Gleneagles: The key holes to watch out for on revamped golf course

5th, Crookit Cratur, 461 yards, Par 4

The tightest driving hole on the course and also one of the toughest, it has trees flanking the left-hand side of the fairway and a steep bank on the other side. Even for those who hit a good drive the job certainly isn’t finished as the green sits beyond a marsh and any shot that comes up a bit short is liable to kick down towards it. There’s also a large bunker on the left waiting to gobble up anything that is too safe and it’s likely this hole will be won most of the time with pars rather than birdies.

9th, Crook O’Moss, 618 yards, Par 5

This hole has been transformed over the winter thanks to a decision to do away with a massive bunker on the right halfway up the fairway and replaced by water as a result of an irrigation pond being extended. It has not only given the hole a spectacular boost visually but also turned it into a far more interesting challenge. The big-hitters will still be able to try and take on the water in two but it will need two mighty blows for them to get home. A safer option is playing to the left of the hazard but new bunkers have been put in on the fairway and they have certainly been placed strategically. This hole will also provide fantastic viewing from elevated mounds on the left and back of the green.

15th, Ochil Sicht, 463 yards, Par 4

Many people regard this to be the toughest hole on the back nine and it gets its name from the fact it runs towards the Ochil Hills. It suits a draw but overdo it and you are faced with an awkward shot from the rough as the fairway falls off sharply to the left. A new bunker has been located at the corner of the dog-leg to tighten the driving area, while the green is one of the narrowest on the whole Gleneagles estate and is likely to be the scene of some fun and games.

18th, Dun Roamin’, 513 yards, Par 5

What used to be the worst hole on the course by a country mile has been totally transformed by a huge earth-moving operation up towards the green. It no longer feels like a slog from start to finish. Instead, the tee has been raised slightly to give players a better view of the landing area, where a new bunker has been placed on the right side of the fairway. As for the second half of the hole, it’s a million times better than it used to be. It’s been flattened out, the green has been moved to the right and the spectator banks on the left, right and back create a fantastic amphitheatre. The green is now long and narrow with steep run offs at either side. If matches do make it as far as the 18th, at least there is a chance of some real excitement being generated now.