The Scottish Highlands begin to the north of Perth with the small mountain town of Pitlochry very much the gateway. And it’s golf course was created over 100 years ago on a magnificent escarpment above the town with glorious views in all directions. Mountains, plains and the fast-running River Tummell dominate and provide the backdrop to make the golf course at Pitlochry a very special place to play the game.

It is about seven years since I played this course and the improvements in green-keeping are significant with well-kept bunkers, tidy if sloping fairways and immaculately presented greens. Pitlochry at 5400 yards with a par of 69 from the yellow tees may appear short, but it’s often severe slopes make it play a lot longer.

The round starts with 3 steeply uphill holes which are not ideal in establishing a golfing rhythm. It then flows up and down the slopes presenting on its way a mixture of very challenging holes or some gentler tests mainly in the form of shorter par 4s. There are 15 par4s on the course and 3 par3s of which the last two at 11 and 16 are both very good. 11 is 170 yards uphill to a plateau green with tall trees on the edge of the course threatening anything pushed right, while 16 a bit further down the slope requires a downhill shot to a smaller well-protected green, again with trees on the right.

The best of the par4s are number 5 with its gentle dogleg to a raised green which requires a strong approach over a massive mound, 9 which plays downhill and swings round a small-holding to a welcoming green and the delightful 320 yard final hole which slopes down back to the bright red-roofed clubhouse. It looks driveable from the tee but a stream runs right in front of the green and only a long and perfectly struck drive will get home to set up a final birdie opportunity. To most ordinary mortals the approach shot is from a testing downhill lie although a satisfying final par4 should be attainable.

I am not a fan of the very tough start but after this the challenges are more manageable and the enjoyment level increases dramatically. Pitlochry is however much more than an unusual golf course over a spectacular hilly landscape more fit for mountain goats than golfers. It is a good test of golfing technique and also your fortitude in smiling at the unlucky bounces as well as the luckier ones. If you have struggled with the golf, you will still have enjoyed a lung-busting and invigorating walk that will surely get you coming back to try and do better next time.