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Loch Lomond, Scotland |
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It doesn't matter whether you take the high road or the low road, a visit to the bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond is a romantic experience. A hop, skip and a jump from Glasgow, under the watchful guard of Ben Lomond, lies the largest expanse of fresh water in Great Britain. And midway along the western banks of the loch lies the most exclusive private members' golf club in the land.
Loch Lomond Golf Club is set in more than 600 acres of sheltered seclusion, sandwiched between the mountains and the historic lochside. The golf course contains two Sites of Special Scientific Interest – protecting rare plants and unusual woodland – and the site is designated as a National Scenic Area. Dozens of inhabited bat boxes nestle amongst the branches of some of the 46 different types of trees, there's even an inhabited owl box. It's a heaven for wildlife and conservationists, and apart from Valderrama, Loch Lomond is the only other European golf club to be awarded full Audubon status (Audubon's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems).
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Past Scottish Open Champions at Loch Lomond:
1996 - T Bjorn
1997 - T Lehman
1998 - L Westwood
1999 - C Montgomerie
2000 - E Els
2001 - R Goosen
2002 - E Romero
2003 - E Els
2004 - T Levet
2005 - T Clark
2006 - J Edfors
2007 - G Havret
2008 - G McDowell
2009 - M Kaymer
2010 - E Molinari | The course, designed by the successful Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf partnership, opened for play in 1993 to a fanfare. Weiskopf regards Loch Lomond as his "lasting memorial to golf" and who could argue with him? Loch Lomond is already a classic course and the long-term home to the Scottish Open. According to Colin Montgomerie, "wherever Loch Lomond is ranked, it ought to be higher".
In such a beautiful area it would have been easy to allow the views to do the talking, but here at Loch Lomond, Morrish and Weiskopf have designed a spectacular course, which would stand proud without the stunning scenery. Each hole – except for the linked 2nd and 4th greens – is isolated from the next. None of the hazards are hidden from view – either from the tee or from approach shots – and there are no tricks up Loch Lomond's sleeve.
Measuring 7,100 yards from the back tees, this is a tough and long course for the average club golfer but it's sad that not everyone can share the experience. If you are lucky enough to get a game, don't expect to threaten Retief Goosen's course record of 62, but do expect to use every club in the bag.
For a course that is so young, there is so much architectural history. The Colquhoun Clan built Rossdhu House in 1773 (now the clubhouse) and Mary Queen of Scots wrote her love letters in Rossdhu Castle – the remains of which overlook the 18th green. The whole Loch Lomond experience is truly remarkable and if you are lucky enough to receive an invitation, do not pass it by.
Golfers' terror as speedboat lands in Loch Lomond bunker... click here for more | |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |  | | | played on the 18th September, and thought it was fantastic. Service before the golf was great and then use of the practice facility was really well worth using, especially as the staff refill the bucket of balls as you use them!
we had caddies on the day and the lad helping me was very good at pointing the no go area's and especially the putting line, although i did manage to miss a few!
The course itself was in great condition especially considering it had been closed the previous day due to heavy rainfall. The holes are such that you do have to realy think about position to attack flags as its possible to be on the green but have almost no chance of avoiding a 3 putt.
Favourite holes for me were the 9th, 10th an d17 and 18, whcih is a great way to finish the course.
I dont know if the opportunity to play the course again will happen for me but im so glad I've had the pleasure at least once. |
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| 20 September 2012
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| I was lucky enough to return here again today for the second time, four years after my last visit. On such a sunny afternoon, there can be few more captivating places to play in the British Isles than on the Bonnie Banks. It’s simply a wonderful experience from start to finish; like being transported on a magic floating golf carpet that takes you effortlessly from hole to hole during your round. Of course, it does help  with having the sun on your back, being in good company and having knowledgeable caddies in attendance, but all these factors would be totally worthless if the course wasn’t up to the mark, which it most definitely is. Once again, I thought the front nine was good (with the lochside holes between 5 and 7 the pick of the outward half) before the back nine just raises the golfing bar of excellence a notch or two higher. It’s at this point that the fairways head inland to weave in and around some lovely wetland areas before returning to the lochside at the testing par three 17th. I see that both the Sunningdale courses have joined Woodhall Spa above Loch Lomond in the GB&I rankings which I’ll not dispute as they’re fabulous tracks, however (having played the EGU’s flagship Hotchkin course since I was last here) I’m not so sure that all three English inland courses deserve to be ranked higher than this, the best inland course in Scotland. Regardless of the relative merits, Loch Lomond’s simply a world class layout that fully deserves the average six ball rating that reviewers have so far awarded it. Jim McCann |
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| 25 May 2012
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| As previous posters have stated, the Loch Lomond experience begins a long time before the first drive is struck and after the final ball has been holed. I prefer to focus on the course itself but i must say that as overall golfing experiences go, a day at Loch Lomond is without peer. The surroundings are classy but not over the top and the welcome is very warm and genuine, you really are a member for the day.
The course itself is by some distance the best inland layout I have played. The first two holes are good length par 4s allowing a fair amount of latitude off the tee if you have not fully warmed up. The quality of the bunkering is immediately apparent and if it was 20 degrees warmer you would think you were on one of the very top US layouts. The 3rd is a great par 5 played through the trees with a cleverly placed bunker down the left to prevent you getting too close to the green for your second. Although a short par 5 the second shot is daunting with a small pond front right that collects all shots hit without the required amount of belief. A good short par 4 is then followed by a stunning par 3 that plays straight towards the Loch. Although not the longest par 3 at around 165 yards the narrow green makes it the most difficult on the course. The 7th is a great strategic par 4 that demands a faded tee shot to allow a clear shot to a green protected by a large bunker that must be carried to attack a right sided pin position. This hole encapsulates what great hole design is all about – serious consideration must be given to each shot and if the heroic option is executed well the player is rewarded handsomely. The 9th is one of two brilliant short par 4s on the course. Although it required only a rescue club followed by a flicked wedge, the bunkering and narrow green entrance again dictate that nothing is taken for granted.
After the respite of 9 you are faced with a daunting prospect on 10. A longish par 4 with a run-out at 250, a drive down the right gives an easier shot into the green whereas a left sided tee shot offers another heroic option if you choose to take on a back left pin. Of the remaining holes in the back 9 the 14th, 17th and 18th stood out as my favourites. 14 is a magnificent risk/reward par 4 where you can take the green on with a 250 yard carry from the tee or play to the left with an iron and pitch over a burn to an elevated, sloping green. My caddy correctly nominated the latter route as the scoring option as more birdies are achieved this way although my opponent was quick to point out that more eagles come from going at the flag! I took my caddy’s advice and was happy to walk off with par but with sufficient regret that may mean a different route is taken next time. The hole is named “Tom and Jay’s Chance” after Mr Weiskopf and Morrish who constructed this beauty and it also happens to be the hole where Weiskopf nearly met his maker after finding himself submerged in a bog only to be saved by a fortunately placed tree root. 17 is a great par 3 playing to an elevated green with the loch looming to the left. It serves as a great appetiser to the magnificent 18th. Although not the longest finishing hole it requires a pure drawn tee shot and you can bite off as much of the water as you dare. For those looking to avoid a watery grave there are 3 bunkers down the right hand side ready to gobble up an overly conservative effort. I think the 18th is my favourite hole on the course, as with the rest of the course it is very playable and everything is in front of you to be considered.
Overall there is a great variety to the holes and the routing is effortless. Jay and Tom have done some truely fantastic work in turning boggy woodland into a world class layout and their appreciation of the surroundings reminded me of the similar effort put into the new course at Castle Stuart. The natural beauty of the surroundings and perfect clubhouse service added to make this one of the most memorable golfing experiences in my life. |
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| 07 April 2012
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| | Stunning. The whole experience is out of this world. I would rate this as the best golf experience I’ve had. Outstanding facilities from the locker rooms to the practice facilities. And then there’s the course. Visually I’d rate this even higher than Pebble Beach or Old Head. Different, but to my mind, a more beautiful experience. The condition was immaculate and the layout was exceptional. Truly a great test of your whole game, but very playable. Difficult to suggest there are any weak holes, and I can’t really suggest one standout hole, as there were so many great ones. My particular favourites – 3rd, 5th, 10th, 13th, 17th and 18th. If you get the chance to play it don’t hesitate. |
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| 16 October 2011
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| | I've played some of the best courses in the world in US and UK and this may be the best. The experience itself is epic and if this was a dog track it would still be fun, BUT the course is world world class. SInce they did the drainage its now more reliable, never EVER turn down an invite to this place. 11 out of 10. |
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| 22 September 2011
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| | Normally, I would not recommend parkland golf to any visitor to Scotland, but here there has to be just one exception...and this is the one.
Loch Lomond is like a really great Bordeaux vintage: ridiculously priced, but absolutely unforgettable, so best enjoyed as a treat!
A shame it is not more accessible, but I guess that adds to the experience once you get the opportunity. If you get the chance to play here, take it!
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| 13 September 2011
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| | what can you say about the place heaven. played two rounds here the best golfing experience of my life so far. have to admit first roud played bad due to the ore of the place. many great holes condition of the course was superb. hotel, restaurant and locker room top notch and the phone on the 8th to order drinks after the front nine nice. |
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| 25 February 2010
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| Response: | | | dan | 03 September 2011 | | Is it now possible to play as a visitor at Loch Lomond, given that Dundonald is now pay and play ? | | | Jim McCann | 04 September 2011 | | As far as I'm aware, you still have to play with a member if you want a game at Loch Lomond (unlike Archerfield on the east coast where I believe there are limited pay and play opportunities). |
| | | THE BEST PARKLAND COURSE IN THE WORLD BY A MILE LOCH LOMOND ITS GREAT FOR SCRATCH GOLFERS RIGHT THROU TO COMPLETE BEGINNERS FAIRWAYS ARE LIKE GREENS AND GREENS LIKE SNOOKER TABLES JUST SOFTER BUT STILL SO TRUE YOU MISS IT AINT THE GREENS ITS YOUR EYES AND STROKE. IF THAT FAILS BLAME YOUR CADDIE OR THE SECNIC VIEWS IT TRULY IS GOLFING HEAVEN |
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| 30 December 2009
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| | Simply the best parkland course outside Augusta. So much fun in all aspects and the course is truely great |
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| 29 August 2009
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| | The drive in, the clubhouse, the locker room, the practice area are what make the place so special. Don't get me wrong the course is very good but taking all the extra's I mentioned above out of the picture and you're left with something equal (not better) than The Belfry or Woburn. There are some lovely holes but also some average holes. Try their sister course at Dundonald. From a pure golfing point of view I think its the better course. However if you ever get invited to Loch Lomond, NEVER turn it down! |
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| 31 March 2009
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| Response: | | | Chris Jones | 04 April 2009 | | I really like Woburn's courses and I also have an affection for the Brabazon at The Belfry but they do not compare to Loch Lomond, that is the experience and the course. | | | Mike | 11 November 2009 | | The reviewer is a complete buffoon, The Belfry will never be in the league of such a fabulous golf course! | | | ChrisD | 23 November 2009 | | I've never had the pleasure of playing Loch Lomond, but I have played the vastly over hyped Belfry and would advise anyone to have it well down on their list of 'courses to play'
Given how many Pro's state Loch Lomond is one of their favourite courses, I think we can probably take for granted that it is on another planet from The Belfry. | | | dean watson | 28 January 2012 | | i received an invite to loch lomond last april and the whole experience was a dream come true,for the whole day i couldnt believe i was there.Ive played some brilliant courses around the world and to me nothing comes close to this.i carnt believe somebody has said the belfry is equal to loch lomond,the belfry ha ha ha wake up and smell the roses.its a dog track compared to loch lomond. |
| | | Quite simply the best golfing experience I have ever had. A glorious course, there is something interesting about every hole. Lots of risk and reward options.
The service is also superb. I was wished a good morning by name by a member of staff in the locker room who had never met me before. I still wonder how they do that!! Also love the telephone hanging from a tree near the 8th tee to order drinks in advance, a touch of class. |
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| 18 January 2009
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| | Utterly fantastic. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left it was classy. Course was beautiful and in fabulous condition. |
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| 24 September 2008
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| | Much has been written about the majestic scenery, the classy clubhouse facilities and the wonderfully attentive staff at Loch Lomond GC. Frankly, the entire Trossachs could be a combat zone, Rossdhu House could be a 6 by 8 shed and Basil Fawlty could be in charge of customer relations – Loch Lomond GC would still provide a memorable golfing experience; the course is wonderful. I am mentally compiling a provisional list of holes for my own personal top 18 (who said “anorak”?) and Loch Lomond has provided seven or eight candidates – more than any other course I’ve played. Being a good old-fashioned Scottish laddie my heart still leans towards links gowf but LLGC is the best inland course I’ve played – a fair wee bit ahead of the excellent Spey Valley. I really hope the people behind LLGC re-instate the reduced price tee-off times that were available through the SGU and allow more Scottish golfers to experience this magical place. Finally, thanks to the adorable Mr and Mrs T. for a special golfing memory (you are now firmly ensconced at the top of my Christmas card list!). Derek, Edinburgh, August, 08 |
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| 02 September 2008
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| Forget the fantastic clubhouse, the walled garden and spa, the loch side location and the luxury lodges – strip them all away and ask if the golf course at Loch Lomond cuts it as the best inland course in Scotland? Only one answer to that – absolutely!  The front nine holes are good – with the trio from the 5th to the 7th beside the water very good - but the back nine are simply great. In particular, the four holes starting at the 12th are magnificent. Hole 12 may have no greenside bunkers but the elevated, 45 degree offset green is so tough to hit and hold. The 13th is a lovely dog legged par five with water cutting across the fairway, then comes my favourite hole on the course, a brilliant risk/reward, split fairway, short par four on hole 14. It’s followed by the slight right dog legged hole 15 which starts the run for home, played to a shallow, two tiered green. Of the top 20 courses in Britain and Ireland on this website, only one non links course, Woodhall Spa, ranks higher. I’ll not argue with that as I haven’t yet played it. However, throw in to the mix just one of the features I mentioned at the start of this review and I can guarantee you right now, not many of the higher ranked courses can touch Loch Lomond for the overall golfing experience. If you know a member here and they haven’t invited you to play yet then you’re obviously not a mate. Jim McCann |
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| 09 June 2008
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| | Quite simply, no golf course should have been built in the middle of a bog in a Scottish rainforest. And certainly not a brash American style course, with unnatural bunkering, and a club attitude that reeks of exclusivity. It is much to my disgust therefore, that I love this course. The setting is perfection, and 17 and 18 are heaven. Won't give it a 6 for two reasons. It's not a links - i just prefer to play them, and the midge. |
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| 26 October 2007
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| | This has got to be the best course that I will ever get the chance to play in my life. The greens are amazing and fairways unchalanged by any other. The scenery is breath taking, even on a rainy day. The staff are the most genuine, friendly and helpfull I have come across. I have have spoken to golfers from all over the world, members of Augusta, Pebble Beach, K Club and more and most have agreed that Loch Lomond provides the best golfing experience that they have ever had! |
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| 27 November 2006
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| | What a tremendous experience. The setting is stunning, the golf course superb and the scenery utterly breathtaking. The practice ground uses Titleist Pro VIs as the range balls!
You turn up, they take your clubs away, and clean them. They take your shoes away and clean them. They take your clubs to the 1st tee, where your caddy awaits. As you wonder round the course, the golf almost becomes secondary as you take in the surroundings, but do try and pay attention to the caddy's valuable tips. When you've finished, off go your clubs and shoes to be cleaned again before you depart.
As for the course itself, a tremendous challenge, and it tends to play longer than the card due to the drainage, which if you could criticise this place, would be the only criticism one could make. The 5th is a superb par 3 and the 18th a tremendous finishing hole.
Please invite me back ........! |
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| 27 July 2006
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| | Without doubt the best golfing experience in the u.k. I would agree that there are better courses but for an experience and day out there is no better. For anybody to say that Loch Lomond isnt spectacular I would love to play their home course as it must be amazing. (Either Augusta or Pebble!!) |
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| 27 April 2006
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| | Words to describe my few hours at Loch Lomond; delightful, satisfying, thankful, wonderful, amazing, dumbstruck, sensational – I could go on. This place would have any golfer drooling for a very long time. I do understand that not so many will be able to get a round here and I do realise that I have been so fortunate to have played. As you are granted entry through the iron gates and drive the half mile to the House, the feeling starts. The fantastic staff are so nice and gracious that you know a special day is beginning. Everyone mentions the location, well it IS as good as they say; Loch, mountains, pine trees and yes, there are eighteen brilliant golf holes in the middle. For all of the talk of the surroundings, I can tell you that the design of holes would look good anywhere really.
Sheer luxury and the Loch Lomond brand go together like eggs and bacon. Inside of the house you could easily be forgiven for spending a while in the locker rooms – sumptuous or what ? A day at Loch Lomond truly is a taste of the dream lifestyle. Becomes an instant entry into my personal Top 3 courses.
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| 07 April 2005
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| | One of the very best courses I have ever had the pleasure to play. It's a great shame that it is not open to more "ordinary" people and I'm sure if it were, it would be the No.1 course. The conditioning is quite fabulous - no doubt due to the fact that it's only open for six months of the year. The scenery is stunning and the design is masterful. The par threes are fabulous - running in different directions. The subtle elevation changes make for an interesting round and each hole is varied and immensely challenging. There are more staff here than golfers, so expect to be looked after well. This is as close to golfing heaven as I expect I'll ever get on this earth. |
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| 07 April 2005
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| | Very scenic but mediocre golf course. Wouldn't rank in my top 25 parkland courses played previously, mainly in the US. |
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| 31 December 2004
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| Response: | | | thadd | 20 September 2007 | | I can't agree that the course is only mediocre, quite a different challenge is presented by the different tees that are available, the holes just seem to get better and better and harder and harder. set in glorious scenery and spectacularly designed in their own right this course is great, it's hazards are placed in the right areas the fairways are fantastic and the greens are very true. you also will be very hard pushed to find better service in any environment golfing or otherwise in the world. altogether a fantastic place to be invited to and an even better place to be a member. |
| | | The single most memorable round of Golf in the UK, magnificently kept course set in fabulous scenery. I have played the course on 5 separate occasions and in all manner of weather conditions and have yet to be disappointed. A fair test of skill and judgement from 1st to 18th with no attention to detail missed. The staff, facilities and accommodation first class and a genuine feeling of welcome and willingness to ensure your visit and particularly your golf is as enjoyable as possible. |
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| 25 June 2004
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| | Horrified to read your review. I played this course with my 83 year old father and we would both have been quite happy to have been struck down in the process as we had surely arrived in heaven already. The people were so heartwarmingly friendly we were quite overwhelmed by the whole experience and the course is a dream. And, for the record, we are neither rich nor famous - just lucky to be corporate guests. We could not fault this course - the best my father has ever played in his 70+ years of golf. |
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| 01 June 2004
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| | For those who haven't made it and aren't likely to any time soon - don't worry. It's not that good. The location is stunning but there are only a couple of genuinely great holes. For the most part, it's slightly over-contrived. The greens are too green (they have been known to paint them) and the sand is so white it can make your eyes hurt. In truth, it does not lie on true golfing turf either, such as you might find at a Sunningdale or an Alwoodley. If you're anything like me, you'll like your golf to be much more natural and I, for one, would have been far more impressed had Tom and Jay satisfied themselves with all the things the site had going for it and left it largely how it was. If you like manicured parkland, then it's as good as it gets, but I'd sooner play any other course in the top 50 given the choice. |
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| 17 May 2004
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| Response: | | | Richard Taunton | 20 September 2006 | | Just returned after two rounds, one in the rain, and one in glorious sunshine. The whole place is absolutely sensational, and the golf course is excellent. I have played a lot of the top courses in Naples, Florida and Hilton Head, Carolina and the service at LL is the best that I have ever received, far better than the false, tip-grabbing american version.
I cannot believe that there is anywhere in the UK that will provide an all round golf experience to match Loch Lomond. Playing the course two days running gave me the opportunity to try and take advantage of my new course knowledge and it certainly made a difference. I liked the course a lot after the first round, I loved it after the second !
I can't wait to go back. | | | Jonathan Farnill | 31 May 2012 | | There's no doubting that Alwoodley is a lovely course, having played it 6/7 times, but Loch Lomond is just on a different scale and the whole experience, as well as the course, is as close to perfection as I've ever experienced. |
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