Overlooking the Dornoch Firth, with the sea on one side and the mountains behind, Tain Golf Club boasts one of the finest imaginable settings for a golf course in the Scottish Highlands. Designed by Tom Morris, Tain was laid out in 1890 on ground where whins, bent grasses and natural bunkers provided all the basic ingredients of a traditional Scottish links. The sheltered location of the course ensures quite favourable weather conditions for most of the year and being situated in an area populated with so many great golf courses, Tain is an ideal inclusion for any golf trip taking in the likes of Royal Dornoch, Nairn, Carnegie Links, Brora and Golspie to name but a few.
Measuring just over 6,400 yards from the championship tees and little over 6,100 yards from the men's forward markers, at first glance the course appears relatively short by today's standards but when you consider that the par of the course is a mere 70, the real challenge becomes more apparent. A particular feature of the course is the presence of the River Tain, which winds its way like a serpent through the second and closing holes, thus adding an incremental element of challenge and intrigue.
On completion of the opening hole, which requires a none-too-easy blind approach to the green over a road, you are immediately faced with the unsettling presence of the River Tain. A good drive will leave a clear approach to the plateau green, well bunkered short left and right but anything topped, duffed or over-hit is likely to end up in the meandering waters of the River Tain. The gently doglegging 3rd hole, which measures some 435 yards, is rated as the most difficult on the course and requires a long, accurate drive to allow a reasonable strike for home in regulation. Another of the excellent holes on the front nine is the left to right dogleg, 9th hole, which requires an accurate lay-up and approach to a green surrounded by three bunkers.
The slightly longer homeward journey begins with two testing par fours of 403 and 380 yards respectively. The 10th requires a brave drive skirting the bunker on the left for the ideal angle to approach the well-bunkered green, while the 11th requires a blind second shot, over hills in order to find the target in regulation. And just when you have forgotten about the River Tain, it pops up again on the short 16th hole and is a recurring theme through the closing holes. The second of two consecutive short holes, the 17th is a marvelous par three of over 200 yards and requires successful negotiation of water and bunkers, while the par four 18th provides a fitting finish to a great round.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
Though not generally perceived to be of the same quality of the likes of Royal Troon or Dornoch, Tain is a wonderful golf course and a worthy inclusion in any itinerary including any of its more famous Highland neighbours.
Situated on Chapel Road in Tain, approximately nine miles south of Dornoch and 35 miles north of Inverness.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
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.
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.
Overlooking the Dornoch Firth, with the sea on one side and the mountains behind, Tain Golf Club boasts one of the finest imaginable settings for a golf course in the Scottish Highlands. Designed by Tom Morris, Tain was laid out in 1890 on ground where whins, bent grasses and natural bunkers provided all the basic ingredients of a traditional Scottish links. The sheltered location of the course ensures quite favourable weather conditions for most of the year and being situated in an area populated with so many great golf courses, Tain is an ideal inclusion for any golf trip taking in the likes of Royal Dornoch, Nairn, Carnegie Links, Brora and Golspie to name but a few.
