming-up a game on the Wee Course with one of our celebrated championship courses.”