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 I can highly recommend the "Boat" as it is affectionately known in Scottish golfing circles. I first played the course in the 1970s when myself and a band of golfing buddies from Crieff used to go to play in the Boat Open – a 36 hole tournament which always ended up with us having a wee party in Aviemore.
The course is one of the most interesting and beautiful in the whole of Scotland. I'd be delighted to add it to your itinerary.
A Brief History of the Club
1898 - Original layout of 6 holes
1910 - Two extra holes added
1921 - Tennis courts opened
1930 - Extra land became available for rent - James Braid designs the 18 hole golf course
1931 - Committee agreed to go ahead with the extra rent and to use James Braid's design
1932 - New 18 hole course is in play
1980s 14th tee relocated to give a dogleg
1991 - Club buys the land on which the golf course sits
1994 - New green at the 4th to give a par 5
2003 - Changes to the 1st and 5th with improved greens.
2004 - Changes to the 13th to give another par 5
2009 - At 1st Hole, green re-contoured and tees re-sited
When it comes to golf in the Scottish Highlands, Boat of Garten should be first on every visitor's itinerary. Designed by one of the grand-masters of golf course architecture, James Braid (1870-1950), "The Boat" is set alongside the River Spey in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, only 10 minutes drive from the bustling village of Aviemore. The course is not only renowned as a demanding test of sporting skill but also as a magnificent setting for the game. Braid's design features 18 completely individual holes, cleverly and sensitively routed holes cut through a birch forest, maximising the natural landscape and producing a beautiful and challenging course.
Although difficult to choose from several great holes, the 6th (The Avenue) is often regarded as the course's "signature" hole. A good drive down the narrow tree-lined dogleg fairway leaves a mid-iron approach shot to the plateau green, which is guarded by bunkers to the left and right. As on every hole at Boat of Garten, accuracy is rewarded but beware the wayward driver!
"The Boat" is always wonderfully presented and has been dubbed "the Gleneagles of the North". Ranked in Scotland's top 40 courses in 2008, it was also voted Scotland's No.1 Hidden Gem by readers of Bunkered magazine and is regularly featured in magazine articles.
..a fabulous test of golf that is as challenging as it is beguiling.
Ever popular with visitors from both home and abroad, the Course has become firmly established as a "must" for golfers, whether enjoying a golfing tour of the Highlands or just playing one or two rounds in the North of Scotland.
The attractive surroundings of the Cairngorm mountains, with such distinctive features as the Lairig Ghru and the northern corries of Braeriach, provide a wonderful backdrop to this unique course.
 The Clubhouse offers a warm and friendly welcome and a high standard of catering to the visitor. The Club's PGA Professional, Ross Harrower, not only provides tuition but also keeps a well-stocked golf shop offering golf equipment and clothing, plus club repairs, club hire and occasionally a tip or two on how to play the course! Two tennis courts, recently refurbished and well-maintained, are available for those members and visitors looking for an alternative to golf.
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