The Highland swing
ONE of the great joys for a British golfer is to be able to enjoy some
winter sunshine. Somewhere with bunkers fluffy with white sand, a
gently lapping turquoise ocean and the warm rustle of wind through the
palms. Golf in the West Indies, Mauritius or the Seychelles makes one
forget all about the bleak British climate at this time of year.
So
when the call came through from a well-respected golf marketing company
I was excited at the prospect of escaping a sodden southern November
for blue skies and emerald greens. I was positively stunned at the
choice of venue Inverness.
The next thing I know I am preparing
for golf in the Highlands. On the same latitude as Omsk, Riga and
Gothenburg. Preparing for the sort of golfing weather Amundsen, Scott
and Captain Oates would have understood. My first move is a call to
waterproof specialists Sunderland of Scotland.
My current
rainwear is nowhere near tough enough for a job like this, and apart
from anything else it fits me like a sausage skin, risking a double
hernia at best on any backswing longer than for a short putt.
Sunderland thankfully produce top-notch gear at the big dogs end of the
rail, as well as for players of more orthodox size, which is precisely
what I need.
And along with something waterproof I need
something warm. Brian recommends the Pro II range which fits me
perfectly and allows me to swing as freely as an overweight man in his
early 50s can. In this black and silver rainwear I look as sleek as a
shark's fin, too, which is not something I can ordinarily say of my
appearance.
So, with rainwear, mitts, thermals and clubs packed
it is off to Gatwick airport for one of the daily flights to Inverness.
Over a nutritious pint of Guinness at Gatwick, Andy Tremlett, marketing
guru to an increasing number of Scottish golfing and tourist agencies,
explains the thought process behind his esoteric choice of venue.
"There
are so many hidden golfing gems in the Highlands that it is almost as
if the residents are keeping them to themselves. But they want more
people to come and see them all through the year. There really are some
fantastic courses at equally incredible prices," he reasons.
Royal
Dornoch, Nairn, Tain and Fortrose and Rosemarkie shine like diamonds
along the east Highland coastline and there are many, many more. We
shall also be walking in the footsteps of two of the greatest early
golf course designers: Tom Morris and James Braid.
One may as
well toss a coin to decide whether to play Morris-designed Royal
Dornoch or Morris and Braid-designed Nairn first, but there is nothing
more certain that one must play both of them, the latter being within a
short drive and a full three iron's distance east of Inverness airport
and boasting some of the finest greens in Scotland.
Now we work our way north to pay homage to Braid at the Royal Marine Hotel, Brora, and play the town's wild links, the most northerly course he designed.
But on the way, three more stops on this golfing pilgrimage are essential. First up is the enchanting Fortrose and Rosemarkie links jutting out on a peninsula into the Moray Firth where blue-nosed dolphins can be seen leaping through the waters of the firth. Look out for them as you play towards the lighthouse on the par-five 4th.
Having enjoyed a post-round dram or two in the friendly clubhouse it is time for Tain, the oldest royal burgh in Scotland. As well as boasting 12 original Tom Morris holes dating back to 1890, Tain offers a brilliant-value winter deal of 18 holes and an excellent light lunch for just �20.
Driving away from Tain and the nearby Glen of Tranquillity, where the world-famous Glenmorangie malt is produced, is only made bearable because on the other side of the bay lies Dornoch and its sublime championship links.
Standing on the 1st tee, there is no hint of the trouble to come but things soon start to get interesting as the old course slides you through the gorse and down towards the beach. Tom Watson loves it here while Ben Crenshaw is an honorary member. It is one of the world's truly great links.
The last leg of our journey takes us to Brora and the rugged, weather-beaten links where the sheep graze the fairways and look on blankly at golfers trying to master another stern test set by Braid. In the Royal Marine you can retire to the blazing fire in the lounge and enjoy a glass of the delicious, locally produced Clynelish malt.
Like the low-flying jets that practice bombing runs in this part of the Highlands there are many other classic links that can too easily slip below the radar. Whatever the weather make sure you do not miss them.
Factfile
Steve Killick was a guest of Highland Escape to launch its Duncraggie Range of lodges and apartments in Sutherland. For further information go http://www.highlandescape.com/ or contact Visit Scotland at http://www.visitscotland.com/
