From the historic Scottish Open to the prestigious European Championships, Scotland’s wealth of world-class golf courses have long served as the ideal setting for some of the sport’s most illustrious competitions.
Year after year, top calibre professionals make their way to the likes of St. Andrews and Dundonald to pit the skills against the best in the game, though that doesn’t mean you need to be an elite PGA Pro to compete on one of Scotland’s best courses.
This summer, one of the country’s biggest amateur golf competitions returns to Highland Perthshire, taking place just a short drive from our five-star luxury hotel in Pitlochry.
Whether you’re planning to tee off against some of the best amateur golfers in the country or simply looking forward to taking your place on the green and watching all the action, here’s everything you need to know about the 2018 Highland Open.
The Highland Open – Returning to Pitlochry Golf Course in July 2018
For over 100 years, Pitlochry Golf Course has welcomed players of all handicaps for the opportunity to play Highland Perthshire’s most rewarding and strikingly beautiful courses, putting their abilities to the test in the annual Highland Open.
Next month, the competition returns for two weeks of exceptional golf, outstanding company, and magnificent memories guaranteed to last a lifetime.
By day, you’ll have the chance to play with and against fellow players on what is often described as the best under-6,000 yard course in the world, full of immaculately manicured greens and tree-lined fairways, all set against some of Scotland’s most majestic mountain scenery.
By night, take the opportunity to eat, drink, and be merry with your fellow competitors at a series of entertaining off-course events, including a traditional highland ceilidh, awards presentations and more.
Then, just to make your Scottish golfing holiday all the more special, you can retire to five-star accommodation located close to the course, all courtesy of our luxury hotel near Pitlochry.
Ladies Highland Open – July 15th – 20th
This year’s event gets underway with the ladies competition, teeing off with a free round of golf on the Sunday which you can use to practice and prepare for Monday’s Starter’s Cup.
The cup is presented that evening for the best net score, whilst other prizes are also awarded, serving as a precursor to the main competitions, which begins with two qualifying rounds of 18 holes on Tuesday and Wednesday before finishing up with knockout rounds on Thursday and Friday.
Gents Highland Open – 4th – 10th August
Two weeks later, it’s the mens turn to take to the fairways.
The action begins with a number of short, warm-up competitions over the weekend before 18-hole qualifying rounds begin on Monday and Tuesday, followed by knockout rounds which make up the rest of the week.
For those who don’t qualify, there’s also the opportunity to journey to Blair Atholl and compete for the celebrated Blair Atholl trophy.
Good Food, Good Times, Great People
Of course, it isn’t just what happens on the fairway that makes the Highland Open one of the most popular amateur golfing events in Scotland; there’s plenty happening back at the clubhouse, too.
On Monday, 16th July, eat, drink and dance the night away as you get to know your fellow golfers at an opening social evening complete with the Starters’ Cup presentation.
Two nights later, reconvene for the popular quiz night, complete with a selection of prizes before showing off your non-golfing talents at the traditional Highland Ceilidh.
Friday night, the clubhouse plays host to the annual presentation evening, with more events planned for the men’s competition in early August.
Add a Touch of Luxury To Your Highland Open Experience With the Award-Winning Dunalastair Hotel Suites
Winners of the 2018 Boho Awards for excellence in luxury guest experiences and the winner of Boutique Hotel of the Year courtesy of the Scottish Hospitality Awards, our five-star hotel in Pitlochry is based just a short distance from the course itself, making us the ideal homebase for your Scottish golfing holiday.
Each room has been elegantly designed to deliver the ultimate combination of space, style and stunning views, with custom-made beds for the kind of perfectly peaceful night’s sleep you’ll need after a long-day on the course.
That’s not to mention the delicious breakfast you’ll enjoy courtesy of Monadh Dining when you take advantage of one of our latest Scottish summer holiday special offers.
Make your 2018 Highland Open experience one to remember with a stay at the award-winning Dunalastair Hotel Suites. Book directly via our website for our best available rates, or call now on +44 (0)1882 580444.