Gleneagles - PGA Centenary Course

Gleneagles, amongst all other things, is the home of the PGA in Scotland.  The course that hosted the Ryder Cup, and that we played today is called the PGA Centenary Course.  It was built on the site of the old Prince's and Glendevon Courses.

The first hole at the PGA is a par four, with plenty of long grass waiting to catch a shot that drifts right.

Still no sign of blue in the sky as we look back down the first hole.

The approach into the par five 2nd hole.

And a shot from behind the 2nd.  The PGA course opened in 1993 as the Monarch's course.  It was renamed in 2001 to mark the centenary of the PGA.  I still think that they missed an opportunity in not calling it Jack's course.  Not only was Jack Nicklaus the designer, but there would then be a Jack's, Queen's and King's course here.

After a long walk under a road and then uphill, you reach the par four 3rd.  A nice dogleg right hole.

The long par three 4th hole.  This hole can play up to 240 yards.

The 5th hole is a great, strong par four.  A very tight drive into a blind driving area, leaves a long shot over a pond short right of the green.

Looking back down the 5th fairway from behind the green.

We then head to the stunning par three 6th hole.  All carry across the pond, with a green that slopes off very steeply on the left.

The par four 7th hole is a slight dogleg right, with bunkers protecting the run out area through the dog leg.

Looking down to the fairway of the par four 8th, from the 7th green. Plenty of bunkers to avoid with your drive here.

As we passed the 2nd hole on our way to the 9th, Peter Lucas noticed a buggy rolling off the edge of the second green.  This photo shown the gentleman retrieving his bag from the lake in front of the 2nd green.  I know we shouldn't laugh, but it was pretty funny.

This is a shot down the par five 9th from the ruin behind the 2nd green.  During the Ryder Cup, this housed a Johnnie Walker bar.  The bar was constructed in, and around this listed ruin without disturbing it, and was a great spot to watch the action.

Another shot down the 9th.

Looking back to the scene of the "buggy incident" from the 9th.

Playing partners Peter Lucas, Jenny Lucas and Pam MacKenzie.  Jenny slipped on one of the wet slopes yesterday, and her subsequent sore back made her a doubtful starter for today.  Jenny did play however, and had to swing gently.  The gentle swing worked, and she scored 41 points!!  Maybe there is something in that for all of us.

Looking back down the 9th fairway.

The short par four 11th.

Behind the 11th green.

Looking down the hill on the par four 13th.  It started pouring with rain on this hole, and thought that there would be no further photos.  The rain only lasted for a couple of holes before easing to a few showers.

The approach into the par four 15th.  This was the hole that Jamie Donaldson sealed the Ryder Cup victory for the Europeans, after hitting his wedge to a foot.

Looking across the pond in front of the par five 16th hole.

No that is not a problem with the lens, it is actually steam coming out of the Sub-air system on the 16th green.  The subair system allows the removal of standing water very quickly.

Looking up the fairway of the par five 18th.

The approach into the 18th green.  Reg Hanson recorded a victory in the men's event today, and Jenny Brown claimed the ladies prize.

This marks the end of our tour.  It has been a wonderful 2 weeks, with great golf courses, great accommodation and more importantly great company.  Thanks to all participants for making it so enjoyable.