Perthshire resort commits to heritage and technology, elevating player experience and market position.
Kinross Golf Courses, nestled in the scenic central Perthshire landscape, has announced a substantial investment programme exceeding £800,000, signalling a significant enhancement to its offerings and its standing as a premier Scottish golf destination. The comprehensive upgrade blends a respect for the courses’ heritage with the integration of modern amenities, aiming to deliver a superior experience for golfers.
The investment focuses heavily on improving playing conditions and visitor convenience. A major allocation of £600,000 is dedicated to acquiring state-of-the-art greens machinery, ensuring pristine turf across both 18-hole courses. This is complemented by the introduction of 20 new-generation EZGO ride-on buggies, equipped with integrated GPS screens for enhanced on-course navigation. Furthermore, new, cohesive signage will be installed across each hole and at the main entrance, contributing to a modern and welcoming aesthetic that still acknowledges the courses’ rich history.
Credit: Kinross Golf Course
Central to the programme is the sensitive restoration of bunkering on both the Montgomery and Bruce Courses. This work aims to return these features closer to their original architectural intent, with subtle adjustments to ensure they remain strategically challenging and relevant for contemporary play.
Dean Charalambous, Director at Artemis Hotels Management, commented on the strategic importance of this initiative: “This significant investment demonstrates the team’s commitment to preserving the heritage of Kinross Golf Courses while delivering a premium experience for every golfer who visits.”
Kinross Golf Courses comprises two distinct 18-hole layouts: The Montgomery and The Bruce. The Montgomery, the more senior of the two, spans 6,508 yards with a par of 72 and presents a rigorous challenge, featuring 19 strategically placed bunkers and a pond. The Bruce, known as “The Wild Child,” offers a par 73 over 6,231 yards, providing a thrilling mix of opportunity and unpredictability, with a challenging front nine that includes four par-5s in just six holes. Both courses are situated near Loch Leven, offering picturesque views.
Credit: Kinross Golf Course
Greig McSporran, Director of Golf at Kinross Golf Courses, emphasised the personal connection to the project: “As someone who has served at Kinross for nearly 20 years, I have a deep affection for the courses, their design, and the people who bring them to life every day. Our bunker restoration programme is an exciting step forward — it returns the bunkers closer to their original footprint while preserving the strategic intent and aesthetic character envisioned by Sir David Montgomery. This ensures the courses continue to challenge and inspire golfers for generations to come.”
Beyond course enhancements, Kinross is expanding its facilities with a new driving range currently under construction and slated for completion by the end of 2026. This £3 million development, approved by Perth and Kinross Council in July 2024, will feature a 19-bay driving range, a café, and a golf shop, along with putting and pitching practice areas. The council’s approval, despite initial concerns over agricultural land use, highlighted the anticipated tourism and economic benefits for the Kinross-shire area.
The investment also includes a subtle brand refresh, incorporating the Montgomery family crest across the courses. The Montgomery family has owned and invested in the estate for centuries, with the Montgomery course itself being relaunched and named after them in 2006. Sir David Montgomery, whose design philosophy guides the current course character, remains actively involved in overseeing the courses’ adherence to his original vision.
Credit: Kinross Golf Course
This substantial upgrade positions Kinross Golf Courses to align its pricing with the elevated quality of experience, while maintaining accessibility. The move reflects a broader trend within Scotland’s vibrant golf tourism market, which generates an estimated £300 million annually and contributes significantly to the national economy.
Investments in golf infrastructure are on the rise across the UK, driven by increased participation since the pandemic and a growing demand for high-quality experiences. Recent examples include major clubhouse renovations, course modernisations, and new resort developments, with a focus on integrating technology for improved course management and player engagement.
Kinross Golf Courses aims to capitalise on this buoyant market by offering a distinctive Scottish golfing experience that honours its heritage while embracing future innovations. The nearby Green Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, further supports the “stay and play” proposition, providing accommodation and additional amenities for visitors.
