Scotland Golf Guide: Brora, Monifieth and Trump International

Brora

The most northerly memorial to James Braid, his vision of this Scottish links has been largely unaltered down the decades.

Bent grasses, beach sand, burns and gorse all feature at this coastal retreat, which largely follows the contour of Kintradwell Bay on the front nine.

The backdrop of the Sutherland foothills, from Ben Bhraggie to the Ord of Caithness, provides a spectacular setting before you turn in for home with bordering croft land, and out of bounds, on which to focus.

Regularly acclaimed for its sheer charm, Brora is the perfect mix of challenge and fun.

Monifieth

Follow in the footsteps of Tom Watson. It was at Monifieth, and specifically the Medal course, where the five-time Open winner experienced links golf for the first time.

What he found was a traditional seaside experience, the Medal’s opening stretch running along the railway line – providing the ever-present threat of out of bounds – before the dunes and undulating terrain comes into play and the course winds into a stunning closing stretch.

The Ashludie might be 1,500 yards shorter than its sibling but smaller greens and tighter approaches means you won’t be taking the easy way out playing it.

Trump International

Found in an incredible setting on the Aberdeenshire coast, Dr Martin Hawtree carved a classic out and back loop through the dunescape.

Featuring panoramic views of the North Sea and the most dramatic of coastlines, the secluded valleys that run in between the sand dunes are just as spectacular in their own way.

It may be 7,400 yards but each hole has six separate tees, so that every golfer is able to nd a yardage to match their ability.

Put simply, Trump International is one of the most dramatic and stimulating courses you will ever strike a shot at.