| _ | | _ | | | Par 70, yardage 5,876. Rightly billed as the golf course that every single Scottish golfer should play, 'The Boat', as it is known, is very much worthy of its lofty status. Make no mistake, this course can show its teeth to even the most talented player. Sitting amongst the woods below the Cairngorms, with the River Spey visible from a number of holes and the Strathspey Steam Railway running through the trees alongside the first seven, this course enjoys a truly majestic setting. Subtle alterations have been made to James Braid's original design, but the tough, yet incredibly inviting challenge of this Highland gem still remains. | | | _ | | _ | | | Par 69, yardage 6,110. The golf club in Brora was established in 1891. In 1923, James Braid, five time Open Champion and prolific designer of golf courses, the most famous of which is Gleneagles, visited the course and redesigned the 18-hole layout which has stood the passage of time and remains a fair and challenging test of a true traditional links course. Brora represents all the attributes of a traditional Scottish links, with a classic layout, an easy opening hole, and a short hole facing each cardinal point of the compass. You will have to adapt and manufacture according to whether the course is running fast or slow. | | | _ | | _ | | | Par 70, yardage 6,395. It's no surprise whatsoever that Cruden Bay makes such a big impression on almost everyone who plays it, the course being a classic Scottish links test in every way. It is by no means long, but don't be fooled into thinking it's a pushover. You'd be in for a nasty shock if you took this course lightly. It's a place where you have to show some imagination; it's not just about blasting big drives and throwing approaches high up into the air here. Every hole provides its own test and it's one of those courses where it really is difficult not to completely enjoy your round of golf. | | | _ | | _ | | | Par 71, yardage 5,881. This is a classic northern seaside links course set on the Chanonry Point peninsula with sea views on three sides. Designed by James Braid, it has stunning views from every tee, fairway and green - a truly outstanding setting. Founded in 1888, it is a moderately short course that is dissected by a public road. It contains enough hazards such as well positioned bunkers and tight, fast greens to keep you occupied. There are countless interesting holes. However, the first eight are the most memorable as they run alongside the shore where, if you're lucky, you can catch a glimpse of the dolphin colony. | | | _ | | _ | | | Par 68, yardage 5,990. This is a surprising yet enjoyable mix of heathland, links and parkland where you really get to experience the best in Scottish golf. Great views are to be had of the Dornoch Firth on one side and the wonderful Ben Bhraggie on the other. Golspie is an easy-walking course although your shot-making will be put to the test if the wind blows, and it invariably does. The tenth is often a favorite of many, as is the 16th where the well guarded green resides in a deep hollow with trouble everywhere. Great fun the whole way round! | | | _ | | _ | | | Par 71, yardage 6,314. Sitting five miles north of Aberdeen centre off the A90, this popular links frequently features in the top-100 ranked courses in the British Isles and over the years has hosted many national amateur championships and professional tournaments. Established in 1909 to the design of Archie Simpson, with later refinements made by the celebrated course designer James Braid, Murcar is indeed a championship links of some notoriety and in the finest of Scottish traditions. The 162-yard fifth hole is the first of three short holes and bears similar characteristics to that of the famous Postage Stamp at Royal Troon. | | | _ | | _ | | | Par 72, yardage 6,721. One of the finest, best-respected championship links in Scotland, Nairn is capable of testing the most gifted of players. It has hosted a number of high-profile national tournaments including the Scottish Amateur Championships and the Walker Cup in 1999. Nairn boasts fast, hard-to-read greens and thick links gorse which conspire to provide you with one of the toughest challenges you're ever likely to face. Founded in 1887, the course has been extended and modified by Old Tom Morris, James Braid and Archie Simpson. Incidentally, the town of Nairn is a wonderful base for golfers with great hotels, bars and restaurants.
Maximum handicap: 24 men, 30 women. | | | _ | | _ | | | Par 72, yardage 6,765. Nairn Dunbar has played host to a number of esteemed tournaments and is generally regarded as one of the Highlands' best links courses. Although it is slightly sheltered from the elements in parts, it poses a distinct challenge throughout. The club undertook a few developments recently where the 10th and 11th holes saw some fantastic changes. The course has a number of tricky par-4s, while its eight hole is one of the finest par-3s in the north. It has long been a favorite for members and visitors alike and is one of the most photographed holes in Scottish golf. | | | _ | | _ | | | Par 70, yardage 6,800. The Royal Aberdeen Balgownie Links is one of the oldest courses in the world and, as such, has attracted many top players over the years. Even some of them have found it to be a tough test and, for many, it is a perfect example of the exacting nature of links golf. The 18th is a par-4 measuring 434 yards and is reckoned to be one of the best finishing holes anywhere in the country. There's plenty of trouble awaiting a wayward tee shot and, even if you find the fairway, the approach is far from easy. The sixth oldest golf club in the world, there are a number of memorabilia in the clubhouse of an historical nature.
Maximum handicap: 24 men, 24 women. | | | _ | | _ | | | Par 70, yardage 6,682. Originally laid out in 1891 by Old Tom Morris, the course received a slight makeover from John Sutherland, the club's secretary. It is one of the finest links courses in the world and regularly features in the top ten of best course listings. It is not too long compared to modern layouts but still presents a mighty challenge regardless. It is bordered by the Dornoch Firth and exhibits rolling fairways and small saucer-like greens. Royal Dornoch is a favorite of former Open Champion Tom Watson who said: "It was the most fun I've had playing golf in my whole life".
Maximum handicap: 24 men, 30 women. | | | _ | | _ | | | Par 70, yardage 6,404. Tain is a well-respected links course with fast greens and aptly-positioned bunkers. It overlooks the Dornoch Firth while the River Tain winds its way through the course on three occasions. Whatever the weather, this course's challenge is not to be underestimated. Designed by Old Tom Morris, Tain guarantees a great round for all visitors and, because of its sheltered nature, winter greens are a rarity. The clubhouse was built a few years ago and is ideal for some post-round relaxation. However, if you fancy a tipple or two, then you'll be pleased to learn the Glenmorangie distillery also resides in the town. | | | | | | | | Custom Trip Quote to North & Highlands | | | | | | | | | | |