The Carrick

At first, I had thought of writing an article on both Cameron House and The Carrick. But to not single out each individual element would be unfair such is their quality. Opened in 2007, The Carrick is De Vere's flagship golf course, and a reputed £7M was invested to make sure it delivered on all fronts. That it does.

What you can't design or create though is the view. The Carrick is blessed with one of the most inspiring panoramic vistas you are ever likely to encounter. Views of Ben Lomond and The Trossachs gracefully merge with the romantic waters of Loch Lomond.

But building a fun little scenic course wasn't in architect Doug Carrick's thoughts, he wanted to construct a genuine championship golf course. Ideally you would like to see an extra couple of hundred yards added to the 7086 listed on the scorecard. However, when you take into consideration the par of 71 and the changes in elevation - it certainly isn't lacking in the length department.

The course examines your management skills right from the off. The opening hole urges you to hit driver and cut a little off the dogleg, but there is no distinct advantage in doing so. It's these little temptations put in place by the designer that make the battle between you and the course so challenging.

The 3rd and 4th holes are both bordered by water off the tee, and again the test is to resist hitting driver. The 4th in particular is a beautiful hole, and those who have played the Palmer Course at The K Club will immediately recognise the similarities with it's 17th.

The signature hole or stretch of holes is probably the loop at 14 and 15. The 14th plays 199yards, and 6o feet downhill. The views of Ben Lomond are breathtaking, but the challenge this time is club selection. Such a sharp drop in elevation makes it tough to anticipate the playing yardage. The green is also heavily bunkered, and should you miss the target by any further, it has run-off areas short and right. Walk off here with a three and you have either been very precise or very lucky. The 15th is down at the lochside, and the scenery begins to blend into the course. If you can get something turning over right-to-left here you may have a chance at going for the green in two. Hit a decent shot in and you may even impress Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who owns a property overlooking the Loch here.

A decent drive at the doglegging 18th leaves a mid-iron into a smallish green protected by water short and left. The clubhouse looks on, as do the inhabitants of the roof top infinity pool, so be sure to please the galleries with a decent approach.

All that's left to do is enjoy a cold pint and a bite to eat from The Claret Jug - The Carrick's trendy but comfortable 19th hole. The surroundings are spacious, and perfect for an upmarket corporate event. Situated less than 30 minutes from Glasgow Airport, it's also extremely convenient.

Without the landscape and views, I would rate The Carrick as a tough, but enjoyable golf course. But set where it is on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, it simply can't be missed.