Scotland’s 'hidden gem' golf venue plans major resort development

Strathmore Golf Centre, which is considered one of Scotland’s most scenic and underrated venues, is eyeing an exciting new future as it looks to evolve into a luxury staycation resort following its successful hosting of the PGA National 4 Ball Championship earlier this year.

Set in the rolling Perthshire countryside near Blairgowrie, Strathmore Golf Centre made history in August when staging the event for the first time in Scotland since 1989. 

Now, the family-run club is reviving plans for high-end accommodation, leisure facilities and an expanded clubhouse as it prepares for a change in ownership.

Owned and operated for more than 20 years by David Norman and business partners Peter and Simon Howell, Strathmore GC has built a strong reputation as one of Scotland’s friendliest and best-value golf venues.

The popular golf centre based in Alyth already boasts two quality courses — the award-winning 18-hole Rannaleroch Course, a Par-72 with PGA Championship status, and the 9-hole Leitfie Links, perfect for beginners and short-game practice.

The Rannaleroch Course has earned rave reviews from PGA professionals and golf course experts for its immaculate presentation and friendly layout.

Add to that a 10-bay floodlit driving range, dedicated practice facilities and a popular restaurant, and you’ve got one of Scotland’s best all-round golfing hubs.

The plans could transform the centre into a complete golf and leisure destination, perfect for the UK’s booming staycation market.

Spanning more than 79 hectares of stunning countryside, Strathmore GC represents a rare chance to acquire one of Scotland’s most exciting golf and leisure propositions.

"It’s known that we are ultimately looking to sell the centre in preparation to retire," said Norman.

"We have staged our most prestigious PGA event ever, over the summer, which attracted a lot of attention.

"A luxury staycation resort could easily be created here, with challet style lodges easy to site.

"As we have had outline planning granted for this before, which has now lapsed, it would not be at all difficult for a new owner to apply and achieve it again.

"The proposals were detailed and well thought out. 

"It’s the type pf development that would be very much welcomed, creating much needed visitor accommodation, generating jobs and revenue throughout the area, whilst continuing to put Alyth on the map as yet another beautiful Perthshire destination."

Location-wise, Strathmore couldn’t be bette as It sits just over an hour from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, with Perth, Dundee and the Central Belt all within easy reach.

It’s also less than 45 minutes from Gleneagles, St Andrews and Carnoustie, giving golfers an ideal base to explore Scotland’s biggest names in golf while enjoying the tranquillity of rural Perthshire.

"Plenty of staycation resorts have a golf course as part of their offering, and it tends to make them even more desirable," said Norman.

"However, Strathmore Golf Course isn’t ‘just another course’, it is a shining star and has achieved PGA Championship Course status. 

"In the words of many notable PGA professional golfers, Strathmore Golf Course, to coin a phrase, is truly a hidden gem."

The Scottish property is on the market with Colliers for offers in excess of £1.65 million, with enquiries directed to Robert Smithson at Robert.Smithson@colliers.com.

With the UK staycation boom showing no sign of slowing, Strathmore looks perfectly placed to become Scotland’s next great golf resort — and one to watch in the years ahead.