Staff WriterThere’s something stirring in the hills of Perthshire, and it’s not just the breeze off the fairways. Murrayshall junior golf is experiencing a full-blooded renaissance, with membership soaring by 42% since the start of the year—proof that the next generation is picking up clubs with enthusiasm and, crucially, sticking with them.
The highly rated Murrayshall Country Estate, just a well-struck wedge from Perth, has seen its junior ranks swell to 60 members. This is no fluke—it’s the result of a concerted push to make the sport as inviting as a warm clubhouse on a rainy Scottish afternoon.
With tailored coaching, top-tier facilities, and a sense of camaraderie that harks back to golf’s grassroots, the estate is quietly becoming one of the nation’s standout nurseries for young talent.
At the heart of it all is Head PGA Professional Robin Smith, a globe-trotting coach with over 35 years of international experience—and, perhaps more importantly, the patience of a saint.
Smith has been the driving force behind a reinvigorated junior programme that treats learning the game not as a chore, but as an adventure.
“It’s incredibly encouraging to see such a positive uptake in junior golf at Murrayshall,” said Smith, who has taught in four continents and seen just about every swing imaginable.
“We’re always looking to make golf easily accessible and appealing to local golfers so seeing more youngsters make use of the best-in-class facilities gives us great pride as they are integral to the future of golf and our long-term vision.”
And it’s not just talk. The coaching sessions—run throughout the school holidays—cover every facet of the game, all delivered with the right mix of structure and spontaneity.
It’s the kind of environment where young players not only improve their short game but also forge friendships and build confidence—on and off the course.
The estate’s two scenic parkland layouts—the 18-hole Championship Course and the nimbler, 9-hole Lynedoch—are ideal proving grounds.
The Championship Course stretches to 6,100 yards and is no pushover, while the shorter Lynedoch offers a more forgiving pace, ideal for fledgling golfers.
Both have benefited from serious investment and now feature tee markers in yellow, green, and blue, ensuring flexibility for all levels.
If that weren’t enough, Murrayshall’s commitment to junior golf extends well beyond lessons.
In April, 20 rising stars took part in a Faldo Futures Qualifier. Last July, the Scottish Boys Under-16 Open brought elite youth competition to the estate, with competitors tackling greens running at a cheeky 11 on the stimpmeter.
Looking ahead, the summer calendar is just as packed. On Monday 4 August, Murrayshall will host a Mixed Junior Open with an inviting £15 entry fee—a move clearly aimed at broadening access and keeping the buzz alive for local and visiting juniors alike.
Murrayshall Junior Golf isn’t just about building better swings. It’s about building a future where kids from all backgrounds feel welcome on the course, where lessons turn into life skills, and where the spirit of the game gets passed on the way it always has—one shared round at a time.
To learn more about Murrayshall or to enquire about membership, visit www.murrayshall.co.uk or email golf@murrayshall.co.uk.
