The Carrick at the De Vere Deluxe Resort at Cameron House

Weaving through an area of outstanding natural beauty on the banks of Loch Lomond, The Carrick at the De Vere Deluxe Resort at Cameron House is Scotland's newest championship standard golf course and, arguably, the country's most breathtaking.

Sympathetically designed in keeping with its position within Scotland's first National Park, the new par-71 course follows a traditional Scottish heathland style and, uniquely, straddles the rolling Lowlands and majestic Highlands of Scotland. Challenging holes stretch over beautiful undulating fairways, hug inland lagoons and overlook the glittering waters of the Loch and rugged mountains beyond.

Designed by acclaimed golf architect Doug Carrick, The Carrick extends from 5,200 yards from the front tees, to 7,086 yards from the championship tees.

With such great variety, challenge and playability, The Carrick is an exceptional, eminently enjoyable and memorable test of golf for players of all abilities.

In addition to the scenic splendor, The Carrick is notable in that it is part of the De Vere Deluxe Resort at Cameron House, a beautiful 18th-century baronial lodge on the southwest shores of the Loch.

Following a multi-million-pound investment, which will soon also include a state-of-the-art spa overlooking the Loch, the five-star Cameron House, with its extraordinary setting, first-class leisure facilities, luxurious accommodation and impeccable Scottish hospitality, is one of the world's most exciting new destination resorts. 

The first hint that The Carrick benefits from the luxury and flair of a world-class resort is the approach to the course. Guests can choose to travel by car or travel in style by boat onboard the beautiful 1937 launch, Belle Époque, from the hotel jetty. The boat journey takes golfers past the resort's nature reserve, which was created with the input of Scottish Natural Heritage and the RSPB and stretches over 100 acres. Keen eyes may spot an otter, water vole or wood warbler amongst the teeming wildlife.

Nature has been allowed to shape the course, too. Indeed, The Carrick might have been named after its architect but the title is also an apt homage to both the philosophy behind the design and the ancient rock on which the course sits. Derived from the Gaelic "Carraig" or "Creag," "Carrick" means "rocky place" and, while playing the course, it is evident that the course beautifully follows and exploits the impressive and ever changing terrain with its swathes of indigenous gorse, heather and tall fescue grasses and wonderful open outlooks.

The front nine holes in the Lowlands cross open meadows, rolling countryside and travel alongside inland lagoons.

Bordered by mature woodland, the back nine holes in the Highlands offer some of the most spectacular views in the area, north to Ben Lomond, west to the Luss Hills, east towards Conic Gill and south across Loch Lomond itself climaxing with a stretch of dramatic holes alongside the shores of the Loch. The natural beauty of the course is most keenly felt on the 14th hole, which stretches from the summit of a hill down to a green on the water's edge -- possibly one of the most awesome holes in Scotland.

Throughout the course, the wide undulating tightly mown fescue fairways create hard, fast conditions. Strategically placed revetted bunkers (118 in total) provide numerous risk and reward opportunities for the scratch golfer whilst providing friendly alternate routes for higher-handicap golfers.

Green areas feature subtle but interesting contours and closely mown chipping areas provide numerous bump-and-run or pitching options. The greens allow for some interesting putts and pin locations without slowing play down.

Added to this, the latest construction techniques, sub-surface drainage and a modern greens seed mix ensure what has to be one of the best putting experiences in the country and year round play.

The amenities of the luxurious, purpose-built Club House include a well-equipped Golf Shop, access to the new Spa. The Claret Jug restaurant and bar, which looks out over the 18th hole and beyond to the Loch, features great food and simple classics during the day and a Scottish bistro menu in the evening. It's the perfect way to start or complete this unique and memorable golfing experience.

The Carrick is represented by touring pro Paul Lawrie (Open Champion 1999) and the European Ladies Touring Pro, Clare Queen.

The Carrick is the new jewel in the crown of De Vere Deluxe Resorts which also owns some of the UK's finest championship golf courses -- Slaley Hall in Northumberland, Oulton Hall near Leeds and Carden Park near Chester.