Destination Report: Glasgow

Scotland. The birthplace of golf, the home of Monty, Sam Torrance, Sandy Lyle, Paul Lawrie, James Braid (more of whom anon) and others. Yes, if you want to talk about golf destinations, it would be pretty odd to omit Scotland.

Even more odd would be focusing on the west rather than the east, but in the trail-blazing manner of this column, this is exactly what is about to happen.

Y'see, golf did not take off in the west of Scotland as soon as it did in the east. Scotland, much like Ireland, is buffeted by the Atlantic on the western seaboard, making a genteel round of 18 challenging and, in some cases (for those of you who've seen Father Ted) dangerous.

When the weather fronts hit the coast they immediately spill their load on the terrain, limiting the amount of time that could be spent on the course. Of course, there were social reasons too, just like in Ireland. But these days, the social reasons have evaporated largely, and there is far more chance to enjoy a game between the showers.

And in Glasgow, the showers are particularly rare, since it is nestled cosily inland on the Clyde estuary and with the Clyde Valley hills gathering around it to block the wind. So, if you want to play golf in the west, Glasgow is the city to visit.

GLASGOW: THE CITY

Glasgow is not the sort of city you'd imagine to be a heartland of golf. Far from the gentility of Edinburgh, it will always be to Irish people the cauldron of working-class sectarianism as epitomized by Rangers and Celtic. Of course, this is merely one element of the city, and it has at least 100 golf courses which are highly rated.

Like most European cities, Scotland is phenomenally easy to get to these days. Ryanair flies daily from Shannon and Dublin to Glasgow Prestwick (which is nearly 50 kilometres outside of the city centre, to the southwest) for reasonable fares, while Aer Lingus have flights between Glasgow International - a mere 13km from the city centre - and Dublin. I took out the 'considerably more' bit as their prices vary.

Prestwick is served by an airport express, which goes to both Edinburgh and Glasgow outside of normal public transport hours, roughly between 7am and 11pm. For those who land between these hours, there is a train station at the airport and trains operate every half hour (hourly on Sundays) and will leave you at Glasgow Central Station. There is also a bus service which stops outside the airport concourse and operates between 8.30am and 7.30pm. But remember, that's nearly 50kms on top of your flight.

Glasgow International does not have its own railway station, with Paisley Gilmour Street station the closest one at around a mile away. There are eight trains an hour to the city Glasgow Central from Paisley Gilmour Street. There is also a connecting bus service between the airport and the train station, and tickets can be bought that are valid for the train and the connecting bus. Public bus services operate every seven minutes into Glasgow city centre, and the journey takes about half an hour, and costs £3.50 (€5.20) one way.

Like any major city, hotels are easy to come by and, whether you're a family, a small group of dedicated golfers, or a large group of rowdy merry-makers, there should be a hotel to suit your needs and your price range.

GOLF COURSES

Buchanan Castle

Buchanan Castle Golf Course is one for golfers with a little more silver in their purse (it does have a castle, after all). Its lineage is distinctly blue blooded, having being established in 1936 and now being owned by the Duke of Montrose.

Unsurprisingly, it is seated in the middle of some very expensive-looking countryside, sitting in amidst the Duke's estate, while lakes proliferate and the Highlands sitting on the other side of Loch Lomond.

It was designed by the aforementioned James Braid and is a favourite with touring golfers. It is advisable to book a tee-time up to five days ahead via the club professional, or the club secretary. The course is open on both weekdays and weekends, though the prices differ:18 holes cost £38 (€57) while a day ticket is £48 (€71.50) and 18 holes on the weekend costs £48 (€71.50).

Lanark Golf Club

Unsurprisingly, some golf courses in Glasgow are very old indeed. Lanark, is 155 years old, and was originally laid out by Tom Morris and later refined by the ubiquitous James Braid. Lanark is renowned for it's smooth fast greens, natural moorland fairways, and beautiful scenery. It boasts a course that can challenge even the most cunning golfer. The course itself is open to the elements and this adds to the challenge.

It is one of those courses that tends to be described as 'a hidden gem', regardless of how many times it's written about.

In order to get a round of golf at Lanark, it is best to book well in advance, especially during the summer, and only weekdays are open to visitors. Different times apply between April and October (the summer) and March and November (winter), but the rates for both men and women are between £30 (€44.50) and £40 (€60) per day.

Cowglen Golf Club

Cowglen is yet another James Braid course (in 1923 he increased it from a 9-hole to an 18-hole course) and is yet another challenge. Some have argued that the greens on Cowglen are the best in Scotland.

The course can be found on the Barrhead Road between Pollokshaws Toll and Pollok Shopping Centre. As with most Scottish courses the views are magnificent and Cowglen looks over the Clyde Valley and the Campsie Hills.

A round of golf will set you back between £35 (€52) and £45 (€67) and can be arranged – in advance only – through the club secretary.

You'll have to adhere to the dress code, though, which is a tad old-fashioned. So if you like denim or tracksuits, if you really love your particular team, or you just like baring your arms in a nice t-shirt on a warm summer's day, you'll have to moderate your behaviour so as not to scandalize anyone in Cowglen.