Gavin at the Highland Laddie 01 Aug 2013
Cameron House launches a unique "halfway house" at its Carrick Golf Course

Cameron House

Loch Lomond, Scotland, July 2013 - No, it's not misplaced ambiance from one of the water hazards ... but the new addition to The Carrick Golf Course at Cameron House would seem more at home on the waterways than on the fairways. The Highland Laddie, a former Thames riverboat, is now in its new home between the 9th and 10th holes of the par-71 championship course and makes an ideal new spot for a mid-game refreshment.

 

The 18-hole Carrick gives its guests the unique chance to play the front nine holes in the Lowlands and the back nine in the Highlands of Scotland, the country that gave birth to the game. The Highland Laddie originally came to Cameron House as a way to take golfing guests from the main hotel to the course via Loch Lomond, but it chugged along a little too slowly for golfers who were eager to start their game. So rather than taking golfers on the boat, the resort decided to take the boat to them - by moving it onto land and permanently "docking" it at the turn. It's now a venue for hungry players who want to tuck into a selection of Scottish pies, soups or drinks as they enjoy stunning views of Ben Lomond and the rolling hills that await them during the second half of their game.

 

The Carrick, which is named for its designer, Doug Carrick, has hosted the Ladies Scottish Open, the PGA Cup and the World Corporate Golf Challenge. Golf professional Kylie Walker, a member of the Ladies European Tour, christened the new Highland Laddie with a bottle of fine malt whisky on July 13. A time capsule filled with memorabilia - golf score cards, balls, tees and menus, plus a short history of the Laddie - was buried under the boat prior to its opening as the course's new "halfway house."

 

The Carrick is an epic journey of stunning greens, majestic mountain backdrops and the ultimate water hazard, Loch Lomond itself. As a full-service golf facility, The Carrick provides PGA coaching, a golf academy, a practice range with 12 bays where golfers can hit shots onto a floating island, a putting and chipping area, a full pro shop, and caddie service. This is a walking course, with no handicap required to play; guests are advised to plan a round of 4.5 hours. To access The Carrick, Cameron House guests can use the complimentary shuttle service or enjoy a cruise aboard Celtic Warrior ... a boat that will indeed remain on the waters of Loch Lomond rather than on the neighboring golf course.

 

When they've finished "driving" on both the high road and the low road, golfers can stop at the resort's 19th hole, the Claret Jug, for drinks, snacks or a full meal. And for those guests who want a warm-up or short game during their visit to Cameron House, the cheeky "Wee Demon" is a nine-hole, par-32 course located adjacent to the resort's Boat House restaurant.

 

Cameron House offers an array of golf packages during the season, which typically lasts from April through October (though the course never closes). A One-Night Golf Break includes 36 holes, dinner, lodging and breakfast and starts at £159 ($241 US)* per person, double occupancy; the Two-Night Golf Break includes 54 holes, two dinners, two nights' stay and two breakfasts and starts at £270 ($409 US)* per person, double occupancy. Guests can visit the Cameron House website, www.cameronhouse.co.uk, or e-mail golf@devere.co.uk to make a booking.

 

Though it's located just 20 minutes from Glasgow International Airport, Cameron House immerses its guests in an experience that's worlds apart in terms of service. The property's 132 rooms range from twin, double and family rooms that boast views of either the loch or gardens, to junior, contemporary, executive or "whisky" suites. In addition to the Carrick golf course, resort amenities include the award-winning Carrick Spa; a complete Leisure Club; and such dining options as the Michelin star-awarded Martin Wishart at Loch Lomond. Cameron House is located near several key attractions, including Loch Lomond Aquarium, the Glengoyne Distillery, Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Hill House, Stirling and Inveraray castles, and downtown Glasgow. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.cameronhouse.co.uk.

 

*Based on July conversion rates.

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Mindy Bianca

mindy@gilliesandzaiser.com

212-724-7783

CH-04 July 2013