Nairn Golf Club

“Somewhere I had wanted to play for a long time and this beauty did not disappoint. Proper links golf in proper links weather. A welcoming and unstuffy club located on the picturesque Moray Firth.”

“My first links experience - and easily the best course I’ve played to date. The difference between a standard golf club and the historic links of Scotland is considerably larger than I had anticipated, and Nairn offered me everything over my two rounds here. Good bits: - History: So much of it here and very well presented, it’s hosted many international tournaments and has great pedigree. Well presented archive room. - Course layout: Traditionally laid out with 9 holes going westward away from the clubhouse, and the back nine working its way back toward it. Makes for a unique experience. Plenty of variation in hole layout, with a few big boys from the tips, and one or two driveable par fours. Par threes all under 200y which was nice, not that it makes them easy. Strangely the standout holes are 13&14 which are the two inland holes, which make great use of the elevation available. All laid out in an under stable fashion, although a member or caddy is recommended to show you where to aim (eg. Holes 5 & 8). - Difficulty: in my experience the weather and the green complexes are the great defence of this links. With the wind up and greens quick the course (especially the front nine) can play tough - bordering on masochistic from the back tees. 5 irons can go 150 and 9 irons 200 depending on which way you are facing - with such tricky approach shots it gets very difficult very fast. The greens are immaculate and have good variation, intricate undulation and clever bunkering. A couple of nasty pin placements and bogey becomes the goal. On some approach shots (and most of the par threes) there is no bail out, you are forced to step up and hit a good shot! The rough can likewise be very penal, it’s very easy to lose a ball from just off the fairway. Equally though, with calm wind and from the middle tees I can see an accurate player (and half decent putter) shooting their handicap here. The tee shots are not as daunting as you might imagine (if you can hit some fairways). Miss in the right spots and there are straightforward chips to be found in most places. So firm but fair. I shot 86 as a 10 handicap from the back tees. - Condition: as a premium course you do expect excellent conditioning, this was found here. Greens immaculate and running true, giving subtle breaks which require patience. One thing I noticed was how consistent the green speeds were on every hole, credit to the greens keeping team as I don’t think I’ve played a course with such consistency across the board before. Fairways and heather well maintained. Tee boxes etc all as you would expect. - Pace of play: I played in the early morning both days and I didn’t wait at any point. The members make a point to play fast which is great - we got round in 3 hours. - Staff & Membership: all polite and very friendly, invariably a good morning and how are you. - Facilities: Well maintained and fairly extensive, immense pro shop with some really cool gear. Not cheap! Overall this goes straight in at number one for me. Stone cold recommendation, with many other excellent courses nearby for the rest of the trip. Look forward to returning!”

“Good finish on my Scottish golf tour. This was my last course and it fully test my skills. Strong headwind on front nine impossible score for me. However back nine it helped a lot. Good quality and variety of holes. Quite fast greens. Great views. Love the halfway house. Definetely top 3 of my trip. Hole 14 signature hole for me.”