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In the heart of the Scottish Highlands with the towering Cairngorm Mountains to the south and the River Spey skirting its fringe, there are few more sylvan settings than the Boat of Garten Golf Club. Heather and silver birch trees define many holes along with swathes of heather and gorse. The Strathspey Steam Railway passing the 3rd, 4th and 6th holes adds a delightful nostalgic touch.
 
The Boat is an excellent test of golf with all the demands of a championship course contained within a compact parcel of land. In spite of its mere 6,000 yards on the card the course plays much longer. For the first three holes, the Boat is relatively plain sailing with the waft of pine and heather along with the evocative smell of steam trains. All the way to the putting surface the 4th brings forward one of the Boat of Garten's most notable features, distinct undulations.

The dogleg 6th is lined with pine and birch and turns right towards the green. There is no way through the trees, only straight forward to drop the ball within striking distance. Another tight 200 yards will get you home but the green can reject the ball from its raised surface and off down a steep-sided bank.

It pays to settle your game early on and enjoy the scenery which from so many holes, is peerless. From the height of the 12th tee, Craigellachie, there is a particularly fine view south. The 15th is a unique proposition where an 7 or 8 iron will suffice off the tee to land the ball ahead of a yawning 'Gully' before taking on the green on the far side.

The Boat’s closing hole is the course’s most formidable. The onus is placed on the drive, ideally a long fade dissecting the fairway to leave a reasonable shot onto a high, pudding-bowl green. A forced effort could find trouble right or left. On the right are woods and an OOB road. The grounds-keeping maintenance track, skirted with thick heather exists to the left. If you achieve a reasonable drive, it can still be 200 yards onto the distinctly raised green with two flanking bunkers. Not many get home here in two so lay up before the green and avoid penalties.

Generally, as a golfing experience Boat of Garten has a timeless appeal. There is something quite magical about the stunning scenery, the 18 individual holes and, certainly any time we have played it, optimum green conditions. The clubhouse offers all modern amenities and good food. Perhaps its best aspect is sitting outside, enjoying an after-round refreshment and drinking in the stunning scenery across the course to the magnificent Cairngorm Mountains.

Photographs & text © David J Whyte 2009

BOAT OF GARTEN GOLF CLUB VIDEO