PGA Centenary Course at The Gleneagles Resort
The PGA Centenary Course at The Gleneagles Resort is a modern classic of Scottish golf, embodying the beauty and challenge of the game amidst the rolling hills of Perthshire. Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus and opened in 1993, the PGA Centenary Course was created with the intention of hosting major golf tournaments, including the Ryder Cup, which it successfully did in 2014. This course represents a departure from traditional Scottish links golf, offering instead a distinctly American-style layout that still respects the natural beauty and topography of its Scottish surroundings.
Stretching over 7,296 yards from the championship tees, this par-72 course is the longest of the three championship courses at Gleneagles. It features a strategic design that demands both power and precision. Wide fairways and large, undulating greens provide a fair but challenging test, with Nicklaus himself noting that he wanted to create a course that was playable for golfers of all levels while still offering a challenge for the world's best players.
The course's design takes advantage of the stunning Perthshire landscape, with breathtaking views available from nearly every hole. Elevation changes, water hazards, and strategic bunkering are hallmarks of the PGA Centenary Course, requiring golfers to carefully plan their shots and use every club in their bag. The 18th hole, a par-5 with a dramatic downhill approach to a green guarded by water, is a fitting conclusion to a round, offering a memorable finish that has seen dramatic moments in tournament play.
Hosting the 2014 Ryder Cup, the PGA Centenary Course showcased its ability to provide a world-class venue for both players and spectators, further cementing its reputation as a must-play course for golfers visiting Scotland. Its combination of challenging golf, stunning scenery, and first-class amenities make the PGA Centenary Course at The Gleneagles Resort a standout destination in the world of golf.