Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club

The course is split into two distinct parts: the original course (holes 1-8, 17 and 18) and the newer part (holes 9-16), which is much more open and forgiving. The wind was blowing strongly from the north-west when I played, making play against or across it quite challenging. The old part is stunning, with great views as you ponder how you should navigate your way round. The fairways are well kept and of decent width but some of the rough is unforgiving. Most of the greens are patchy, partly I imagine because of the abnormally long cold spell this spring, but consistent two-putting is difficult. Even nailed-on four or six-footers can be knocked off course unexpectedly. (The greens on the newer half of the course are better but still patchy.)

The newer part, on lower and sometimes marshy ground, is much more open and is something of a relief after the technicality of some of the first holes. Still, there are areas that are out of bounds and some strategically positioned natural features which can add a stroke or two to your card very easily.

Returning to the original part of the course for the final two holes is like entering another world, with two very demanding par 3s: the 17th is 195 yards from the white tees, uphill and with an exceptionally narrow window into a very small green (in general the greens on the old part are relatively small). The final hole is a simple 123-yard pitch, unless the wind is blowing into your face. Again, miss the tight green and you will struggle to get the ball up and down from the variegated rough.

If anything could be improved, it is the signage: diagrams of each hole, or even just a sheet of short notes, would help the visitor to plan tee shots; and signs to the next tees would be helpful at a couple of the holes, as the white/yellow/red tees can be in quite different places.

On the whole, this is a lovely quiet course with stunning views and I came off the eighteenth with a smile on my face and a real sense of achievement (largely because I stopped counting my shots ;-) ).

Played Dunkeld & Birnam on way back from 3 days golfing at Carnoustie as part of a 4-ball made up of group of friends. Have to say our experience was not good largely down to the state of the greens. All 18 greens were damaged with hardly any grass visible. There were large patches of bare dirt that made them unplayable with the ball constantly bobbling and going off line. Lots of interesting holes on what is a very hilly course so be prepared for some stiff climbs but all that was spoilt by the state of the greens. Unsure what the cause is/was but ruined the day and as a result the round was significantly overpriced at £37. A concession or at least forewarning of the damaged greens should have been given.

Course in good condition, greens are nice with a reasonable pace. A few blind holes but great views and a decent challenge. Definitely worth playing and will be back.

We thoroughly enjoyed our round at Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Course. The surrounding countryside is beautiful & the views from the course were amazing. There were some tricky holes but I was very pleased to start & finish with the same ball. Would love to come back to play it again.

Course was lovely. Stunning backdrop and a difficult course.
Disappointed that there were no staff at the facilities when we had agreed to play... I don’t understand why the course would advertise and take bookings on golf now (where traditionally most bookings are first timers to the course of one offs) And not have a member of staff there to help and give guidance. We didn’t even get scorecards which was poor.

I would recommend the course though but only in the middle of the day, probably at the weekend when the course bother maybe putting staff on.

Decided to play a round of golf whilst on holiday at the cardney estate
The price was perfect and the course is in fantastic condition and often quite challenging with some of the green positions etc
The course has a lot of elevated tees as well as a few elevated greens
I would definitely recommend hiring a buggy if you are not the fittest as there some steep hills to carry clubs or push a trolley

Booked Dunkeld via GolfNow for 10am and arrived in heavy rain. No one around to check if course open or not. Checked website -winter hours 11am until 5pm. So no pre round coffee for us. Played the course in dreadful conditions and looked forward to enjoying a warming lunch. 130pm. Clubhouse and toilets closed. Open from 11am to 1pm only on Sundays. (Not what website says). Extremely disappointed and wont be back. Why is Dunkeld making tee times available and not providing catering? They must have known we were booked in.

Played the course with two friends on a lovely warm summer's afternoon. The setting is very beautiful.
The course is well designed and is pretty hilly and quite challenging both physically and golf wise. You might need a buggy if your fitness is not at a decent level.
It's well maintained with lush fairways and greens. My only criticism is that the greens, although smooth and true, were definitely on the slow side.
Clubhouse overlooking first green offers magnificent views especially from the outside tables on a warm clear day.
Staff were friendly / helpful as were fellow golfers.
Good value for money
Thoroughly enjoyable experience - will almost certainly return.

Three of us staying locally at Aberfeldy and found this wee gem on Golfnow - really glad we did as it was a great find, especially at the bargain price of £18 each for an 11am tee time on a Sunday in July !! .
The lady at reception was very welcoming, even coming out to the 1st tee to show us the layout and give us bit of history of the course. etc which we really appreciated. It sounds like she has been there for a good few years and you could tell that she was very proud of the course.

The front nine is the original course layout and is quite tight and tricky, with the (newer) second nine opening out into a more open outlook with longer holes to negotiate. The two nines were very different, but no less challenging and you need to be on your game to post a good score here and it is a very fair test.

The overall condition of the course was good and the greens were in nice condition, even after the very dry recent spell of weather.

Unfortunately we didn't have time to go in for a drink or something to eat as we needed to get back to Aberfeldy, but a quick peek in showed a beautiful lounge area with cracking views over the course.

All in all, the three of us agreed that we would have no hesitation in coming back to play here again or to recommend to anyone else looking for a game in the area.

A short course but full of surprises - plenty of elevation and in the middle of the most beautiful scenery. Would have given 5 stars if there had been a range. At £19 with a Hot Deal this is a must play if you are in the area. The staff were very friendly. There is even a vacation rental flat above the clubhouse that you can book via AirBnB.

course us a bit hilly but good exercise. some great quirky holes. greens good. definitely worth a game.

Highly enjoyable round of golf. Some interesting and deceptive holes on first nine. Second nine is relatively new though the greens seem much quicker.

A great small course, amazing scenery. A course full of hills, some quite steep. I thoroughly enjoyed my round. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. I will be back. I only started playing last year and this presented quite a challenge.

Wet start but didn't detract from a very scenic and fun round

Wonderful setting the views are breathtaking. Interesting and challenging course set in highland Perthshire. Well worth playing the course is in two parts with a more recent back nine added in 2000. Not many downsides but the greens had suffered from the dry spring and many have not recovered from tining and dressing.

The car parking is limited and access to the clubhouse is via a steep path/drive. The 16th 17th and 18th are very steep climbs and if like me you are on the wrong side of sixty you may want to have a buggy. Recommended