Revealing the new Centenary Golf Course

OPENED TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY ON SATURDAY 28 TH MAY 2022, BY DAVID ANDERSON (F ’63), WHO HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COURSE, THE HEADMASTER, AND GOVERNOR PAUL JOHNSTON, THE CENTENARY GOLF COURSE CELEBRATES 101 YEARS OF STRATHALLAN SCHOOL BEING IN FORGANDENNY.

At 1178 yards and Par 33, the new 9-hole course offers a challenge to players of all abilities and was designed and created by Strathallan’s Head of Grounds, Mike Bussey. The Centenary course seamlessly blends into the school landscape, with plans for more wildflowers and trees to feature prominently in the near future.

Xander Gibson, Vice-Captain of School and Captain of Golf at Strathallan School, said, “The course has a great balance between challenging enough for players with experience but also big open fairways for beginners. There are so many more pupils out every night now as they all want to play. It’s great to be able to go out in the evenings, with your friends and play a round of golf during exams, it’s a huge stress relief.”

Xander, who first picked up a club six years ago, said having the course on campus let pupils pick up the sport at their own pace. He continued, “The Centenary course has a great links feeling about it. Well maintained grass, rolling hills and the water and rough hazards, all make it so much fun as you know someone will end up in the water at some point.”

Mike, said, “We wanted to take in the lie of the natural land and create an Academy course that makes the golfers think about their shots.”

Strathallan Governor Paul Johnston, who left the school as a pupil in 1994, was invited to tee off the friendly competition between students, Strathallians and staff.

When asked what the course means to him, he said, “Opening a new golf course at Strathallan represents a new beginning for another sport that students here can excel at. It will give pupils the opportunity to play a game that I love and that so many people love in Scotland and across the globe.”

The winning team of the inaugural Strathallian v School competition were presented with a beautiful Hickory Golf Club donated by Hamish Steedman (F ’76). The event will be held annually in the summer term and is open to all Strathallians, staff, parents and pupils.

To watch the centenary course flyover click on the QR code here.