A Jewel in the Bonnie Bonnie Banks

My journey across the Atlantic began with a luxurious escape into the heart of Trossachs National Park. Nestled near Alexandria, Scotland,lies the stunning and exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club. This Tom Weiskopf-designed parkland course challenges tradition, presenting an American-style layout in the land of links golf. While some may criticize it for not adhering to Scotland’s famed links identity, I believe such opinions are rooted in envy. Securing a round on the "bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond" is a privilege few can claim.

Even arriving at Loch Lomond is an experience. There are multiple entrances to the grounds, and my family and I needed more than one attempt to find the secretive member’s gate. The drive from the gate to the Rossdhu House,the elegant clubhouse, takes you through parts of the inward nine. The first impression? Immaculate. The conditions were pristine, the loch mirrored the clear skies, and there wasn’t a soul in sight. This serene exclusivity reflects the fact that many members are international and rarely visit. My Uncle, an overseas member, had graciously arranged the visit.

Rossdhu House itself is a masterpiece. It exudes old-world charm and refinement while serving as the hub of the club’s luxurious amenities. My two-night stay in the Garden Cottages added to the idyllic experience. Between skeet shooting, trawler boat rides, fine dining, and a visit to the Walled Garden Spa, I found time for 27 unforgettable holes of golf.

A Parkland Paradise

Disregarding the controversial parkland style, I was shocked at how similar my experience was to that of an American golf course. I’m sure the unusually, stunning 82°F(28°C) weather had something to do with it. The warmth mixed with the surrounding area made it feel like I was back at home.

Before my official round, I played the outward nine as a practice session.It allowed me to familiarize myself with the greens, the layout, and the key landing areas that could make or break my score.

The next morning, after enjoying a traditional Scottish breakfast of kippers and pancakes, I joined my father, my Uncle, and his friend— a director at Prestwick Golf Club— for our round. Equipped with caddies, though admittedly novice ones, we set out to tackle Loch Lomond’s immaculate fairways.

The Outward Nine: Beauty along the loch

"The loch’s presence enhances the experience,though it rarely comes into play as a hazard, in my arrogant opinion."

The front nine features several holes along the loch, making it slightlymore forgiving and visually stunning than the back.

• Hole 1, Scots Pine: A charming starting hole that gave me trouble both times I played it.‍
• Hole 2, Deer Park: A standout memory. During the practice round, I birdied it with a long putt. The next day, after finding the hazard, I pulled off a miraculous par save by sinking a 50+ foot putt.‍
• Hole 3, Garden Cottage: A picturesque par five near the cottages where we stayed. Each of Loch Lomond’s par fives is unique, and this one sets the tone with stunning views. In fact, I would go as far as to say that Loch Lomond has the most visually stunning group of par fives in golf. A lofty statement, I know. I haven’t played Augusta, Cypress, Kiawah, and so on, but I enjoyed how each of the par fives on this course were unique, fun, and stunning in their own ways. It's as if Weiskopf picked four random par fives from courses spanning the globe and threw them together, here, at     Loch Lomond.‍

• Hole 6, Long Loch Lomond: The ultimate distraction for sightseeing golfers. Playing alongside the water, it’s hard not to admire the loch’s tranquility. 
• Hole 7, Yon Bonnie Banks: At just 410 yards, it’s deceptively challenging. A narrow     fairway, trees on both sides, and a tricky green make par a respectable score.‍

• Hole 9, Shi G’Arten: My favorite hole on the inward nine. It is a fantastic short par four that requires precision on both the tee and fairway. There are bunkers     seemingly everywhere on the right and middle of the fairway and trees left. The green runs front to back with bunkers all around. A truly thought-provoking par four. I am sure it would've played much more difficult had there been true Scottish weather.

The outward nine’s blend of strategy and aesthetics makes it a joy to play.The loch’s presence enhances the experience, though it rarely comes into play as a hazard, in my arrogant opinion.

The Inward Nine: Into the Woods

Transitioning into the forested terrain, the back nine presents a more strategic challenge, relying on natural contours and elevation changes.

• Hole 11, Sheriff’s Mount: The toughest par three on the course. Into the wind, the     wide green’s false fronts and central swale made par a victory.
• Hole 12, Court Hill: A brutal false front punished my approach shot, but a deft chip saved par.

• Hole 13, Gallows Hill: My favorite hole. This risk-reward par five features a raised tee and bunkers aplenty. A massive drive tempted me to go for the green in two, resulting in a bogey—lesson learned.

• Hole 16, Dun Na Bruich: A sweeping dogleg left par five. The water in front of the green forces strategic decisions. Big hitters can go for it, but I laid up and missed a short birdie putt.
• Hole 17, The Bay: A stunning par three with a green surrounded by thick marshland. Precision is key here, as any miss short or left spells disaster.

• Hole 18, Rossdhu Castle: Loch Lomond’s finishing hole is one of the finest I’ve played. A downhill par four, it challenges you with a sloping fairway and an infamous tree blocking approach shots from the left. My father’s tee shot, which seemed perfect, rolled into the left rough and left him no angle to the green. Meanwhile, my ideal drive was wasted when my approach settled above the hole. A cautious tap from my putter sent the ball 15 yards off the green. The 18th at Loch Lomond is as humbling as it is captivating.

Reflections on the Loch

Loch Lomond is an exceptional golfing experience. From the unparalleled service to the breathtaking scenery, every detail contributes to its mystique.While it’s a parkland course in the homeland of links golf, it offers a unique blend of design elements that reminded me of courses in Philadelphia, South Carolina, and even Augusta National to an extent.

Despite my shaky golf game, I left Loch Lomond with memories to cherish. The beauty of the course, the hospitality of the club, and the perfection of the conditions made it an unforgettable part of my Scottish adventure. If you ever have the chance to play this exclusive gem, seize it— you won’t regret it.

"I consider Loch Lomond my lasting memorial to golf" - Tom Weiskopf

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