The Outward Nine

Ochlochy

The opening hole has a generous fairway and a large green, though a par is not a certainty. Even if you have reached the green in two shots, a 20-yard putt may remain which, with the first putting stroke of the round, can be difficult to leave close. 

Gleninver

The second hole is a dog leg left requiring two really good strikes to make the green. The hole is not stroke index 1 for nothing, as you will discover! A long draw from the tee is the ideal shot. 

Pisgah

The third is a fairly long par 3 to a two-tier green. Look to see if the flag stick carries one flag, to denote hole position on the front tier, or two flags, for hole position on the back. The bunkers left and right are well positioned for the wayward shot and can turn a 3 into a 4 or a 5 quite quickly! 

Woodside

The fourth hole is a fairly short par four, but do not think you are guaranteed on reaching the green in two shots. The green slopes quite severely from left to right so try to be below the hole for your second putt.

Panorama

The fifth hole is well named. Stop for a moment to take in the view of the mountains to the North West. A plaque positioned beside the tee, in honour of one of our past Lady Champions, identifies Ben Ledi, Ben Venue, Ben More, Ben Lomond and Stuc A Chroin. The hole itself is a straightforward par four with a blind tee shot. The second shot is less of a problem than it used to be, when Out of Bounds lurked only five yards off the back of the green. this is another hole where your putting judgement and ability will be put to the test.

Lang Whang

The sixth hole is the first of the par fives where two good, straight hits will carry you over the hill and leave a short iron to a reasonably generous target. Two large bunkers to the left and one small bunker to the right await the inaccurate approach shot. 

Teezing Tap

The seventh has ruined many a card when the unwary golfer has allowed his or her tee shot to leak right into the bunker which runs the full length of the right hand side of the green. The target area is bigger than is looks from the tee, so be bold.

Castle View

The eighth tee provides a wonderful view of down the valley towards Stirling Castle, which is five miles away and sitting high on its volcanic outcrop. The eighth hole is a really testing par 4 which requires both length and accuracy to reach the green safely. A fairway bunker on the right is well positioned for the fading tee shot while Out of Bounds on the left threatens the shot to the green. The greenside bunker to the front and right is probably the most visited bunker on the course. 

Hutcheson's Heights

The ninth hole is an excellent dog leg to the left which required a well positioned tee shot to set up a mid-to-long iron second shot uphill to a well guarded green. Locals will play for the banking below the tree at the back of the green.

Well - reached the turn in how many strokes? Not to worry, the inward nine offers opportunities to improve your position.