New drone video reveals condition of 'ghost' Perthshire golf course that never opened to public

New drone footage has shown the remarkable condition of a “ghost” golf resort in Perthshire.

gWest golf course, near Blackford, was completed in 2009.

It has been shrouded in mystery since, and it has never opened to the public.

The mysterious golf course, which has 18 holes and extends to around 639 acres, was listed for sale this week.

Still maintained by full-time greenkeepers, the course is in impressive condition, although few have ever played on it.

The undulating fairways are cut into stripes, and the greens appear manicured.

The course was designed by renowned golf architect David McLay-Kidd and has been described as “Scotland’s best-kept secret”.

According to The Courier’s sister title, bunkered,  the spot could become “one of Scotland’s most popular courses,” if it were to finally open to the public.

The impressive clubhouse, which few will have ever set foot in, is based on a Kent country house, and stands out from the trees and fairways.

The site was developed by the family of Mahdi Al Tajir, “one of the wealthiest in the UAE”.

It was hoped the resort could compete with Gleneagles, with plans to build luxury homes.

The estate has planning consent in place for “up to 170 residential plots, a hotel and spa, leisure and entertainment facilities, and staff accommodation”.

Located to the west of Gleneagles, in 2020 the site was at the centre of an access row between residents and its billionaire owners.

Euan Kelly, partner at Knight Frank Edinburgh, said: “It is incredibly rare that an opportunity like gWest becomes available.

“We’re expecting a huge amount of interest from across the globe in what could be a once-in-a-lifetime asset: a substantial consented resort development site, with a golf course designed by a celebrated architect, in one of Scotland’s most prestigious leisure locations.

“While the bold ambitions for the site have yet to fully come to fruition, a sale could see them take an important step forward and add another destination to Scotland’s, and Perthshire’s, strong tourist offering.”