'27-hole golf course' runs 20 miles through Scotland's most spectacular scenery
If you want to explore three of the best nine-hole courses in the country, you can find them on one 20-mile stretch of road.
The golf season is underway, and Scottish players are eager to tee off on new courses across the nation. Not all enthusiasts can dedicate nearly four hours for a full 18 holes, though.
Fortunately, Scotland boasts a selection of nine-hole courses that offer a swift golfing session in less than two hours. For many, their passion for the sport was kindled on these shorter courses, which continue to be a splendid test for golfers at any skill level.
For those yearning to experience three of the top nine-hole courses in Scotland, they're nestled within a 20-mile drive through some of the most beautiful and untouched landscapes available.
While Perthshire might rank just after Fife as the home of golf in Scotland, featuring the prestigious Gleneagles, further exploration reveals three lesser-known delights.
These hidden gems provide double the enjoyment with half the number of holes, or for those seeking an extended adventure, all three can be played in one day, transforming this stretch into a 27-hole marvel spanning 20 miles.
Leading the way is Comrie Golf Club in the vibrantly-named village, often referred to as 'shacky toun' due to its slight but frequent seismic shakes.
Situated conveniently off the A85, connecting Perth to Oban, Comrie has earned high praise as "one of the finest and most scenic nine-hole courses in the UK", according to Bunkered magazine.
Flaunting a heathland course, it's heralded for its "classic James Braid design that makes full use of the natural topography," notes the club's website.
Comrie, a par 35 course stretching 3,008 yards from the back tees, is often praised for its diverse range of holes, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
The two par 3s are notably challenging, but even if your golfing skills aren't top-notch, the stunning surrounding countryside and tree-lined fairways, home to red squirrels, mistle thrush, woodpeckers and roe deer, makeup for it.
Just under six miles west, near Loch Earn's banks, lies St Fillans, a course highly favoured by two-time major champion Sandy Lyle, who dubbed it his favourite inland course in the country.
Despite being encircled by towering mountains, St Fillans maintains a relatively flat terrain, with each hole presenting a unique challenge.
St Fillans, a par 36 course measuring 3,008 yards from the back tees, was established in 1903. It's no surprise that Lyle, known to play the course with hickory clubs, holds the 18-hole course record of 66.
Golf enthusiasts can then journey along the A85 on Loch Earn's north shore before heading north towards Killen. A brief detour off the A85 is required to reach this secluded village near Loch Tay's western shore, where you'll discover the third in this series of exceptional courses.
Killen is another contender for Scotland's most picturesque nine-hole course - and it could easily rival many 18-hole courses too.
Each hole offers breathtaking views, and with 14 different tees, those staying for 18 holes can enjoy a slightly varied challenge.
All three courses have been recognised by Bunkered as some of the top nine-hole facilities in Scotland. It would be quite feasible to play all three in a single day, with the journey from Comrie to Killen taking less than 40 minutes.
The green fees for nine holes are usually £20 at Comrie, £18 at St Fillans, and £20 at Killen, which means playing all three would cost a mere £58.
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