Nairn Dunbar
The Scottish Highlands is not only home to some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the UK&I, but also to a strong and varied array of golf. Not far from Inverness and just a few miles to the east of Castle Stuart, Nairn is a historic town with its own classic Top 100 links. Bordering its ancient fishing port, there is a second very fine course, Nairn Dunbar. Dating back to 1899, it is protected from the North Sea by impressive dunes and is a strong and very interesting links.
It is also the 2021 Environmental Golf Course of the Year. The judges were very impressed by the restoration of the links landscape through the implementation of a rough management plan. Native grasses, wildflowers and heather have all been allowed to flourish. Great efforts have also been made to firm up the playing surfaces, making it a true, running links.
The club’s roots
Originally a nine-holer that was extended to 18 following WW1, there have been notable changes
to the layout over the years. Most recently, in the mid-90s, three new holes were created at the far end. These replaced those on the south side of Lochloy Road which were sold off for housing; an excellent deal that facilitated the smart new clubhouse that opened in 1997. This is also the home club of 2018 Irish Open champion, Russell Knox.
Signature hole
This is an out-and-back links with the added twist that you change direction quite regularly throughout. Ditches, gorse, several very tough par 4s and plenty of strategic, revetted bunkering all add to the challenge.
As does the wind! Rather than an individual stand-out, this is a course with 18 strong, interesting and quite different holes that together combine to offer an engaging and testing round.
If you play in an easterly breeze, then the three par 5s at the 13th, 16th and 18th should each provide an opportunity to get one back on the card. The short holes are varied and attractive, and for lovers of wildlife, the club works closely with the RSPB to create habitats for various different species, such as the sand martin. There are also lovely views over to the Black Isle and the mountains beyond.