Gleneagles (King's Course)

Perthshire

4.7

3,322 reviews

4.7(3,322 Google reviews)

About Gleneagles (King's Course)

The King's Course at Gleneagles is one of Scotland's most celebrated inland layouts, a James Braid design from 1919 that winds through Perthshire moorland with panoramic views of the Highland hills.

Opened in 1919 and designed by five-time Open Champion James Braid, the King's Course was conceived as a destination layout worthy of the Gleneagles Hotel that rose alongside it. Set on undulating moorland in Perthshire, the course combines heather, birch woodland and sweeping highland scenery with Braid's characteristic mix of strategic bunkering and varied hole shapes. It is part of a three-course resort complex, alongside the Queen's Course and the PGA Centenary Course, that makes Gleneagles one of the world's premier golf destinations.

Gleneagles (King's Course)

The Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder PH3 1NF, UK

01764 662231

gleneagles.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=hotel-gleneagles

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Scotland has no shortage of world-class golf, but Gleneagles occupies a unique position as both a sporting destination and a luxury retreat. The King's Course is the original layout, opened in 1919 to coincide with the ambitious new hotel built by the Caledonian Railway Company on the Perthshire moorland. James Braid's design takes full advantage of the natural contours of the land, routing holes through heather and over ridges that frame the distant Ochil Hills and the peaks of the Southern Highlands.

Playing the King's Course is as much about the setting as the golf itself. The moorland turf plays firm in summer and the heather that lines every fairway punishes anything offline with a severity that mirrors seaside links. Braid built several holes that require precise tee shot positioning to open up the approach, and the variety in length and character across the 18 holes keeps the round engaging from first to last. The views from the higher sections of the course across the Perthshire glens are, in the right conditions, simply extraordinary.

The resort's second and third courses add further dimension to any Gleneagles visit. The Queen's Course offers a slightly shorter but equally handsome experience, while the PGA Centenary Course, scene of the 2014 Ryder Cup, provides a more modern and demanding test. For golfers staying at the hotel, playing all three across a long weekend is one of Scottish golf's great indulgences.

Opening Hours

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

What Golfers Say About Gleneagles (King's Course)

A selection of recent visitor reviews from Google.

Mark Rafferty
a month ago
This was my second time staying at Gleneagles and it was every bit as wonderful as the first time. We brought our 10 year old boy with us this time and he absolutely loved it. We weren’t sure if it was the type of place kids would enjoy but we couldn’t have been more wrong. The selection of activities for kids and adults was endless. The thing that stood out to me both times I’ve stayed here was the attention to detail and the extra lengths they will go to to accommodate you. I had phoned several weeks before we came and explained that my wife would be heavily pregnant. I had asked if there was anything they could do to make her stay as easy as possible. They did not disappoint. Our room was on the ground floor, literally a few meters from the Garden Cafe and leisure facilities. They also sent us a little congratulations cake! Food in every restaurant we tried was perfect, the staff were unreal and the accommodation is second to none. We will be taking my wife’s Mother up for her 60th at the end of the January can’t wait to stay again!

Claire Witherspoon
2 weeks ago
Expertly done, in every way. The facilities offered stretch from outdoor activities such as Clay Pigeon shooting, Archery, Horse riding, beautiful walks covering stunning landscapes. Activities are ample for children too, they've taken careful thought to include our small ones in every way.

Dionne Lawrie
3 months ago
My recent stay at Gleneagles was nothing short of magical, and a huge part of that was thanks to Dillon in Guest Relations. He went above and beyond in the most genuine, heartfelt way, helping my boyfriend plan the perfect proposal. The level of care, warmth, and attention to detail he put into making such a special moment unforgettable is something I will cherish forever. Dillon’s kindness is unmatched - he made us feel welcomed, supported, and genuinely celebrated from the moment we arrived. His professionalism is extraordinary, but what truly stands out is how sincere and thoughtful he is. It’s rare to meet someone in hospitality who leaves such a lasting impression, and Dillon absolutely did. I’m so grateful for everything he did for us, and I’m thrilled that I had the chance to meet him. Gleneagles is exceptional on its own, but Dillon made our experience truly once-in-a-lifetime. We will absolutely be returning, and knowing he’s there makes it feel like home. If you’re visiting Gleneagles, you will be incredibly lucky to be looked after by Dillon. He is a true credit to the hotel and the reason our stay was so unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the King's Course at Gleneagles?

The King's Course was designed by James Braid, the five-time Open Championship winner who became one of the most prolific golf architects of the early twentieth century. Braid created the course on the Perthshire moorland above the new Gleneagles Hotel, opening it for play in 1919. He designed the Queen's Course simultaneously, giving the resort two distinct but complementary layouts from the outset.

Did the Ryder Cup take place on the King's Course at Gleneagles?

The 2014 Ryder Cup was held at Gleneagles but took place on the PGA Centenary Course, a Jack Nicklaus design completed in 1993, rather than on the King's Course. The European team, captained by Paul McGinley, defeated the United States 16.5 to 11.5. The King's Course and Queen's Course remained open for resort guests throughout the event.

What is the 'glorious playground' associated with Gleneagles?

The phrase 'glorious playground' was used by James Braid himself to describe the Perthshire moorland on which the Gleneagles courses were built, and it has since become the unofficial tagline of the resort. It captures the spirit of the estate, a place designed for enjoyment as much as competition, with the grand Edwardian hotel at its centre providing a contrast between luxury and the wild open landscape just beyond the first tee.

What facilities does Gleneagles resort offer alongside the King's Course?

Gleneagles is a five-star hotel resort set in 850 acres of Perthshire countryside. Alongside three golf courses, it offers a spa, equestrian facilities, a shooting school, falconry, off-road driving and several restaurants and bars, including a whisky bar. The resort has held a Michelin star and regularly features on lists of the finest hotel destinations in Europe.