XXXX Castle Stuart
Nairn
Nairn , like Castle Stuart , sits on the Moray Firth , but it could not be more different in its design or evolution . This is classic links where golf has been played since the 19th century . The land is low and rippling , and the golf is about subtlety and dealing with the challenges of the wind … and the sea : several of the opening holes hug the beach . Designed by Old Tom Morris , Archie Simpson and James Braid , amongst others , Nairn has evolved into a revered links with glorious greens well protected by pothole bunkers and natural hazards . Some are elevated , others sit in natural pockets but they all call for guile . Nairn , in a nutshell , requires intelligent navigation : narrow fairways are often flanked by gorse and heather and there ’ s also a burn cutting across the course . The sea views from every hole are inspiring .
Castle Stuart
When Castle Stuart opened in 2009 , it did so to worldwide acclaim . The Gil Hanse and Mark Parsinen design was seen as dramatic and exciting , with the links routed over two distinct tiers . Wide rolling fairways , infinity greens , and wild , rugged bunkering give it an almost mystical feel which has given links design a new lease of life . This is as exciting as it gets and you can see it all from the spectacular clubhouse , high above the sea . Despite those wide fairways , accuracy off the tee is needed to open up the big , undulating greens . It all looks beautiful and it is playable for golfers of all abilities – those fairways always tempting you from the tee . The opening holes on each nine are low and by the sea , setting a bewitching rhythm that loops around and brings you back to the clubhouse on the higher terrain .
Moray Old
Expect a crowd as you approach the 18th green at Lossiemouth , for this is one of the best finishing holes in Scotland , and the town ’ s main street runs right alongside . It is a fun way to finish on a course that heartily embraces the tradition of Scottish links , next to the beach and the Moray Firth . It was designed by Old Tom Morris , over low-running links land . Subtle but constant undulations abound and the routing flips direction constantly , which means the wind threatens from every angle ... no easy thing given the narrow gorselined fairways . The greens here are small , fast and flat – although 16 and 17 will come as a surprise – and the course is exceedingly well bunkered .
Wide rolling fairways , infinity greens , and wild , rugged bunkering give it an almost mystical feel which has given links design a new lease of life .
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