The Glorious Playground
Situated in the heart of Perthshire, surrounded by the spectacular countryside of the Ochil Hills and Strathearn, Gleneagles is one of Scotland’s most celebrated five-star luxury destinations. Known affectionately as The Glorious Playground, this magnificent 850-acre estate combines world-renowned championship golf, exceptional accommodation, award-winning dining and an extraordinary collection of country pursuits. Home to three outstanding eighteen-hole golf courses, the iconic King’s Course, the Queen’s Course and the PGA Centenary Course, Gleneagles offers an experience that extends far beyond the golf course. Its reputation has been enhanced by hosting some of the world’s most prestigious golfing events, including the 2014 Ryder Cup and 2019 Solheim Cup. Guests can enjoy an extensive range of activities, a world-class spa, beautifully appointed bedrooms and suites, and an impressive collection of restaurants and bars. Combining traditional Scottish hospitality with contemporary luxury, Gleneagles represents the very best of Scotland’s golf and leisure experience.
History: The vision for Gleneagles began in 1910, inspired by the magnificent Perthshire countryside. The King’s and Queen’s courses, designed by five-time Open Champion James Braid, opened in 1919, followed by the hotel on 7 June 1924. Originally described as the Riviera in the Highlands, Gleneagles quickly established itself as a prestigious sporting destination. Its international reputation grew through major golf championships, culminating in hosting the 2014 Ryder Cup and 2019 Solheim Cup.
The Championship Courses: Gleneagles is home to three world-renowned eighteen-hole championship courses, each offering a distinctive golfing experience. The King’s Course, designed by James Braid, is a magnificent inland links-style layout, renowned for its strategic challenges and beautiful Perthshire setting. The Queen’s Course, also designed by Braid, is a classic heathland experience, demanding accuracy and thoughtful shot-making. The PGA Centenary Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, provides a more contemporary championship challenge and hosted the memorable 2014 Ryder Cup. Together, these courses showcase the history, variety and quality of Scottish golf, and are further complemented by the nine-hole, Wee Course.
SGB Signature Hole: Course: PGA Centenary. Number: Hole 18. Measuring 513 yards from the tee, the spectacular, par 5, finishing hole provides a fitting conclusion to a championship golfing experience. With its impressive setting, strategic demands and association with the 2014 Ryder Cup, it offers golfers the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s finest players. This is an SGB editorial selection rather than a signature-hole designation made by Gleneagles.
Clubhouse, Professional Shop & Practice Facilities: Clubhouse: The welcoming clubhouse provides an excellent setting for golfers to relax before and after their round. The Dormy restaurant offers views across the golf courses and surrounding countryside, with a menu featuring traditional grill favourites, stone-baked pizzas and Tandoor specialities. Professional Shop: The golf shop offers leading golf equipment and apparel, alongside equipment hire and expert assistance. Practice Facilities: The PGA National Academy features a 320-yard driving range, three putting greens and dedicated short-game facilities. Individual, group and on-course tuition are available, supported by experienced PGA coaches and modern technology.
Accommodation: Gleneagles offers an exceptional choice of luxury accommodation, combining traditional country-house elegance with contemporary comfort. The hotel features 205 individually designed bedrooms and 28 suites, including the prestigious Royal Lochnagar Suite and the spectacular Tower Suite. For guests seeking additional space and independence, Glenmor offers beautifully appointed self-catering lodges, combining the facilities of a luxury resort with the privacy and flexibility of a private residence.
The Spa & Health Club: The Spa at Gleneagles provides an outstanding wellness experience, offering an extensive selection of treatments, therapies and relaxation spaces. Guests can enjoy two indoor swimming pools, an outdoor thermal pool, a state-of-the-art gym and dedicated relaxation facilities. The spa combines specialist treatments with locally inspired products and wellness experiences, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind following a day on the golf courses. Fitness classes and a range of leisure facilities further complement the experience.
Food & Dining: Dining is an integral part of the Gleneagles experience, with an impressive collection of restaurants and bars catering for every occasion.
Restaurant Andrew Fairlie: An exceptional two-Michelin-starred restaurant, offering French-inspired fine dining and outstanding service.
The Strathearn: The hotel’s original restaurant, serving modern Scottish fine dining in an elegant setting, accompanied by live piano music.
The Birnam: Relaxed Italian-inspired dining, featuring handmade pasta and steaks cooked over an open flame.
The Dormy: The perfect golfers’ retreat, offering traditional favourites, pizzas and Tandoor dishes.
The American Bar: An elegant 1920s-inspired cocktail lounge.
Additional options include The Century Bar, The Garden Café and afternoon tea in the Glendevon.
Country Pursuits & Additional Activities: One of Gleneagles’ greatest strengths is its extraordinary range of activities beyond golf. The estate offers more than 850 acres of countryside, where an impressive selection of traditional Scottish pursuits and outdoor adventures can be enjoyed.
Guests can enjoy:
Falconry: Experience the art of handling magnificent birds of prey.
Equestrian: Horse riding, lessons and countryside experiences.
Shooting: Clay target shooting and air rifle experiences.
Fishing: Guided fly fishing, brown trout and salmon fishing.
Gundog experiences: Meet and work with professionally trained gundogs.
Off-road driving: Explore the estate through exhilarating 4x4 experiences.
Cycling and walking: Discover the surrounding countryside.
Racquet sports: Tennis, padel, climbing and bouldering at the Sporting Club.
This remarkable selection makes Gleneagles particularly attractive for golfing groups where partners and non-golfers also want an exceptional holiday experience.
Location & Accessibility: Located at Auchterarder in Perthshire, Gleneagles enjoys an excellent position for exploring central Scotland. Edinburgh and Glasgow airports are both less than an hour away by road, with international connections including direct services from several major North American cities.
The estate also benefits from its own railway station, situated on the direct London–Inverness rail route, providing an alternative for guests travelling from England.
Its location makes Gleneagles an excellent centrepiece for a wider Scottish golf itinerary, with opportunities to combine a stay with golf in St Andrews, East Lothian, the Highlands and the west coast.
Typical Scottish Golf Breaks packages
The following represents a suggested SGB package structure rather than a published Gleneagles package. Each itinerary can be tailored around accommodation availability, preferred courses and group requirements.
Luxury accommodation in individually appointed hotel bedrooms or suites.
Two or three rounds across the King’s, Queen’s and PGA Centenary courses.
Opportunity to experience the nine-hole Wee Course.
Full Scottish breakfast.
Dinner reservations at selected Gleneagles restaurants.
Access to the hotel’s Health Club and swimming facilities, subject to applicable arrangements.
Use of golf practice facilities and the PGA National Academy.
Golf equipment hire and caddie arrangements, where requested.
Suggested premium experience: A three-night stay featuring the King’s Course, PGA Centenary Course and Queen’s Course, with an evening dining experience at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie.
Additional SGB Services
Scottish Golf Breaks can complement a Gleneagles stay with a fully managed golf holiday, providing the additional arrangements required by international visitors.
Private airport transfers from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Executive transport throughout Scotland.
Luxury nine-seater Ford Tourneo transfers.
Dedicated golf transportation and luggage handling.
Caddie service arrangements.
Bespoke Scottish golf itineraries.
Additional rounds at Scotland’s leading championship courses.
Restaurant reservations and exclusive dining experiences.
Distillery visits and private Scottish experiences.
Non-golfing activities and excursions for partners.
