Golspie Golf Club, though not a world-renowned golf course, is certainly more than worth a visit when playing golf in the Highlands of Scotland. Situated at the foot of Ben Bhraggie about 15 miles and 20 minutes from Royal Dornoch and Brora and about two hours from the Nairn area, Golspie is certainly worth including in your itinerary.
Little different than other Scottish links courses; the history of Golspie is long and colourful. The fact that golf was played on this links course prior to the foundation of the club is again no great surprise. Golspie Golf Club grew from the activities of the local Sutherland Golfing Society and was founded in 1889. The published description of the course in "The Golfer's Guide for the United Kingdom" in 1895 perfectly reflects the subsequent course of history at the links - "There is an excellent course of nine holes and with a little time, care and money, will be made still more worthy of its charming Highland location".
Development of the links has been constant over the years and an 18-hole layout was opened in 1905. Following further extensions, the club sought the advice of the renowned architect and golfer James Braid. The development work, proposed by Braid was agreed upon and by 1927 the most significant ever alterations to Golspie Golf Links had been completed. Golspie shot to prominence in 1985, when the links played host to the 36 holes qualifying event for the British Amateur Championship at Royal Dornoch. Through the fact that less than ten players returned sub-par rounds and the excellent condition of the course, Golspie finally commanded the recognition it richly deserved.
Though classified as a links course, Golspie is somewhat unique as far as what one expects from a traditional links. Offering a mixture of links, heath and parkland combined with stunning views, golf at Golspie Links is truly a unique experience. The course layout is such that shot-making skills are tested to the limit, while the par of 68 is not often matched. Some of the finest holes at Golspie include the par four 14th, back-to-back par three's at 16 and 17 and of course, as with many great courses, the 18th, a testing 445-yard par four.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
It may be quite short but it's par of 68 accounts for this. It's history and truly unique blend of links, heathland and parkland golf make Golspie a must play venue if you are in the Highlands area for more than a few days.
Situated just off the A9 route in Golspie, little over 50 miles north of Inverness and approximately 11 miles north of Dornoch.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
2 Quail Restaurant, Inistore House, Castle Street, Dornoch IV25 3SN.
Tel: + 44 1862 811811. Email: info@2quail.com.
Owned and run by Michael & Kerensa Carr, the restaurant boasts an intimate dining room, where diners can look forward to excellent cuisine with honest and attentive service.
Royal Marine Hotel, Golf Road, Brora KW9 6QS.
Tel: + 44 1408 621252. Email: info@highlandescape.com.
If classical style is your thing, you'll like this elegant dining room. The menu makes good use of local seafood but might also feature the likes of lamb with ratatouille and sautéed spinach.
Glenmorangie Highland Home, Cadboll, Fearn, Tain IV20 1XP
Tel: + 44 1862 871671. Email: relax@glenmorangieplc.co.uk.
Offering Highland hospitality in a friendly and relaxed environment, the daily changing menu includes the likes of haggis, duck, pheasant and fillet of Ross-shire beef.
Morangie House Hotel, Morangie Road, Tain IV19 1PY
Tel: + 44 1862 892281. Email: wynne@morangiehotel.com.
The Garden Restaurant provides an informal and relaxed setting for lunch or dinner, while Cousteau's Restaurant specialises in local produce, particularly seafood.
Golspie Golf Club, though not a world-renowned golf course, is certainly more than worth a visit when playing golf in the Highlands of Scotland. Situated at the foot of Ben Bhraggie about 15 miles and 20 minutes from Royal Dornoch and Brora and about two hours from the Nairn area, Golspie is certainly worth including in your itinerary.
