Ryder Cup brings top golf to Perthshire

There is just one highlight after another in this celebratory “homecoming” year!

With the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow being a huge success, and the Edinburgh Festival drawing to a close, our eyes turn next to enjoy world-class golf as Gleneagles Hotel, nestled in the hills just outside Perth, hosts the Ryder Cup 2014 from the 23^rd September 2014.

Irishman Paul McGinley captains the eager European side, whilst for the Americans Tom Watson takes the helm as the Ryder Cup returns to Scotland for the first time since 1973.  Gleneagles will truly offer a fantastic arena for “golf’s greatest match”, and not only that but further north in Perthshire Blairgowrie Golf Club plays host to the 2014 Junior Ryder Cup on the 22^nd and 23^rd September before celebrations take place over in Glasgow with a Ryder Cup Gala Concert on 24^th September.  This promises to be a great night of music, theatre and dance to mark the beginning of the main event at Gleneagles.

A number of additional tickets for match days have been released and you can search here on a first come, first serve basis for any remaining tickets.  You can also search for Ryder Cup Gala Concert tickets here.

Whether you are a golf enthusiast or not, the Ryder Cup offers a different sort of championship that can be enjoyed by all.  Plus there are many local places of interest and great walks to enjoy for those who have a little longer to explore the area.  A few of our recommended highlights, all within 30 miles of the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles include;

• Scone Palace – the crowning place of Scottish Kings

• Stirling Castle – one of our most imposing castles of Scotland and favoured by the Stewart clan

• The Kelpies – striking new equine sculptures, the largest in the world, near Falkirk

• The Wallace Monument – commemorates and tells the story of William Wallace and overlooks the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge

• Loch Leven – lowland loch near Kinross now a national nature reserve is great for golf, cycling and walking

• Dunkeld – with an ancient cathedral on the banks of the River Tay this is a great spot for walks, golf and sports on the river

It has been a wonderful summer of sport in Scotland, and this will continue into next year as we look forward to hosting The Open Championship in St Andrews in July 2015, the European Eventing Championships at Blair Atholl in September 2015 and the European Gymnastics Championships in November 2015.

If inspired by the Ryder Cup then there are plenty of first class courses to play in Scotland – we are creating a number of packages to offer you a fantastic escape this autumn.

Take a look at our autumn offers or contact us directly for more information.