There is a double history lesson in visting the Boat of Garten course in the Scottish Highlands.
Located about 25 miles south of Inverness, Boat of Garten was designed by the legendary James Braid.
Braid captured five British Open titles (1901, ’05, ’06, ’08 and ’10) and designed courses the length and breadth of Britain.
Strangely, we were present at Walton Heath last Monday for the 36-hole US Open qualifyier at Walton Heath and where Braid was based for much of his professional life.
In fact, the scorer’s hut for the qualifier was located in a small museum now devoted to Braid’s memory as it was his workshop from 1904 to 1950.
But in stepping onto the first tee of the Boat of Garten course it’s hard not to be distracted by the distinct sounds of the Strathsprey steam railway.
Seeing the steam train with smoke billowing from the chimney coming into the Boat of Garten station is like stepping back in time.
The Boat of Garten course, albeit tight and sometimes hilly, is also steeped in history having been opened in 1898.
It is a superb example of Braid’s craftmanship with a mix of par three, par fours and par five. As well, there is some blind tee shots but all around your eyes are wide open to the surrounds of wildife, the sight of the Highlands, and of course, the steam train.
Many thanks to Debbie Grant and Club Professional, Ross Harrower for the opportunity to play a wonderful golf course.
Tour Miss on 2nd tee with clubhouse in backgroud.
Tour Miss drives off par 5, fourth tee
Boat of Garten 18th green with railway station in distance
