Summary: As part of the 'Warming Up Ryder Cup series our latest episode talks exclusively with the resident Head Proffestional at Gleneagles Resort Andrew Jowett. He explains his day to day roles leading up to the event and shares with the Scottish Golf Podcast how he expects the Gleneagles PGA Centenary Course to play for the 2014 Ryder Cup. This year sees the Ryder Cup returning to Gleneagles once more after the first unofficial Ryder Cup was played here in 1921. As it prepares to celebrate it's 90th anniversary, Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, has teamed up with Golf & Thistle Ltd to offer visitors the chance to experience golf as it would have been played in 1924 (1st official Ryder Cup.) From now until the end of July, hotel guests and visitors can take to the fairways with hickory clubs to recreate the authentic early 20th century golfing experience on Gleneagles’ PGA National Academy Course. Alternatively, individual and corporate groups can be transported to Fife to play a round on the 9-hole Kingarrock Course, which was lovingly restored by the Anderson family in 2008. For more information visit the Gleneagles website. The golf course Andrew believes will play similarly to the Johnnie Walker Championship played annually on the European Tour around a month before this event will take place. An obvious advantage to the mainstay European's who have familiarized themselves with the course over the last several years. Andrew continued by saying the course will suit the longer, straighter hitter and very conducive to match-play. It was evident throughout speaking with Mr Jowett that Gleneagles are fully aware of the past failings of host venues of the Ryder Cup. The term legacy is a mainstay in the Gleneagles vocabulary now as they hope to build on creating long term benefits throughout their resort and more wider into the local Scottish community. If the individuals involved in implementing such legacy objectives share the same enthusiasm and vision as Andrew it most certainly has a chance and what benefit to Scotland's golfing culture it would be. Andrew Jowett's Recounter (Scotland Golf Travel Advice from Gleneagles) Favorite Golf Course & Accommodation - Queens Course & Hotel (both Gleneagles Resort) Favorite Shot - Second into the PGA Centenary Course late September 2014 Misconception of Scottish Golf Travel - Accessibility to Scotland's best golf courses Equipment Option - Learn knock-down shot (Not equipment option but we will let him off with it!) Parting bit of Advice - Come with an open mind and enjoy all that Scotland has to offer.
