Ballindalloch

Mark my words; if this place does not get rave notices within two years, the world has lost its bearings! Granted, the early May morning was a glorious one when I rolled up, as the sun crept over the brow of the surrounding hills and bathed the course in glorious light. It was a stunning welcome to a brilliant development. The 9-hole, 18-tee layout is a great challenge at 6495 yards. The beauty of the “new” tees for your second nine is that the whole aspect of the holes changes from the first time around. It is the overall impression of a big golf course, however, which hits you. Donald Steel’s trademark sand traps, carved fairways and enormous greens are all there; so too is a refurbished, hospitable clubhouse. The courage and vision of this Speyside venue - within earshot of the gurgling river Avon - deserves nothing but praise.