Proposals for a £200k golf development in Perthshire have been approved by local councillors who are keen on attracting tourists to the area.
The directors of 102-year-old Pitlochry Golf Course want to build a new nine-hole golf course and practice areas, as well as a 12-bay covered driving range, within the existing grounds of the club. The new facilities – which will also include wetlands and wildlife corridors plus routes for ramblers – will be particularly aimed at beginners to the game and are supported by sportsscotland.
“This is hugely significant in terms of sports provision and for driving tourism in Perthshire,” said Richard Drummond, one of the club’s directors. “This is a milestone for the course. It will make Pitlochry a major golfing destination and will also create jobs.
“The only course which will have similar facilities in the whole of Perthshire will be Gleneagles. Naturally, we are very excited about the future.”
In recommending the blueprint for approval, Perth and Kinross Council’s development quality manager, Nick Brian, said the proposals would “significantly improve the golf course facilities”, highlighting the potential for developing the sport’s future generations.
Pitlochry Golf Club’s future was thrown into doubt in 2009, but the club was able to secure a 30-year lease from Pitlochry Estates Trust in January 2010. Since then, clubhouse bar and restaurant turnover has doubled and membership has risen to more than 400 members and 100 community members.
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