The first four courses on my #hiddengemroadtrip have been phenomenal so it was hard to imagine that this trip will continue on the same high level. But never expect something unexpected. Grantown-on-Spey GC is major.

Established in 1890 and designed by Willie Park with assistance from James Braid, this course is one of the finest golf venues in Cairngorm National Park area. With its six hole design concept the course requires a complete and comfortable play.

The first six holes are very flat with straight fairways decorated with the typical Scottish bunkers design to make the landing zone more narrow. If the wind is picking up the first holes will be played like a links.

Well, on the first six holes I fell in love with No.5 „Tiffany“, a mid length par 4 with the tee shot straight into the wind, and it was very windy on the day I played Grantown-on-Spey GC. I decided to hit my 3 wood because of the wind and was very happy to split the fairway with my tee shot this time.

From here I had 150 yards left to the green which was well covered by a bunker. Luckily I topped this shot so hard that it was below the wind and ended up almost on the green.

Two puts for par and a big smile was the result on this lovely hole. But the absolutely stunning part of Grantown-on-Spey GC starts with No.7 called „Angela“. The next 6 holes are meandering through the woods with huge ups and downs. If you place your tee shots in the right position on the fairway your approach or second shot will be always very picturesque.

On No.7 for example, you have to hit it towards the marker which is situated on the top of the hill. From here it’s an amazing second. 130 yards downhill, on the right side there is this old and huge tree. No.9 is the Pro`s recommendation of Grantown-on-Spey GC. A short par 4 with just 275 yards from the championship tees played downhill and one of the most photographed holes in Scotland.

The tee shot is very inviting and offers quite a good birdie opportunity after a good drive. For the first time in my life I hit the green on a par4. Unfortunately I walked off the green with a birdie. On No.10 it´s a must to reach the fairway to give yourself any chance for par. It´s a great golf hole without any bunkers.

Another impressive hole in my opinion is No.12., with 413 yards from the white tees a relatively long par4. You also need to reach the fairway here to make the large green with your second.

On the right side a bunker is guarding the green and on the left-hand side a steep bank needs to be avoided.

Another real attraction of Grantown-on-Spey GC is hole No.16. It´s the shortest hole on the course surrounded and well guarded by many bunkers. You need to hit a high shot to have any chance of holding the green. It was so windy that I almost haven´t had any chance to play par here. I tried to use this narrow entrance between the two front bunkers to hit the green.

Grantown-on-Spey GC is a divine golf course and I was absolutely amazed by this licked track. I was very happy that I played this pearl and just really recommend it to you for your next Scotland golf trip. After this amazing day I made my way to my lodging for the night, the Glenbeg Bothy at Craggan Outdoors.