PITLOCHRY GC ACADEMY AND GOLF RANGE OPENING ON SUNDAY

NEWS RELEASE

Visitors will get the first chance to view Perthshire’s newest golfing facility as Pitlochry Golf Club unveils its Academy and Golf Range this Sunday.

Despite some path work still to be completed at the site, officials will open the facility to the public and members to view for the first time at the club’s Open Day.

It is a major milestone for the scenic Highland Perthshire course, with the facility representing phase one of an acclaimed Centre of Excellence blueprint.

The overall project, when complete, will give the Pitlochry course the finest facilities in Highland Perthshire.

The Academy and Range comprises 6 indoor and outdoor bays, a teaching bay, short game area, target greens and practice bunkers.

As well as seeing around the new development, visitors can enjoy free golf lessons with the club’s PGA professionals, Mark Pirie and Graeme Leggat.

“It is great to get to this stage and we believe the facility will rival any in Scotland,” said Pitlochry Golf Limited Director, Stephen Carruthers.

“There is some work still to be done on some path areas but the Academy and Driving Range will be open for viewing.

“We are really looking forward to the Open Day. As well as showcasing our new facility, we are also introducing a new competition for attendees that, to our knowledge, has never been staged before outside of America.”

Those looking to attend the Open Day will need to book on 01796 472 792 as places are limited.

Iain Simpson, County Secretary of Perth and Kinross Golf Union, believes the work being done at Pitlochry will benefit the game and youngsters in the whole area.

“We are really excited about what is going on at Pitlochry Golf Club,” he said.

“It will provide opportunities for young players to improve. There will be involvement opportunities at County level and what they are doing is both brave and sensible. It will raise the bar for the area and when the full project is complete, Highland Perthshire will have a facility it can be proud of.”

Pitlochry Golf Club will also pioneer a new “Skins” competition this weekend, imported from the States.

Each player pays 25 pence per hole and the winner takes the prize pot unless there is no clear victor. If that is the case, the prize money is rolled over to the next hole.

“Skins games are quite common but we are including the whole field which we have never seen tried on this side of the pond,” added Stephen Carruthers.

“We will also have discounts in our pro shop all day so we are encouraging as many people as possible to book and come along. It should be a great day.”

Web: http://www.pitlochrygolf.co.uk/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pitlochrygolf

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/PitlochryGolf

Additional Information 

• Pitlochry Golf Course was designed by famous golf architect of the day, Willie Fernie of Troon, in 1908 and opened in 1909.
• Famous names to play the course have been Harry Vardon, Walter Hagen, Max Faulkner, Bob Charles and John Panton.
• The course sits amidst spectacular highland Perthshire scenery, with excellent views over the Tummel Valley, Craigower and Ben Y Vrackie.
• Part of the course lies on a site of historic interest, with the outline of an ancient Pictish fort clearly visible.
• There is an abundance of roe deer, otters and birdlife nearby and the picturesque town of Pitlochry was once described as the ‘Switzerland of Scotland.’
• Pitlochry Golf Estate provides luxury 4-Star self-catering accommodation at Drumchorry Cottage and Upper Balghulan.