Ferntower at Crieff Golf Club

Crieff Golf Club's Ferntower course occupies elevated ground on the southern edge of Crieff, a market town in Perthshire where the Highlands meet the lowlands. The original nine holes were laid out by Old Tom Morris in the 1890s, with James Braid later expanding and revising the layout to create the present eighteen-hole course in the early twentieth century. The routing takes advantage of the hillside terrain, offering views across Strathearn toward the surrounding hills while presenting golfers with a mix of uphill, downhill, and sidehill lies characteristic of moorland golf in this part of Scotland.

The course plays across undulating ground with heather, gorse, and mature trees framing many holes. Braid's design philosophy is evident in the strategic bunkering and green complexes that reward thoughtful placement over sheer distance. The terrain naturally divides the layout into distinct sections, with some holes climbing toward higher ground and others descending back toward the clubhouse. The conditioning and challenge vary with Scotland's weather, as wind exposure on the upper portions can significantly alter how the course plays.

Crieff Golf Club operates as a traditional members' club with visitor access, maintaining the welcoming character common to many Scottish clubs outside the major championship venues. The Ferntower course serves as the club's primary layout, complemented by a shorter nine-hole course on the property. Its position in Perthshire places it within a region rich in golf history, though it remains primarily a local and regional venue rather than a tournament site.