Golf
Using expert knowledge of the 30 golf courses within one hour of Nairn, the Claymore is able to place groups or individuals on courses to suit both their standard and budget. From Royal Dornoch, Moray Old, Nairn and Nairn Dunbar - all championship courses - to hidden gems such as Fortrose & Rosemarkie, Boat of Garten and Grantown on Spey. Driving through the beautiful scenery of the Scottish Highlands is part of the joy of golfing in Scotland.
Duty Managers discuss customer preferences over the telephone, to develop an itinerary tailored to suit. Whether for lone travelers or groups - large or small - Claymore staff take pride in giving individual and personal attention.
Nairn's location, 15 miles east of Inverness and 10 minutes from
Inverness Airport opens up the great courses of the County of Moray,
offering a portfolio of courses second to none. Many prestigious Championships have been awarded to local courses - the 1994 British Amateur and in 1999 Nairn hosted the Walker Cup. Nairn is world renowned as a premier golfing destination with easy accessibility to both well and lesser known courses.
Cost of green fees in the Highland area are amongst the best in Scotland - with most courses offering an economical day ticket.
About Nearby Golf Courses
Alness Golf Club, Alness, Ross-shire
Par 67 Parkland Course
A beautifully situated 18 hole Golf Course with views out over the Cromarty Firth and surrounding hills. Four holes run parallel with the Averon (Alness) river - adding to the pleasure of the Course. Although not too long (4886 yards) there are holes to suit all levels of golfer.
A new Clubhouse offers all facilities for the Golfer. Changing rooms and showers, disabled facilities, Lounge - also with views out over the Firth - 3rd, 17th and 18th holes and the town of Alness. Trolleys and golf clubs (inc. L/H) for hire. Parties (advance booking please - special discounts available) All parties and visitors very welcome.
Boat of Garten Golf Club Inverness-shire,
Par 69 Wooded Heathland Course
Designed by one of the grand masters of golf course architecture - James Braid, the "Boat" is not only a demanding test of sporting skill but also a magnificent setting for the game. The view from the clubhouse, over the 1st and 2nd fairways and beyond, to the Cairngorm mountains - with such distinctive features as the Lairig Ghru and the northern corries of Braeriach - is incomparable. This Highland grandeur, depending on the day, can inspire high achievement or, in the more common event of disappointing performance,affords the comfort and consolation of communing with nature in uniquely attractive surroundings. Popular with visitors, from both home and abroad, the course has become firmly established as a "must" for those enjoying a golfing tour of the Scottish Highlands.
The clubhouse with its restaurant, bar and integral visitor changing rooms offers a warm and friendly welcome and a high standard of catering to the visitor. A well-stocked golf shop also serves to satisfy the golfer's every need.
Carrbridge Golf Club, Carrbridge, Inverness-shirePar 71 Parkland/Heathland Course
Set in beautiful scenery, the course is a mixture of parkland and heath land. Although fairly short, it provides a challenge for golfers of all standards. Visitors are welcome to enjoy a relaxing day on the course - prior booking is not necessary. Facilities include: Club and trolley hire and Putting green.
Cruden Bay Golf Club, Peterhead
Par 70 Links Course
Tom Simpson is the architect who masterminded Cruden Bay, many believing it to be his finest work. Simpson himself included the 1st, 8th and 18th among his selection of the best 18 holes in Britain and Ireland, the 1st calling for a well placed drive and a good second to an angled, well bunkered green. The more daring the drive close to the gorse on the right, the easier the second.
The course is a perpetual battle of wits but it is all unmistakably fun and, since golfers are inclined to take themselves and the game too seriously that is a great compliment. Majestic is almost too weak a word to describe it all although Simpson's high ranking of the 18th might be considered a little over done. However, with out of bounds on the left, a burn running across the fairway and a rumpled fairway culminating in diagonal ridge in front of the green, it underlines the need for a sharp cunning and judgement.
Elgin Golf Club, Hardhillock, Moray-shire
Par 69 Heathland Course
Founded in 1906, Elgin Golf Club is a testing heathland course measuring 6401 yards with a par of 69 and a standard scratch of 71, fully justifying its claim to be one of the finest inland courses in the northern part of Scotland. This course, a test to low and high handicap players alike, is always kept in immaculate condition by the greenstaff and, while playing one's round, there is the added beauty of the panoramic views - looking north over the city of Elgin, and to the south, the hills stretching to the distant Cairngorm Mountains. In recent years, the club has hosted a number of Pro-Ams, and received great praise from the Tartan Tour professionals with regard to the standard of the course and conditions of the greens. One of the main features at Elgin are the eight par 4 holes over 400 yards, which are a severe test to all.
Forres Bay Golf Club, Muiryshade , Moray-shire
Par 70 Parkland Course
The 800 year old Royal Burgh of Forres can be found in the Highlands of Scotland nestled between the Moray Firth to the north and Farquhar Hills to the South. Forres is renowned for its magnificent floral displays and sculptures centered in the Grant Park. Situated within easy reach of the Cairngorms and Loch Ness along with the picturesque fishing villages and the Whisky and Castle Trails make Forres an ideal holiday destination.
Forres Golf Club celebrated its centenary year in 1989. The original 9 holes were designed by James Braid and in 1912 Willie Park was enlisted to construct the new layout to 18 holes. The course, which has hosted the Scottish Professional Championship, is remembered mostly for its spectacular views of surrounding countryside, its tree lined fairways and the infamous 16th hole, aptly named The Pond, provides a watery grave for many stray golf balls.
Golfing packages for individuals or parties can be arranged. Professional instruction, trolley hire, club hire, practice ground, putting green and one of the best stocked golf shops in the North are just some of the facilities available within the complex. The apres golf can be enjoyed in the pleasant surroundings of the clubhouse for an ideal conclusion to your day.
Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club, Fortrose, Ross & Cromarty
Par 70 Links Course
This unusual and captivating course was laid out on the narrow Charonry Point peninsula by James Braid and opened in 1888. It has been described as "perhaps the brightest jewel in the Highlands' golfing crown" and is certainly worth a pilgrimage. Small deceptive greens and strategically-placed bunkers, as well as the natural hazards of gorse and sea, provide a thorough examination of the golfer. The course has magnificent views over the Cromarty Firth and of the forbidding barracks at Fort George, while bottle nosed dolphins can sometimes be spied off shore. The club extends a warm welcome to visitors in the sure knowledge that they will almost certainly wish to come back.
Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club, Grantown-on-Spey, Inverness-shire
Par 70 Parkland/Woodland Course
Established in 1890, Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club welcomes individual players and Societies. The 5710 yard course has a par of 70 (SSS68) and was progressively developed over the early part of the century by A.C. Brown, Willie Park and James Braid. Located in the beautiful Spey Valley, the course is a mixture of parkland and woodland with many magnificent views towards the Cairngorm range and the Cromdale Hills. Walking is relatively easy and the course presents a fair challenge for every calibre of golfer.
Perhaps the most scenic hole is Murdie's View, the 275 yard 9th, a short downhill par 4 with the spectacular backdrop of the Cromdale Hills. When the heather is in bloom it is incomparable. The Spey Valley is a major tourist area and when not golfing, the visitor can explore the Malt Whisky Trail, view the Ospreys at nearby Loch Garten, fish in the River Spey or simply go walking in the hills or through the abundant pine forests.
Inverness Culcabock Golf Club, Inverness
Par 69 Parkland Course
Inverness Golf Club is situated less than one mile from Inverness town centre. Situated on a rolling plateau overlooking the Beauly Firth, this par 69, SSS 70 parkland course has a number of features. Over the years, Club Councils have planted many trees which now make the course tree-lined and with the Millburn running throughout the course, it demands accurate hitting to stay out of trouble, The course's length, at 6,226 is not long by modern standards, which makes it an enjoyable test of golf.
The short holes at Culcabock, however, usually played into the prevailing wind, are well trapped, calling for accurate long iron play. The highlight of the course has to be the dog-leg 14th hole, which at 475 yards, not only demands length and accuracy off the tee, but an extremely narrow entrance into a small green normally requires the steeliest of nerves with a long iron or wood. At 461 yards, the 18th is one of the best finishing holes in the north, and a par to finish makes the following refreshment in the 19th, overlooking the green, all the more enjoyable.
Visitors are made welcome at Inverness, with many off-peak tee times available during weekdays, although Thursday is ladies' day and times are limited. Saturday is the busiest day as most are taken up with Members' competitions, so should be avoided up to 18.00. However, with the long summer evenings, Inverness are encouraging visitors to consider the "Sundowner" ticket, which will entitle visitors to an ever further reduced fee for starting times after 19.00.
Kingussie Golf Club, Kingussie, Inverness-shire
Par 67 Parkland Course
Golf has been played at Kingussie since 1891. In 1908 Kingussie sought the advice of Harry Vardon and extended the course to 18 holes. While some improvements and modifications have been made, the course is still very much as it was - highland golf at its very best! Indeed, Kingussie offers exceptional quality and prides its value-for-money reputation.
The course lying above Kingussie offers extensive scenic views over the Cairngorms and surrounding mountains - so even if your golf is not as you wish, the environment and scenic splendour offer a degree of comfort. At the end of the round members and visitors are provided with an excellent catering service with a range of meals at affordable prices. The Golf Club also offers a small caravan park with camping facilities where guests are able to access the services of the clubhouse. All visitors and organized parties are warmly welcome.
The course itself offers moderately easy walking on upland terrain, with a few short climbs at the 4th and 8th holes. In general the fairways are of a generous nature, but the course is deceptive and position off the tee is an important consideration, a factor often the key to low scoring. The course is kept in immaculate order and offers excellent greens and fairways. Overall, the course provides an excellent test of shot making, and is suited to all levels of ability.
Moray Old Golf Club, Lossiemouth
Par 70 Links Course
Moray Old is a challenging round of golf, but your good shots will also be rewarded. It is a fair test of true links golf and many visitors return again and again to take on its challenge. You will have the opportunity at some holes to throw the ball right onto the greens, whereas for other shots you will get the chance to pitch and run.
As former Masters and five times Open Champion Tom Watson, said - "it took me a number of years and visits to Scotland, before I caught on that links golf was the really traditional way to play the game, and above all, that it was fun!".
Moray New Golf Club, Lossiemouth
Par 69Links Course
As well as the challenging Moray Old Championship Course, the Club is also delighted to offer to you a second, but also challenging, 18 hole links course. Converted into 18 holes in 1979 by the late Sir Henry Cotton, the Moray New is somewhat shorter than Moray Old, however, its tighter fairways and smaller greens make it a fine test of true links golf. If you have the time when visiting to play 2 rounds, we highly recommend to you a round on both of our courses.
Muir of Ord Golf Club, Muir of Ord, Ross-shire
Par 68 Heathland/Moorland Course
Muir of Ord Golf Club was known originally as the Inverness Golf Club. The course was designed in part by James Braid, lying to the west of the old A9 road. It was laid out mainly on old arable and rough grazing land in 1875. On the first and eighteenth fairways the outlines of old 'lazy beds' can still be seen: this was an early form of cultivation consisting of raised beds of earth. Bisected by the Inverness to Wick railway line, this heathland course has improved tremendously over recent years with the addition of 5 new holes and the overseeding of all the fairways.
The par 3 twelfth measuring 219 yards is probably one of the toughest in the Highlands with almost no margin for error and some tricky holes down the stretch for home to ensure a demanding par of 68.
Nairn Golf Club, Nairn, Inverness-shire
Par 72 Links Course
Since hosting the British Amateur Championship in 1994, Nairn Golf Club has shot to prominence. Prior to that, this idyllic spot had nestled unassumingly on the shores of the Moray Firth and had contented itself with modest local acclaim. However, with the building of the new clubhouse, and the provision of facilities to match the quality of the layout, Nairn's ambitions have risen to an appropriate level. These ambitions were realized last year as Nairn played host to the 1999 Walker Cup, where the GB & I team's final day singles display gave them an emphatic victory over their more favoured American counterparts.
For the coming of the Walker Cup, the finishing touches were put to a set up which has to be the envy of most clubs. A new pro-shop was added and the practice tee, previously on a fairly steep slope, was tiered to provide a tremendous area for honing your swing. With these additions, along with the large practice putting green situated in front of the clubhouse, Nairn really is a golfer's paradise!
However, do not be deceived, Nairn is no place for the faint hearted. It is a true classic, designed to challenge at every juncture. The carries are often demanding, the fairways usually hard and fast, and the greens quick and true. Nairn seems to relish the fact that it unashamedly throws down a challenge that few can meet. But being outfoxed by this course is common, and there is more than sufficient consolation offered by the amazing scenery and the sheer quality of the architecture.
Nairn Dunbar Golf Club, Nairn, Inverness-shire
Par 72 Links Course
Situated on the shores of the Moray Firth, the Nairn Dunbar golf course, founded in 1899, is a highly rated Scottish links championship course representing a formidable challenge with its gorse and whin lined fairways. Renowned for its excellent condition and friendly reception to visitors, it was the chosen venue in 1999 for the Northern Open Professional Championship, the Scottish Ladies Amateur Stroke Play and the Scottish Boys Strokeplay. Three new holes were introduced in 1994 to enhance the overall layout.
The new ninth hole, a par 5, is cut into a silver birch wood and is followed by the testing dog-leg par 4 10th which is characterized by a winding waterway. The 11th is now a short but tricky par 3. With these changes the course measures 6720 yards, Par 72. A spacious new clubhouse was officially opened in May 1998 by Sir Michael Bonallack OBE. Facilities include an extensive lounge/bar, dining room and a visitor's locker room.
Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Dornoch, Inverness-shire
Par 70 Links Course
Despite its northerly latitude, some 45 miles North of Inverness and nearly 200 miles from Edinburgh, improvements to roads help Royal Dornoch to continue to be one of the most popular golf courses in Scotland. So well is it regarded that magazine polls across the world regularly have it in their top twenty, it is well worth the extra miles it takes to get there.
Old Tom Morris originally laid the course out in 1891 and John Sutherland - Dornoch's club secretary from 1882 through to 1935 - made subsequent changes. After World War II the course was again considerably altered by George Duncan who designed five new holes: Nos 7 through to 11.
The opening hole at Royal Dornoch, a simple par 4, is no indication of the joy - and trouble - to come. It is not until golfers walk over the headlands to the third tee that they get a sense of this striking golf course. Wondrous swards of fair way and green, with clusters of players dotting the beach-front, unfold a mile in each direction. The embankments of the old dunes on the landward side of the course, from late April until early June, are a carpet of flaming yellow gorse. he course is just over 6,500 yards, but this is no reflection on the degree of difficulty to be found on many holes. It is classic links with the first 8 holes following the natural slants and humps of old dune embankments while the rest flank the sandy beaches of Dornoch Bay. Raised or sloping greens are characteristic as well as elevated tees so the target is well presented although rarely easy to reach. Dornoch, perhaps more than most, is a thinking golfers course where it is not enough to simply keep the ball on the fairway. A position has to be sought on most holes where the green can be accessed to your advantage.
Skibo Castle Golf Club, Dornoch, Sutherland
Par 70 Links Course
The Carnegie Links represents all that is great about Scottish golf, from the friendly, intimate and warm Golf House to its fine traditional links course. This Scottish Championship links course is complemented by The Monk's Walk, a parkland course at the foot of the Castle. Both courses are private to our residential members and guests. Great care has been taken to ensure that the experience of playing the Carnegie Links (within four miles of the famous Royal Dornoch Golf Club) is authentic to the era of Andrew Carnegie.
The course, designed by Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie, offers the golfer a rare opportunity to play a links course which remains firm and fast. It requires a broad repertoire of shots, not simply the modern style of aerial bombardment golf, and demands that any golfer, regardless of standard, is rewarded for thoughtful and skilful play rather than for power.
At 6,671 yards from the back tees, the course is not long by modern standards, but in a wind, it will test even the mightiest of players. Its varied layout takes the golfer past exceptionally rare wildlife habitats which have been carefully retained and protected and are now managed to ensure their future. Birdlife abounds and with the sea on three sides and the hills of Sutherland and Ross-shire all around, this course must have one of the finest settings in the world of golf.
Spey Bay Golf Club, Spey Bay, Moray-shire
Par 70 Links Course
The Spey Bay golf course was one of the few courses designed by the legendary Ben Sayers. It was opened in 1907 at a ceremony attended by thousands. The facility comprises an eighteen hole, natural links, championship golf course and a sixteen bay floodlit covered driving range. The words "hidden gem" are often overused but this course is a classic. It's not overly long but the "out-and-in" layout with an St Andrews Old Course style loop around the turn will test the best, and will take you back in history to enjoy what was surely Ben Sayers' best design.
Unusually small greens which were originally square in design add to the challenge, and the natural contours of what is essentially a shingle bed, formed over thousands of years, ensure links golf at its best. There are no sand dunes to protect you from the elements but heather and gorse await on either side of the fairway. Spey Bay enjoys one of the mildest climates in the UK, the Gulf Stream helping to keep the course open all year, with not a winter green in sight. High sunshine records and low annual rainfall make it an ideal golfing holiday retreat.
Strathpeffer Spa Golf Club, Strathpeffer, Ross-shire
Par 65 Heathland Course
Strathpeffer Spa Golf Club was founded in 1888 and was originally 9 holes. In 1896 it was extended to 18 holes and Tom Morris "the grand old man of golf" was brought in to lay it out. The course is short but a true test of golf, with only three bunkers but with natural hazards abounding, this is real Highland golf.
Spectacular views with numerous viewpoints of the vast panorama of the countryside from the upper reaches of the Cromarty Firth to the mountains of the West. A very friendly welcome from the staff who will do their utmost to make your visit enjoyable. The clubhouse is open seven days a week in summer; catering is also available seven days a week. A club Pro shop is also on site and we can hire/sell clubs, trolleys etc.
Tain Golf Club, Tain, Ross & Cromarty
Par 70 Links Course
In 1895 it was written "The members of St. Duthus (Tain) Golf Club will extend a hearty Highland welcome to every knight of the Royal and Ancient Game who may pay a visit to their Royal and Ancient Town." This 'northern jewel' was laid out five years before in 1890 by Old Tom Morris and occupies a varied stretch of links land, which brings to mind another famous Royal and Ancient town in Fife. The course is invariably in excellent condition with greens that have been described as 'among the best in Britain'. Tain Golf Course can be enjoyed by golfers of all abilities and the ingredients of length, natural links turf, water and strategic bunkering make this a thinking golfer's course, where straight tee shots and course management bring their rewards. The clubhouse, opened in July 1998 contains a well appointed and welcoming bar and dining room.