The village of auchterarder was selling golf as a recreational amenity to its residents more than thirty years before the arrival of the caledonian railway company's grand design in 1924, despite being completely overshadowed by the world-famous gleneagles resort next door.

Auchterarder golf club was established in 1892 and hired ben sayers to design a 9-hole course in 1913. this layout, which was the runner-up in the 1888 open, remained in use until a significant renovation at the end of the 1970s culminated in the course that is still in operation today.