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| Boat of Garten |
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Boat of Garten © 2006, Richard & Mary-Alice Jafolla A James Braid MasterpieceBoat of Garten, often referred to as The Boat, looks like it was designed as a movie set for Robin Hood. Heather, hills, and an abundance of trees makes it one of the most beautiful inland golf courses in all of Scotland--certainly the most beautiful I've seen. A James Braid design, it is one of his most unusual golf courses and a classic example of how this design genius used his fertile imagination to turn the natural landscape into a testing, challenging, and altogether fun golf course. Nature presented him with hills and valleys, trees and heather, streams, mounds and slopes all mixed in with dramatic changes in elevation. Into these natural gifts he wove dramatic doglegs, mogul-filled fairways, severely slanted landing areas, and plateaued greens. Once you're past the first few holes you'll feel as much a part of nature as if you were on a hike. The only reminder of civilization is a steam engine locomotive that blows its whistle and chugs past the 4th and 6th holes from time to time. The Boat has it all.
It all starts out innocently enough with a friendly hole, a 169 yard par 3--189 off the championship tees. There are, of course, a few nasty bunkers in the way between you and success, but they are certainly manageable. As you can see from the picture above, you then immediately start off into the heart of the golf course.
Not until the 4th hole do The Boat's distinctive fairways really begin to emerge. This is a longish par 5 where, as you can see from the photo above, an unlucky bounce or an errant drive can severely penalize you.
Boat of Garten is a perfect example of why raw distance means little in determining the difficulty or the joy of playing a golf course. One reason is its hills. It has lots and lots and lots of hills. The other is design. The 13th is a good example. A par 5 at a mere 473 yards, it's rated the most difficult hole on the course. and for good reason. It's difficult to get there in 2 because it's severely uphill all the way and the S-shaped layout discourages going for it in 2. Also, if your ball falls off the back of the green it's dead because of an unforgiving rough. The 473 yards play more like 573 yards. And if the wind is in your face, be happy with a 6. Want more proof that the length of a golf course can be deceiving? Consider this: since James Braid designed this golf course in 1932, the lowest round any amateur has ever shot is 67! Pretty amazing when you consider that this 5,876 yard golf course with a par of 70 has only been bettered by 3 strokes in 73 years of trying! Not bad, James.
I really like the look of the finishing hole. It's a 437 yard par 4, slight dogleg right that golfers with an easy fade will like. As you can see from the above picture, however, the green falls off in all directions and there are two intimidating bunkers guarding either side of the green. If you're having a good round up until now, think positive--a prayer might also help.
Golf Nook Scotland rating. - A solid BIRDIE Clubhouse - a truly warm and friendly atmosphere with a great staff. They are very proud of their golf course--and with good reason--and will put themselves out to help you enjoy it. There is a bar and restaurant where you can take your time and tell everyone whose willing to listen about the could-have-been-birdie putts that you missed. There's also a visitor's changing room. Green Fees - excellent prices. See their website for full details. www.boatgolf.com -- newly redesigned and looking great, The Boat's website is easy to navigate and a joy to look at. Contains all the info you'll need on the course and how to book, etc. Mail: The Secretary Boat of Garten Golf & Tennis Club Boat of Garten Inverness-shire PH24 3BQ SCOTLAND Telephone: +44 (0) 1479 831282 (from the USA dial 011 44 1479 831282) Fax: +44 (0) 1479 831731 e-mail: office@boatgolf.com _____________________________________________ Where To Eat Boat of Garten golf clubhouse - friendly atmosphere with good food available to golfing visitors. (Keep in mind you can usually rely on getting at least a light meal at any clubhouse where you play.) Local Post Office - on the main street just a couple of minutes' walk from the golf course, they make up sandwiches for you and they also sell pre-packed ones. You can eat them at one of their outdoor tables (post offices in Scotland are multi-purpose establishments, privately owned) or you can take them away. Boat Hotel - on the main street in the village centre next to the railway staion, a quick walk from the golf course. Their Capercaillie Restaurant is an upscale venue requiring a booking, but the Osprey Bar is a very nice casual bistro offering good food all day. www.boathotel.co.uk _____________________________________________ What To Do All Day
If you decide to stay in the Dornoch area for the day, please see Northern Highlands. But I suggest that you do come to the Victorian town of Boat of Garten, where you can spend a pleasant day surrounded by the eye-filling Cairngorm mountains--famous for hiking and pony-trekking in the summer, skiing in the winter. There is much to experience here. I think you'll be glad you came along. Strathspey Railway - station can be reached by walking up the hill from the golf course carpark. Quaint steam trains run 7 times a day. Buy a return ticket and see some glorious scenery in a short time. (Special note--this area is where the very popular TV series MONARCH OF THE GLEN is filmed. Ride the train to BroomhilI, which is the "Glenbogle" station in the show. In the U.S. you can join Netflix.com and rent this series, which will thrill you with its scenery.) More info about the train on their website. www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk
Woodland Walks - Several low-level local footpaths are signmposted throughout the village. I like to enter the path on the west side of the Granlea B&B on the main street. Look for the sign saying "Woodland Walks" and follow the arrows. The footpaths will take you through serene woodlands and some lovely measows. All footpaths are clear, wide, and easy to follow.
_____________________________________________ Where To Stay Many golfers drive to Boat of Garten for the day, returning to Dornoch that night. But because it's at least a 90 minute drive, some people prefer to stay overnight in Boat of Garten. If that suits you better, then here are a couple of suggestions.
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