In 2014 Nairn was voted number 9 in the Top 100 Courses in Scotland. In 2015 Golf World Magazine voted it number 11 in their list of Top 100 Courses in Scotland. And it comes with another white-knuckle feature: take great care on the first seven holes or you'll find your ball in the sea. Margaret Thatcher’s Deputy Prime Minister Viscount Whitelaw did exactly that, as has a veritable parade of experienced players!
The Championship Course features a powerful westerly wind that requires accurate driving and high-precision second shots. The gorse is beautiful as well as a worthy opponent in itself. The fairways are studded with tricky humps and hollows, and the texture of the turf has always been one of the course's best features. Add the Cameron Course, an excellent nine hole challenge that's perfect for practising and popular with families, and you'll experience an exceptional two-in-one destination, a gem amongst Scotland's great golf courses.
About Nairn golf course - A Brief History
- Founded in 1887
- Created by Robert Finlay, local MP and eventually a Viscount
- Originally designed by Archie Simpson, Professional and Keeper of the Green at Royal Aberdeen
- Redesigned by Old Tom Morris, who extended the course to the west onto the Earl of Cawdor’s land
- Then redesigned again by five times Open Champion James Braid, who altered some of the tees and bunkers, and added new greens
- More changes made by Ben Sayers of North Berwick in 1920
- Yet more amendments made by C K Cotton in the 1960s
- Remains a classic Scottish links course, respected by golfers the world over
- Routinely nominated as one of the top 10 golf courses in the world
Nairn scorecard
View Nairn scorecard
Featured hole – Hole 8, Delnies
Delnies, the eighth hole, at first appears fairly nondescript, a relatively ordinary driving hole. But it’s the approach shot and green that makes it special. The 8th is surprisingly tricky to play towards, featuring multiple undulations short of the putting surface that fall left to right as well as front to back. Expect a short par four that tends to play downwind and is sometimes almost drivable. This is the most difficult approach shot on the course, best tackled from the left of the fairway to avoid the carry over the deep greenside bunker to your right. A typical links hole with an attitude on which the very best players are often satisfied enough to achieve par.
Known for accurate driving and precise second shots
The Championship Course proves a worthy adversary for the most skilled golfers. There's a bracing westerly wind to deal with, making accurate driving and high-precision second shots essential. The gorse itself creates more hazardous terrain. The par 4 holes are satisfyingly difficult and the four short holes all cleverly angled – but it’s the 4th and 14th delivering the best challenges. Add three par 5 holes longer than 530 yards and you can see why Nairn provides so much enjoyable trickery. But there's more. As James Braid himself said, “The texture of the turf and the character of the greens is unrivalled”.
Nairn golf vacations
If you are keen to experience the very best Nairn golf and accommodation, we'd be delighted to help. Our packages are carefully curated to represent the best Scotland golf vacations around. They’re are also customisable to your specific wishes. To discuss your next Nairn golf holiday or simply find out more about what we offer, please get in touch with our expert staff.
Featured Nairn golf package:
St Andrews and Highlands 7 night Progam – 7 rounds of golf at some of the most iconic courses in the world, including guaranteed tee time at the Old Course. Enjoy 7 nights of restful sleep in the ultimate comfort of our hand-picked hotels, complimentary club lunches when in St Andrews, free daily transfers and more. The Experience St Andrews offers unrivalled expertise and value for money and provides unforgettable golf vacation programs that will live long in your memory. Discover More >