Gorse-lined, criss-crossed by burns and pockmarked by perilous pot bunkers, the newly upgraded Nairn delivers typical Scottish links golf
Nairn Golf Club Championship Course Review
Top 100 Ranking 2021/22 – 35
Previous Rankings
2019/20 – 38
2017/18 – 33
2015/16 – 34
2013/14 – 30
2011/12 – 30
2009/10 – 25
Summer Green Fees
Round: £160-£190; 36 holes: £285
Visitor Times: Mon-Fri: 10am to 11.50am and 1.30pm to 3.50pm. Sat-Sun: after 1pm
Medal Tee: Par 71 – 6,426 Yards
Website: www.nairngolfclub.co.uk
Changes since previous ranking
Tom Mackenzie of Mackenzie and Ebert has overseen a wholesale remodelling of the links, which started in winter 2018 and was completed in March 2020. All 18 holes have been altered, some more than others, with new bunkering, new tees and three new greens.
The main objective was to present a challenge to the very best players, but the addition of some new forward tees and the filling-in of unwanted bunkers ensures that players of all abilities will enjoy what Nairn has to offer.
Nairn Golf Club Championship Course Review
Old Tom Morris and James Braid both had a significant hand in the shaping of this fine old links on the Moray Firth.
The holes play mostly along the Firth in either direction, save for a brief foray up and away in the middle of the back nine where the feel becomes more heathland for a few holes with magnificent views.
The links at Nairn starts out right beside the Moray Firth
Other than that, it is essentially an out-and-back routing with the Firth lurking close on the right for much of the front nine, though the beach is not out of bounds should you stray.
Related: Top 100 Courses UK and Ireland
Dating from 1887, this superb links has welcomed many important competitions over the years, including the 1999 Walker Cup and 2012 Curtis Cup. The Amateur Championship visits for a second time in June 2021.
This is a thinker’s course with testing greens and run-off areas demanding careful placement.
There are many excellent and often well-bunkered holes, plus some magnificent views, especially from the elevated tee of the long par-3 14th playing back down towards the Firth.
The 6th is one of many greens protected by bunkers and run-offs
Major improvements
The club has recently invested not far short of £1 million in improvements overseen by Tom Mackenzie, designed to take the course up a level in terms of aesthetics, strategy and playability.
Some 39 former revetted fairway bunkers given a rough-edged makeover, with many greenside bunkers remodelled or sometimes removed.
The Firth is on your right as you head out
Eleven new tees have been added and three other tee complexes relocated; the 1st, 7th and 14th now have new greens; and a number of open sand areas have been introduced.
The goal was to ensure that Nairn can still challenge the game’s best, while becoming just a little more playable for the members and visitors who account for most of the play.
The 16th hole at Nairn
Most would agree that Mackenzie’s changes have cleverly achieved this delicate and unenviable balancing act.
Assessor Feedback
A tough opening stretch recently remodelled to test all levels of golfer. Rewards accuracy and imagination. Spellbinding views across the Firth.
The beauty of Nairn may not be instantly apparent as with some of the other links boasting towering dunes or untamed scenery. But it has an endearing character of its own in the summer with gently undulating dunes framed by stunning yellow-blooming gorse and broom.
GM Verdict
Gorse-lined, criss-crossed by burns and pockmarked by perilous pot bunkers, the newly upgraded Nairn delivers typical Scottish links golf.
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