Just four miles from the heart of Perth, Murrayshall Country Estate is a 365-acre haven of golf, nature, and luxury hospitality. Here, the only interruptions to the peaceful surroundings are the chirping of birds, the crisp strike of a well-hit iron, and the occasional murmur of a greens mower in the distance.
As you wind your way along the country road leading to Murrayshall—set nearly two miles from the main road—you leave behind the bustle of city life and enter a world shaped by history, natural beauty, and excellent golf.
The estate’s centrepiece, a majestic 17th-century manor house, stands proudly among rolling fairways and ancient woodland. Built in 1664, Murrayshall was home to the Murray family for over 300 years before passing into the hands of new custodians. Today, under the stewardship of Stellar Asset Management, the estate has undergone a multi-million-pound transformation, elevating both its accommodation and its golfing facilities to new heights.
A Golfing Legacy in Perthshire
The Murrayshall Country Estate is one of Scotland’s premier parkland golf destinations, boasting 28 holes of scenic, challenging golf across two courses:
Murrayshall Course – A 6,500-yard championship layout designed to test both strategy and shot-making.
Lynedoch Course – A hilly and dramatic 10-hole course, ideal for those seeking a unique, compact challenge.
Both courses were designed by Hamilton J. Stutt, the grandson of James Braid’s foreman, ensuring a deep connection to Scotland’s rich golf design heritage. Since its opening in 1981, Murrayshall has steadily earned a reputation for its immaculate conditioning, strategic layout, and breathtaking countryside views.
A True Parkland Gem
The Murrayshall Course is a par-73 championship test, offering a blend of elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, and well-protected greens. While the six par-5s may suggest a scoreable layout, precision is key—especially with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards waiting to punish errant shots.
Despite its undulating terrain, the course is surprisingly walkable, allowing golfers to enjoy the unspoiled Perthshire landscape as they navigate each hole.
Front Nine: A Mix of Strategy and Opportunity
The front nine has an excellent variety of holes. Opening your round is a strong 400 yard par 4 which plays uphill. You have to position your tee shot in the right side of the fairway to have a clear approach shot to a green that’s above you. Judging the second shot is key to starting with a par.
4th hole
The 4th is the first of five par 3’s. It plays slightly downhill and there is a pond in front of the green. The pond shouldn’t be in play unless you try to get too cute in playing to a front pin location. Holes 5 thru 7 are all par 4’s of under 400 yards.
The 7th is the most difficult of these. It’s an uphill par 4 which doglegs to the right. You need to get your tee shot in the right half of the fairway to have a shot to the green, which sits above you. Go too far left and your approach shot is blocked by the trees.
Trees everywhere
8th green
The 8th is another lovely par 3. It plays downhill through an avenue of trees. Don’t take on the pin if it’s on the right side as it’s protected by a massive tree which overhangs the green. Aim for the centre of the green.
The 9th is a quirky par 5. Your tee shot is severely downhill and the hole doglegs right. You could possibly cut the corner by hitting the driver but you can’t see your ball land. Better to play a medium iron off the tee to the bottom of the hill, then take it from there. I know there are plans in place to change this hole and make it a straightforward par 4 but I liked the fact that it made you think about what to hit off the tee. Maybe I am getting more risk averse as I get older…
Back Nine: A Unique and Memorable Stretch
10th green
The 10th is a short par 4 with the 2nd shot played to a small tiered green. Its fairway slopes from left to right so laying up on the fairway is key. Take enough club for your second. Fail to do so and the pond below the green awaits.
It’s not often that the 13th is the last par 4 on the course but at Murrayshall, it is. I don’t think I’ve ever played a course with a hole pars of 3, 5, 3, 5, 3 to finish. Both par 5’s play downhill. Find the fairway and there’s a chance of hitting the green in two for an easy birdie.
14th hole
All the par 3’s in this closing run are not easy. On the 180 yard 14th, the green sits at an angle across you and is narrow on the left side. If the pin is there, play for the centre of the green.
16th hole
At 212 yard, the 16th has a long narrow green with bunkers left and right and the green slopes back to front. It will take an accurate tee shot to find this green, especially in a cross wind.
The finishing hole
At 199 yards, the 18th is similar to the 16th. It has a narrow green and is protected both short and right by bunkers. The bunker on the right sits below the green so getting up and down from there is difficult as you may not be able to see the flag.
Final Thoughts on Championship Course
This course is a thinking golfer’s paradise, where positioning off the tee and precision into the greens are rewarded. It was in excellent condition and the putting surfaces were pure. With continued investment and impeccable maintenance, it is well on its way to becoming one of the UK’s top 25 golf resorts.
The Lynedoch Course: A Scenic and Challenging Test
Though only 10 holes, the Lynedoch Course is a hilly, characterful layout that demands accuracy and strategic thinking. It is best played with a buggy, as its steep climbs and dramatic elevation changes make it a tougher walk than its bigger sibling.
1st green
The opening hole is an uphill dogleg to the right. It’s not a long hole but it’s tricky. It gives you a flavour of what’s to come. Leaving the green you walk around the houses until you come to the second and the start of the holes that play up, down and across the hill above the hotel.
2nd green
The only straight hole on the Lynedoch is the 2nd hole. It’s defined by the second shot which is over a gully to narrow green surrounded by trees and bushes.
Your approach shot to the 4th
My favourite hole was the 4th, a short dogleg par 4 where the second shot plays downhill to a small green. You have to position your tee shot in the right half of the fairway. It can be difficult to judge your wedge shot into the green. Better to be short than long. Long gets you into all sorts of trouble.
Luxury and Hospitality at Murrayshall Country Estate
The original building and more recent extensions
Eolas Restaurant and lounge, the library and Cairns lounge and bar
Recent renovations have taken place and it’s now a mix of modern, stylish interiors with occasional hints of its historical past. The library, lounges and restaurants are comfortable, airy spaces to relax, drink and eat. There are also a couple of function suites and a smaller lounge for private dining parties.
Our room
All the bedrooms in the main building are larger than normal with large en-suites. The bed was really comfortable and we had a lovely seating area in front of the window. Our room overlooked the 18th green and we had a cracking view across the Perthshire countryside.
A cracking view over the 18th green and beyond
The Cairns bar/restaurant is the main daytime lounge and is the one most used by golf members and visitors. There is also an outside terrace for those who prefer their food and drink, before or after golf, al fresco. Its varied menu was your normal golf club fayre with a few exceptions.
The Fine Dining Experience
Eolas (pronounced Olas) is the hotel’s fine dining restaurant. There are a couple of menu options available. A 5-course tasting menu, with or with paired wines, or an extensive al a carte menu. We chose from the al a carte menu and the food was exceptional.
Our food: Quail breast and leg in a Miso broth. Highland Venison loin with red cabbage and a chocolate and hazelnut jus. Pork fillet with cabbage, bacon, apple and celeriac tart and a grain mustard sauce and an Apple crumble soufflé with clotted cream ice cream and a caramel sauce. Cooked to perfection and with wonderful flavours. Eolas is an award-winning restaurant and we now understand why. It was a wonderful experience and we can’t wait to go back. Eolas is also used for breakfast for hotel guests.
Exploring the Perthshire Countryside
Murrayshall’s location offers access to some of Scotland’s finest attractions, including:
Scone Palace – The historic crowning place of Scottish kings, just a short drive away.
The River Tay – Perfect for fishing, scenic walks, or even white-water rafting.
Perth’s Historic City Centre – Home to boutique shops, historic sites, and fantastic local restaurants.
Glenturret Distillery – Scotland’s oldest working whisky distillery, offering fascinating tours and tastings.
Murrayshall: A Resort on the Rise
One of the Pods Photo credit: Murrayshall Country Estate
Planning permission has recently been granted for the estate to expand its accommodation provision. Twenty two pod style cabins will be constructed in the grounds. These one and two bedroom pods are designed by Scottish firm Armadilla and a number will feature private jacuzzi’s. The pods will be available to book for the coming 2025 season.
With exceptional golf, five-star hospitality, and ambitious investment, Murrayshall is poised to become one of the UK’s premier golf resorts. The challenge ahead? Maintaining its warm, welcoming atmosphere while continuing to elevate its reputation.
We wish General Manager Gary Silcock and his team every success in achieving their vision. Murrayshall is already a gem—and it’s only getting better.
At a Glance:
- Wonderful resort in the heart of Scotland
- 18 hole and 10 hole courses
- Driving range and short game practice area
- 2 onsite restaurants, one fine dining
- Well stocked proshop
- Fantastic views
- 17th Century hotel with new pods coming soon
- View the Murrayshall website here
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
Jim is also an Ambassador for premium clothing brand Fenix Xcell Clothing and also for the Spanish local DMC, Costa Verde Golf.
If you want to reach over 400,000 golfers who love to travel, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522 88732.
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