The PGA Centenary Course

The PGA Centenary Course was home to the 2014 Ryder Cup and differs from other challenges at Gleneagles, as it has been made rather than placed. It is a perfect example of how to combine Scottish and American course design, with great rolling banks of rough and broad lush fairways. Created by Jack Nicklaus, This is a modern classic and was an enormous challenge to design, even for such an acclaimed golf architect. He called the result, “The finest parcel of land in the world I have ever been given to work with".

Nicklaus aimed for a uniquely challenging course, harnessing the modern design ethos to stretch and test the world's greatest players while, in the immortal phrase of Bobby Jones, "offering problems a man may attempt according to his ability... never hopeless for the lesser player nor failing to concern and interest the expert."

The tees are graded at each hole in five stages, including a challenging 6,804 yards from the white markers, making it a monster better suited to the low handicappers, down to 5,263 from the reds. Beginning by playing southeast towards the glen, the PGA Centenary Course sweeps up the rugged Ochil Hills to the summit of the pass below Ben Shee, which joins it to Glendevon.

With many of the greens protected at the front, the key to shooting a low score around the PGA Centenary Course is not coming up short with your approaches.

A big feature of the PGA Centenary Course is the feast of spectacular countryside in which it's set. Putting on the two-tier second green, you can't help but be distracted by the lush panorama of the rich Perthshire straths. As you move westwards over the next few holes, the rugged Grampians come into view on the right, then distantly purple ahead, Ben Vorlich and the mountains above the Trossachs.

About the PGA Centenary Course, Gleneagles – A brief history

Jack Nicklaus' first and only Scottish course design project
Opened in 1993
American-style layout, a big stadium course
Scotland's longest inland course
Renovated in 2011–12
Host venue of The 2014 Ryder Cup
Host venue of The 2019 Solheim Cup
Par 72
18 holes
7296 yards

Gleneagles PGA Centenary Course Information

Caddies Available: Available on request and subject to availability
Golf Trollies Available: Available
Golf Buggies Available: Available on advanced request and subject to availability
Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting green and short game area
Dress Code: Informal, although they would prefer you not to wear jeans or jogging trousers. Restaurants require smart casual, although jackets and ties are not required

PGA Centenary Course Scorecard

Click here to view The PGA Centenary Course scorecard

Gleneagles PGA Centenary Course Featured hole – The 5^th Hole

As the name suggests Hole 5, Crookit Cratur, comes with a particularly twisted and undulating green. The tee shot is best served bold, driving left of the centre of the fairway to get a good line into the green. If that's a bridge too far, go in lower key with a safe line to the right. Because the entrance to the green is very narrow, aiming for the centre of the green is a wise tactic, taking one more club than you might think you need.

Known for hosting the 2014 Ryder Cup and the 2019 Solheim Cup

The Ryder Cup put this exceptional modern course's reputation on the map in 2014 and re-enforced it further when it hosted the Solheim Cup in 2019.

Gleneagles Golf Deals

Looking for an unforgettable Gleneagles golf package? Gleneagles is just one of numerous exceptional golf courses available through the Old Course Experience.

Featured PGA Centenary Course, Gleneagles golf package:

St Andrews & Gleneagles 7 Nights Golf Package - Six rounds of Golf and seven nights accommodation in St Andrews and Gleneagles. Includes play on both the Gleneagles PGA Centenary and King’s courses, as well as one guaranteed round at the Old Course. Discover More >