Nairn Golf Club, nestled on the Moray Firth coastline near a historic fishing port, is a hidden gem among Scotland’s seaside courses. Established in 1887 and sculpted over time by renowned architects like Andrew Simpson, Old Tom Morris, James Braid, Ben Sayers, and further refined by Braid post-World War I, Nairn epitomises meticulous design.
Offering sweeping sea views from every hole, Nairn challenges golfers with its undulating, bunker-strewn terrain. The course features fast, narrow fairways lined with gorse and heather, demanding precision off the tee. Greens are strategically placed—some elevated, others nestled in hollows—protected by bunkers and natural hazards, and renowned for their speed and consistency.
Standout holes include the 390-yard par four 5th, “Nets,” requiring a precise drive to avoid the beach on the right, followed by a delicate approach to a well-defended green. The par four 9th, “Icehouse,” concludes the outward nine with a challenging tee shot avoiding bunkers and whin bushes, leading to a green adjacent to a historic Salmon Bothy.
Despite its northern location, Nairn enjoys a relatively dry climate. Notable events like the 1999 Walker Cup, where Peter McEvoy led Great Britain and Ireland to victory, underscore Nairn’s prestige in golfing history.
In 2018, a course upgrade commenced under Tom Mackenzie, adding new tees and reshaping greens on several holes, enhancing the course’s playability while preserving its architectural integrity.
