Nairn
Machrie
Turnberry
overlooks the Moray Firth and well-known landmarks
that are synonymous with Inverness – the Kessock
Bridge, Chanonry Lighthouse, Fort George and Castle
Stuart itself - and enjoys similar topography to Royal
Dornoch further north, with an old sea cliff creating
two tiered plateaus with six holes running alongside the
inner Moray Firth. The course has been designed with
wide fairways to offer plenty of lines of play on ground
that is perfect for links golf.
The great thing about Castle Stuart is that you get a real
sense of seclusion and most of the time you are not
aware of other golfers out on the course. The views all
around are fabulous, and from some tees and greens,
the 1930s style white ’Art Deco’ clubhouse can be seen
sitting prominently atop its viewing perch. Castle Stuart
Golf Links is destined to become a future classic.
Other golfing options: Nairn, Brora & Tain
Castle Stuart
KINTYRE PENINSULA
Machrihanish Old: It’s a claim that’s often made –
‘Machrihanish Old’ situated miles from anywhere on the
craggy west coast of the Kintyre Peninsula has the best
opening hole in Scottish golf. With the Atlantic Ocean
pounding away to the left, ever-present cross winds
and a long beach carry, the 436-yard par-4 is certainly a
nerve-jangling start to any round.
Four-time British Open champion Old Tom Morris
described the quirky dune land of Machrihanish as
”Created by the Almighty to play golf on” and little has
changed since he marked out his traditional links using
seagull feathers during one weekend in 1876. Although
it’s a devil to get to, it’s surprising how many golfers find
there way to Machrihanish, and professional golfer Brad
Faxon, who’s passionate about golf course design once
drove the 189 miles from Turnberry to Machrihanish,
just to check it out and play a round during the build-up
to the Open.
Other golfing options: Machrihanish Dunes & Dunaverty
Golf Club
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