Aberfeldy Golf Club

I joined Aberfeldy Golf Club in 1954. Membership costing the capital sum of TEN SHILLINGS. The next year I became a member at Taymouth Castle for the magnificent sum of ONE GUINEA, including locker fee.

Most years since I have returned to Aberfeldy and have observed the "improvements" with interest.

Aberfeldy extended to a18 hole course in 1995. Although I did not and could not join the ranks of the protestors, I did not really approve. The Meadow, as the Common Land was known locally, was the traditional walking ground for the village dog population. Much of my early practise sessions took place in the meadow whilst exercising our own dogs.

Winter flooding makes golf there impractical and the greens are designed with high crowns to repel water, thus making pitching to them in summer rather a precise exercise. Pitch to hold the green NOT for the pin.

However, the course is VERY well maintained and in a pleasant relaxing position. It is short and undemanding for the average player and the only real criticism, and this view was shared by all the visitors I played and spoke with, is the Treacle Slow greens. They would benefit from dethatching, a severe scalping and regular sanding. However this would be expensive. On the plus side they are mowed every day and have a consistent surface.

Best hole? No. 13. Waterloo. On ones game the better player would drive over the bushes and be rewarded accordingly. BUT as that line is totally blind, and the consequences dire, caution is recommended. Depending on the wind a 5 or 7 iron, played

WELL to the left is ideal, opening the green up for a middle to short iron approach.

The 6th also requires some thought and is best played as a smooth 7 iron for position followed by another to the elevated green which w8ill hold a well struck shot.

The revamping of the course meant the loss of 2 the best original holes, the old 3rd and 5th. Great par 3's that could be easy 2's or, particularly the 5th, a hard fought NINE.

If one wants to add some adventure they should pull out the driver at the 2nd. Off the forward tee you will carry the burn, and may, with luck bounce on to the green. From the Medal Tee the risk is not worth it. To carry the burn is 240 yards and the high bank usually stops any forward momentum. Coming up the new 4th hole, pull out a wood and go for the green. As there was Westerly breezes the days I attemped this my No. 5 woods only just carried the burn. Unlike the old days when the fairway was much firmer and a drive would roll some 40 odd yards further enabling an iron shot..... and the possibility of an Eagle.

Perhaps the unfairest hole is the short 15th. Even a well struck 7 iron can be deflected by trees which obscure the green. A good shot should NEVER be penalised in this way. Trees have NO reason to be on a golf course. Only as defining features WELL away from playing areas.

What else is the visitor interested in on a golfing outing??? You will be welcomed by John Fleming, the club steward who will ensure that you are well set up to enjoy your round. Top marks, John.

Last but not least. The bar is well set up and drinks are at competitive prices. And... the Catering Department is ready and willing to feed the inner man after golfing exertions. The food is good and the service LIGHTNING fast.

Summing up. Aberfeldy is an excellent holiday course ideal for the friendly but fierce fought fourball. With handicaps players of all abilities can compete there on equal terms.