Brora: A northerly links haven with marvellous holes aplenty

Brora Golf Club is one of the most northerly courses in Britain and represents all the attributes of a traditional Scottish Highland links.

A rugged links that is as natural as they come, the front nine hugs the coastline before you turn and head back to the clubhouse.

Add in the views of the sea and nearby beaches, burn water and vast amounts of gorse and it becomes quick to see why Brora is something of a links haven. There is even a railway which must be negotiated from the 10th tee!

History

The golf course was originally nine holes until around 1900, when it was extended to 18 holes. In 1923 James Braid, five times Open Champion and a prolific designer of golf courses, was invited to visit by the club committee.

This he did in 1924 and for the princely sum of £25 plus travelling expenses, submitted plans for a redesigned 18 hole layout

Officially established by the man himself, the design which came to be known as ‘Braid’s Plan’ has hardly been altered to this day.

What makes it special

We can think of no other course in Scotland which has so many holes playing so close to the sea.

There are no dunes to obscure the magnificent seascape, which is an added bonus to the already marvellous panorama.

There are so many great holes, but the sixth and especially the ninth, a 162-yard par three called Sea Hole, is the standout. Exactly what it says it is: almost on the beach and known to have been covered in seaweed after a storm.