Course of the Week - Nairn

Despite its northerly latitude Nairn is renowned for clement weather. Owing to the effect of the Gulf Stream, the temperature on the coast of the Moray Firth can often be considerably higher than just inland. For this reason the town of Nairn has been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times. Visitors are attracted by the long sandy beaches, the fascinating history and, of course, the golf.

The famous links to the west end of Nairn began life in 1887 when the club?s founder, Robert Finlay, employed Andrew Simpson of Royal Aberdeen to design a course. The layout was greatly changed by Old Tom Morris and again by James Braid. The latter was the first to break 70 around Nairn, in 1901. Further alterations have taken place over the years, including interventions from Ben Sayers and later CK Cotton, who lengthened the course in preparation for the 1999 Walker Cup. It will also play host to the 2012 Curtis Cup.

Gorse lined, criss-crossed by burns and pock-marked by perilous pot bunkers, Nairn delivers typical Scottish links golf. It?s an out-and-back layout with the sea visible on nearly every hole. The fairways are fast-running and covered in humps and hollows so expect the odd cruel bounce. The greens can be lightning fast and many have treacherous run-offs and vicious bunkering. Even from the Tiger tees it?s not long but strategic play is crucial for success, so don?t be ashamed to keep the driver in the bag. The prevailing wind is from the west and generally into your face on the way out. Despite this the front nine is the easier of the two and this is where a score must be made.

After one round at Nairn you?ll be hooked. On dreary desk-bound days your mind will drift back to the stunning views across to the Black Isle, the delicious smell of gorse mingled with sea salt hanging on the breeze and the call of the skylark.

address: Seabank Road, Nairn,

IV12 4HB

t: 01667 453208

w: nairngolfclub.co.uk

stats: par 72, SSS 74, 7,028 yards

gf: £75 per round, £105 per day

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GM TOP 120 RANKING: 26