Gleneagles - PGA

A modern championship beast set in the Perthshire hills. Host of the 2014 Ryder Cup, the PGA Centenary is bold, sprawling, and built for drama.

Slope Rating

145

Par

72

Yardage

7,296

The PGA Centenary Course is Gleneagles’ modern showpiece – a Jack Nicklaus design built for big events and bold play. It opened in 1993 and gained global acclaim as the host of the 2014 Ryder Cup, where Europe defeated the USA in a dramatic contest. Unlike the older King’s and Queen’s, the Centenary is a parkland course with a modern championship layout – wide landing areas, large undulating greens, and spectacular long views over the Perthshire countryside. The front nine builds gradually, but the back nine brings the fireworks – the par-5 16th and par-4 18th played key roles in Ryder Cup history. The course is long and strategic, rewarding smart drives and confident approaches. Elevated tees, tiered greens, and water hazards add to the theatre. Despite its length, it’s playable from the right tees, with options for all abilities. Conditioning is flawless. This is a premium, resort-style challenge, purpose-built for big moments. If you want to walk in the footsteps of the world’s best, this is where you go.

Designer

Jack Nicklaus

Opened

1993

Tee time availability

Good

Special information

Ideal for Ryder Cup fans. Expect championship presentation and immaculate service. Best booked as part of a Gleneagles multi-round experience.

Tiger’s best round

Rory’s best round

67 – 2014 Ryder Cup singles match

Mens course record

63 – Alex Norén (2019 Scottish Open)

Ladies course record

Round duration

4 hours 45 minutes

Caddy guide

Recommended – valuable for green reads, club selection, and elevation judgment

Buggies

Highly recommended given course length and elevation

Play the right tees – even from the whites, this is a stern test. Key is approach play into tiered greens and managing slopes. Keep ball below the hole and avoid short-siding yourself.

Forgiving off the tee, but the green complexes can bite. Trust the yardage book, avoid the hero shots unless you’re confident, and enjoy the walk – it’s world-class.

Very playable from forward tees. Take your time, soak in the experience, and don’t worry about the scorecard. Big fairways and beautiful scenery make it a fun day.

Green speed

10 – smooth, tour-standard, and challenging when firm

Wind

Variable – sheltered in spots, but exposed on elevated holes. Swirling breeze often complicates back-nine shots.

Pace of play

Excellent – resort marshals and tee time management keep rounds on track despite length

Nerves on the first tee

Medium – championship tee box with gentle opener. Elevated view but welcoming fairway calms the nerves

Clubhouse

World-class – resort-style luxury with pro shop, lounge, and full-service dining

The 16th is a dramatic downhill par-5 with water left – the site of key Ryder Cup moments. The 18th is a thrilling par-4 with a deep valley tee shot and a precise uphill approach to a guarded green. The 10th, a risk-reward par-4, is a Nicklaus design classic.

Inland and relatively sheltered. Warm summers and cool, crisp mornings. Less wind than coastal courses, though rain showers can pass quickly over the hills.