Overlooking the southern shores of the beautiful Moray Firth, Moray Golf Club offers two traditional Scottish links courses, Moray Old and Moray New. Both courses were created from a wilderness of heather and gorse and similar to the Old Course at St. Andrews, both golf courses at Moray Golf Club start and finish within the town boundaries. While both courses are well-worth experiencing, it is the Moray Old layout, which is the championship test. A very challenging course, seven of its par fours stretch to over 400 yards and each hole has been designed to test the lower handicap player, while at the same time, giving pleasure to all who play the game.
Like many other grand old Scottish links, Moray Old has its roots deeply embedded in the 19th century. Founded in 1889 from a layout designed by Old Tom Morris, the history of Moray Old is somewhat similar to that of its relatively near neighbours, Royal Dornoch and Nairn. The links of Moray New, which shares the same land as its more mature sibling, was founded as a nine-hole course in 1906 and was designed by Sir Henry Cotton. Moray New offers similar gorse-lined fairways and was extended to 18 holes in 1979. Today, though quite a bit shorter than the Old Course, its 6,004-yard, par 69 layout, will certainly suit all standards of golfer.
So what about the old course at Moray Golf Club? Though a stern test, it is a fair one, with good shots being rewarded. Its characteristics include gorse lined fairways, deep bunkers and grassy dunes, while its fine links turf invites crisp iron shots to excellent putting surfaces. After a relatively benign opener, the par five, 2nd hole offers the real introduction. With a fairway lined with bunkers, heavy rough and gorse, a straight drive is essential in setting up an approach to a sunken green guarded by out of bounds. Another of the outward gems is the 450-yard par four, 8th hole, which is rated as the most difficult on the course. Aptly named "Heather", the fairway can prove an elusive target, while clever bunkering protects the landing area.
The par-36 inward journey is that little bit longer than the par-35 outward half and starts with a string of five consecutive par fours. The short 10th hole, at little over 300 yards long, is a great birdie opportunity but is followed by what is rated as the second hardest hole on the course. Following a good drive to a generous fairway, your second (or third in some cases) must be on target to negotiate the deep ditch about 20 yards short of the green. Don't be fooled by the par three, 15th hole, which though rated as the easiest on the course, will require good shots to crack par. Fittingly, like on many great courses, the best is saved until last. With out of bounds to the right and bunkers and rough to the left, a good drive is required to set up an approach to the elevated green, where you will probably be thankful for anything less than a three-putt.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
The course epitomizes all the reasons why golfers find themselves drawn to Ireland and Scotland to play golf. Tough but fair, enjoyable but frustrating, Moray Old must be included in any golf trip to the area.
Situated in Lossiemouth approximately 70 miles northwest of Aberdeen and five miles north of Elgin off the A96 route.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
Mansion House Hotel, The Haugh, Elgin IV30 1AW
Tel: + 44 1343 548811. Email: reception@mhelgin.co.uk.
This family-run baronial-style mansion boasts an elegant restaurant and serves a good variety of dishes ranging from fillet of sea bass to tournedos of beef topped with pate.
Craigellachie Hotel, Craigellachie AB38 9SR.
Tel: + 44 1340 881204. Email: sales@craigellachie.com.
Situated 12 miles south of Elgin, the restaurant makes the most of the fine local produce of lamb, beef and seafood, while the walls of the bar are crammed with 300 bottles of whisky.
Boath House, Auldearn, Nairn IV12 5TE
Tel: + 44 1667 454896. Email: info@boath-house.demon.co.uk.
Set in 20 acres of wooded grounds, good-humoured hospitality is the hallmark here. The imaginative menus feature simple ingredients cooked with a contemporary twist.
The Classroom, 1 Cawdor Street, Nairn IV12 4QD
Tel: + 44 1667 455999. Fax: 01667 455999.
Once an old school, this is a welcome and acclaimed addition to the Nairn dining out scene. The bistro bar has a distinct continental feel, with high ceilings and rich furnishings.
Overlooking the southern shores of the beautiful Moray Firth, Moray Golf Club offers two traditional Scottish links courses, Moray Old and Moray New. Both courses were created from a wilderness of heather and gorse and similar to the Old Course at St. Andrews, both golf courses at Moray Golf Club start and finish within the town boundaries. While both courses are well-worth experiencing, it is the Moray Old layout, which is the championship test. A very challenging course, seven of its par fours stretch to over 400 yards and each hole has been designed to test the lower handicap player, while at the same time, giving pleasure to all who play the game.
