Nairn

This traditional Scottish golf links course was created on the shores of the Moray Firth from a Highland wilderness of whins and heather, and tests the talents of professional and amateur alike. Founded in 1887, it is now one of the best courses in Scotland, and hosted the 1999 Walker Cup.

Nairn's truly remarkable feature is that from every hole you can see the Moray Firth and the golden colouring and changing lights of the Black Isle. Even more extraordinary is the fact that only too easily you can strike the ball into the sea on every one of the first seven!

In fact, despite having been a scratch player, Viscount Whitelaw, Margaret Thatcher's Deputy Prime Minister, would readily admit to having done just that. Willie (as everyone referred to him) learned his golf here, and like Robert Finlay, had the capacity for making friends. Among them was Charlie Yates of Augusta, who won the Amateur Championship in 1938 at St. Andrews. So began the American connection which has been nurtured ever since.

What delights the visitor and member alike is the Scottish-ness of the links. Other than in a strong westerly, it leads you in gently before demanding accurate driving and precision second shots. Gorse is a hazard. The par 4 holes tease and confound and all four short holes are cunningly angled, with the 4th a little gem and the 14th simply spectacular. As three of the par 5 holes are over 530 yards long, it is a test for all. Yet, even more challenging than the humps and hollows that lurk in the fairways, is the trickery of the greens.

Also the 9 hole Newton Course, though less challenging than the Championship Course, provides a fun round for the family or for those with less time on their hands! The practice area is ideal for warming up before a round or sharpening your short game.

Back to Courses