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Golfing news from the Spey Valley, Aviemore and Cairngorm national park area

Jamie Mcleary wins the Scottish Hydro at the Spey Valley Golf Course Aviemore PGA European tour leg. Watch the video of Jamie storming to victory below!

Visit Jamie Mcleary's website at www.jamiemcleary.com

Northern Open in Aviemore gets underway 27 May 2009 Aaron Sneddon

Wind, rain, clouds, everything an adventurer lives for, but for the golfers of the May Northern Golf Open at the recently opened Spey Valley Golf Course in Aviemore, the conditions were very tough to say the least!

Photos of Tuesdays play in Aviemore can be seen in the Aviemore Golf Gallery here - More coming soon!

From Strathspey Herald 2nd July 2008 - Strathspey Herald

A NEW £600,000 clubhouse including the all-important 19th hole is scheduled finally to open at Aviemore's Spey Valley golf course by next spring, developers have said.

They intend for the new facilities at the championship-standard golf course to be ready by the time some of Europe's rising young stars come to play the Scottish Challenge.

MAHR Ltd have said that they will be able to carry out a phased expansion of the clubhouse as the reputation of the course, designed by Dave Thomas, continues to grow.

Spey Valley's club pro and director of golf, Alan Tait, who shares the course record at the famous Carnoustie course – regarded as one of the toughest in the world – with Colin Montgomery after he shot a 64 in 1994, has welcomed the go-ahead.

He said that the quality of the clubhouse would be on par with the course, which has been winning some rave reviews. "We expect the clubhouse to be completed by the end of April next year, and to be open in time for the new season," said Mr Tait.

"The most popular sized parties visiting Spey Valley consist of 16 to 20 players, and the new facilities will be more than geared up to meet their needs."

Mr Gerry McGee, managing director of MAHR Ltd, said: "The clubhouse was scaled back because of budgetary issues. The initial costs were extremely high, so our proposal is now to expand the facilities as time goes by.

"We did not feel that there was any real benefit to create such a large dining area in the complex when there are four restaurants already on site for visiting players at the resort, including the nearby Dalfaber Steakhouse."

He added that an increasing proportion of their business was coming from golfers wanting to play Spey Valley, and the feedback was very positive on the course itself.

The new clubhouse will feature a pro's shop; office; male and female changing areas and shower rooms; and the bar, kitchen and lounge, where there is intended to be some limited catering.

A decked viewing area will be constructed on columns over the slope down to the golf course, and a central courtyard is being created between the new building and the old steading, which will be used to house golf buggies. Parking will be provided for 55 cars.

Inverness, Nairn, Badneoch and Strathspey MP Danny Alexander said that the approval for the clubhouse was very welcome.

"The new course is a very significant addition to the golfing opportunities in the area, and is already attracting attention for high-quality events," he said. "The clubhouse will complete the course, and I hope will enable it to go from strength to strength."

The legal agreement with Seafield Estate states that the new clubhouse has to be started within six months of the planning approval, meaning that work has to start by Boxing Day this year.

14th May 2008 - PGA.info

Chris Doak's relaxed approach to the game continued to reap its rewards as the in-form Greenock pro surged into the early lead in the £45,000 Northern Open at Spey Valley in Aviemore.

On a first day of fluctuating fortunes for the 142-strong field, which had Campbell Elliott celebrating an ace at the short 6th and Kenny Glen cursing a ghastly 15 at the seventh, Doak carved out a tidy four-under 68 as his bid for a third consecutive Order of Merit win on the Tartan Tour got off to a purposeful start.

The 30-year-old, with 36-hole wins at Craigielaw and Barassie already this season, landed the Northern Open title in 2005, the same year he was crowned the Scottish PGA's No.1, but after a dip in form last season Doak has decided to re-focus.

"I tried to juggle Challenge Tour and Tartan Tour last year and it didn't really happen for me," said Doak, who illuminated his round with a 25-foot putt for an eagle-three on the 17th.

"I sat down over the winter and went over where my career was going. I had a few demons to deal with and I used to let bad shots really get to me which really harmed my game. I've matured over the past few months and I feel I can now deal with things better."

Dean Robertson, the former Italian Open and Scottish PGA champion, opened his challenge with a three-under 69 to share second with Dunblane's Ewan Davie while Jason McCreadie, a two-time winner of the Northern Open, posted a 70.

A shot further back was Elliott, the 47-year-old captain of the Scottish PGA, who rolled back the years with a fine 71 which included the eighth hole-in-one of his career - a five-iron at the 195-yard sixth.

"I've not had a hole-in-one for about 15 years so it was a nice highlight to a good day," said the former European Tour player.

Title-holder Murray Urquhart also carded a 71 as did Andrew Oldcorn, the 2001 PGA champion. Greig Hutcheon, last year's Tartan Tour No.1, returned a 72.

The Northern Open is one of 12 counting events of the Order of Merit and the race for the Srixon PGA Play-Offs, which is being staged at Royal Liverpool in October.

9th August 2006 (Ref: Badenoch and Strathspey Herald)

There has been apparent deliberate damage to the Spey Valley golf course for the second time running. Holes around the diameter of a 5p coin have been dug out of the green, Aviemore Macdonald Spey Valley golf course are looking for anyone with information. Contact Aviemoregolf and we will pass any information on.

Beginning August 2006

Andrew Mortimer, from Ashtead in Surrey, became the first person to score a hole in 1 at the new Aviemore Spey Valley course. Andrew, a retired surveryer plays a handicap of 21, hit the hole in 1 on the 181 yard hole.

The Aviemore resort who owns the course awarded Mr Mortimer a bottle of champagne, an invitation to return to the hotel / golf course for free.

Add youre hole in 1 or view other hole in 1's at the Aviemoregolf.com hole in 1 record pages here.

July 2006

The new Spey Valley golf course is now open for business. With a select group of VIP's giving the course a thumbs up, the only way now is to drive forward and get the word out.

June 2006

New Highland 'Passport' Gives Golfers Freedom to Enjoy the Scenic Courses of Aviemore and the Cairngorms
Highlands of Scotland

Golf in the stunning Scottish highlands has become more exciting and accessible thanks to a new Golf Pass scheme launched this week in Aviemore. For the princely sum of £20, lovers of the game can acquire the new Aviemore and the Cairngorms ‘Golf Pass’ guaranteeing the holder a special 30% reduced rate at all eight of the finest courses within the Cairngorms National Park.

The Highlands is fast becoming known as a fantastic place for golf as well as stunning scenery and the new Golf Pass golfers encourages golfers to visit some magnificent golf courses in the way other visitors enjoy visiting our beautiful wild places. The Golf Pass has been launched in response to the growing number of visitors taking breaks attracted by the area’s ‘must play’ golf courses in the unspoiled landscape of rivers, lochs, Caledonian Pine forest and the stately Cairngorm mountains range.

Purchase your Aviemore and the Cairngorms ‘Golf Pass’ when you come to play any of the eight courses supporting the scheme and you’re guaranteed a hearty highland welcome at Abernethy, Boat of Garten, Carrbridge, Craggan, Grantown on Spey, Kingussie, Newtonmore and the newly completed Spey Valley Championship Course at Aviemore. Each of the eight courses has its own distinct characteristics which golfing visitors will find challenging and enjoyable so there is every chance holders of the new golf pass will want to try them all!

Notes for Editors
The Aviemore and the Cairngorms Golf Pass can be purchased at all participating golf courses in the area: Abernethy, Boat of Garten, Carrbridge, Craggan, Grantown on Spey, Kingussie, Newtonmore and the newly completed Spey Valley Championship Course at Aviemore.

April 26th 2006

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is heading to this year’s VisitScotland Expo celebrating the success of The Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort.

The centrepiece of a multi-million pound regeneration of the area, MAHR has helped transform Aviemore into a year round leisure and business destination, which has seen an unprecedented 22% rise in the value of tourism (STEAM*).
MAHR is attracting families and tourists of all ages with the ultimate Highland-based adventure package including mountain biking, hiking, off-roading, nature trails, clay pigeon shooting and white water rafting on offer, with the Resort at full capacity over peak holiday periods.

Now, with four hotels to cater for all guests, a vast leisure arena, shopping complex and award-winning restaurant, the Resort is about to unveil its latest development, the Spey Valley Golf Course. The 72 par, 7,200 yard (6,800 yard off the women’s tee) championship golf course is described by its designer Dave Thomas, as a ‘jewel in his crown’.

Figures released in March also reveal that MAHR’s conference business has doubled over the 2005/6 winter season, giving a significant estimated £15m boost to the local economy at a time when snow and the traditional skiing attractions have been scare.

The success of the multi-million pound investment has been achieved through the coming together of private investment, public money and local business collaborations to promote the very best of Scotland including its magnificent countryside, traditional Scottish cuisine, hospitality and nature.

Speaking about Aviemore’s success, Sean Sullivan, the resort’s Managing Director, said:

“Eighteen months on and we are delighted with the success of The Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort. Aviemore has historically been seen as a ski centre, however MAHR, the centrepiece of the multi-million pound regeneration of the area, is making its mark, offering all year round facilities for both the business and leisure markets.

“We expect that the new Spey Valley Golf Course will add to the success of the Resort. We are already taking bookings for the course which is due to open on the 26th May and hope to stage top-flight professional events at the Resort in years to come.

“Location and facilities are paramount in attracting conference and leisure business. People are realising just how accessible Aviemore is and, once they are here, they are experiencing an adventure packed stay.”

Last year, in addition to MAHR, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts committed £150 million to a programme of redevelopment across the group.

In Scotland, this investment is already bearing fruit.

The Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa in North Berwick recently re-opened following a £13.5m restoration which brought this Victorian landmark back to life, with quality fixtures and fittings, open fires, new conference facilities and a luxury Vital Spa with pool.

The group now intends to fund similarly impressive refurbishment plans at both the Macdonald Holyrood Hotel in Edinburgh and the Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf and Country Club set in the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders.

Facilities of the new Dalfaber golf course will include:

• Hire Clubs
• Buggies for hire
• Catering
• Trolley Hire
• Green Fees from £59.00
• Extensive Practice Facilities

Older news:

In Scotland, a brand new golf course at the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort opens on May 26. The Spey Valley Golf Course is set within the dramatic landscape of the Scottish Highlands and is a 72-par, including a 641-yard hole, in the spectacular surroundings of the Cairngorm mountains, ancient forests and the River Spey, two hours’ drive north of Edinburgh.
Tel: 08451 255455. Website link

Live Scottish golf news feed from the BBC:

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