Sunday 19 June 2011

Golf crazy or Crazy Golf? There is something for everyone around Loch Earn


Do you play golf on holiday or are you a fun putter? Self catering at Briar Cottages may be just the ticket. There is something for everyone here whether you are in training for the Ryder Cup 2014 or looking for ways to entertain family and friends on holiday.  If you are easily pleased then putting on our loch side lawn might satisfy your needs.  We put 4 flags into the grass and supply putters and balls. You will see them on our new 360 degree virtual tour of Briar Steading our luxury Perthshire cottage.  Hit the ball nearest to the flag. What could be easier. Of course the lie of the land depends on the angle that Fraser has cut and rolled the grass. A lot depends on  visiting ducks too as they tend to nod off on the green once fed.  I make it sound more like an obstacle course or worse an assault course..."look out daffy!"  Oh and watch out for that other course hazard...its called Loch Earn. 
 There is a set of boule and  toy croquet  in the summer house if you fancy a change.  If you are rained off, shelter in the summer house and have a game of Jenga or extra large connect 4.  If that is not mad enough for you then try the crazy golf course at Achingarrich wildlife park near Comrie, 14 miles East on the A85.  Not only an innovative park full of interesting animals and birds but a childrens playground and picnic spot too with a restaurant on site.  Neighbouring village Killin has a fun putting green near the bowling green in the main park in the centre.  For the discerning golfer, Killin Golf club is a beautiful 9 hole golf course at the other end of the village. The clubhouse is run by a charming couple that will pander to your every needs with a smile.   St Fillans golf club is at the east end of Loch Earn. A very pretty course and said to be local Masters champion  Sandy Lyle's favourite inland course...according to a quote that he gave to Golf World magazine recently.  According to the St Fillans GC website it is also said to be popular with Sir Ian Botham.  Like Killin, St Fillans is a very welcoming course thanks to those that run it and the regulars who welcome visitors and holiday makers with open arms. The clubhouse food is excellent value too.   If you are keen to play a few courses in this area look up the Perthshire Green Card offering discounts  for 5 rounds and 3 rounds at selected 18 hole courses in the area.  The Perthshire Highland Ticket is great value too and can be used at 12 of the 9 hole courses in the area, including  St Fillans, Comrie, Crieff, Killin and Kenmore.   Play 5 days of golf at £65 or 3 days at £40! Check individual club terms as some may not agree to the ticket being used at weekends.  Well if thats not enough then Gleneagles is only 29 miles away,  Loch Lomond 45 minutes and only 60 miles to the Old Course at St Andrews or courses in Edinburgh and Glasgow.  Merely a day trip away in any direction.  Loch Earn is so central that it makes an excellent base for touring places and attractions in Scotland in an easy day trip. If you are on holiday with a golfer but its not your thing you might consider water sports, quad biking, zorbing, horse riding, forest walks, cycling or Munro climbing.  You night prefer to hire a Ferarri or Aston Martin locally or a jeep safari in the hidden glen at Balquhidder.  It is also perfectly okay just to relax and read or take in the stunning views around our 3 acre grounds. Ask for a shot of our hot tub if you want the ultimate in relaxation...zzzzzzzzzzzz! 

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