Explore The Legendary James Braid Highland Golf Trail
Brora Golf Club
The James Braid Highland Golf Trail, in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, pays homage to James Braid, one of the most influential figures in the history of golf course architecture. This collection of seven courses offers golfers a special experience that embodies Braid’s distinctive design principles. The trail includes the Highland courses at Reay, Brora, Golspie, Fortrose & Rosemarkie, Muir of Ord, Inverness and Boat of Garten.
Reay Golf Club stands as the northernmost 18-hole links course on the British mainland and showcases Braid’s skill in integrating his designs with the natural surroundings. Established in 1893 and later revamped by Braid, Reay offers stunning views of the Pentland Firth and the rugged coastline. The course features links attributes like rolling fairways, natural obstacles and an array of challenging holes. Golfers face the dual challenge of navigating Braid’s thoughtful design and contending with the ever-changing coastal winds. The combination makes for a memorable and demanding experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Reay Golf Club
Founded in 1891, Brora Golf Club is often lauded as one of the examples of Braids craftsmanship. The course has maintained much of its original charm, with very few alterations since Braid’s redesign in 1923. Brora encapsulates the essence of traditional Scottish links golf, featuring undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and relatively small, fast greens. The club is renowned for the beauty of its setting, with the North Sea providing a striking backdrop. Grazing sheep and cattle wander freely around the course adding a touch of charm to its character.
Golspie Golf Club offers a golfing experience that combines elements of links, heathland and parkland. Established in 1889 and redesigned by Braid in 1926, the course promises an enjoyable round of golf. The front nine holes embody classic links style along the Dornoch Firth shoreline while the back nine transitions seamlessly into heathland and parkland landscapes. This diverse terrain requires golfers to adapt their game and showcases Braid’s skilful versatility as a designer. Golspie’s challenging layout coupled with its beautiful natural surroundings makes it one of the standout courses on the James Braid Highland Golf Trail.
Situated on the Chanonry Peninsula, Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world with roots dating back to 1793. Braid carried out a redesign in 1932, enhancing many strategic elements of the course. It’s a traditional links course with narrow fairways pot bunkers and fast rolling greens. Positioned between the Moray Firth and the Beauly Firth it provides spectacular views and frequent opportunities to spot bottlenose dolphins. The compact layout demands accuracy with out of bounds areas and natural obstacles along many holes. The influence of Braid is evident in the layout and strategically placed bunkers that challenge golfers to think carefully about each shot.
Muir of Ord Golf Club, located in the heart of the Highlands, combines heathland and parkland golf elements. Redesigned by Braid in the early 20th century, it features tree-lined fairways, natural slopes and well-guarded greens. It is set in some stunning Scottish scenery with clear views of Ben Wyvis to the north and to the south the Beauly Firth and hills above Loch Ness may been seen. Precision and strategic play are essential at Muir of Ord, with Braid’s signature bunkering and green designs testing a golfer’s skill. Its tranquil setting provides a serene backdrop for a round of golf.
Inverness Golf Club, in the capital of the Highlands, provides a parkland experience in contrast to the some of the coastal courses along the trail. Braid’s redesign in 1924 added a touch of complexity and elegance to the course with tree lined fairways, well-placed bunkers and tricky greens. Thanks to its location and well-kept facilities Inverness Golf Club is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. The club’s rich history intertwined with Braids design heritage further enhances its allure.
Known affectionately as "The Boat," Boat of Garten Golf Club stands out as one of the most picturesque courses along the James Braid Highland Golf Trail. Situated in the Cairngorms National Park the course treats golfers to breathtaking views of mountains and forests in every direction. Braid’s 1930 redesign accentuated the natural beauty and challenge of the course, which features narrow tree-lined fairways, native heather rough and nicely contoured greens, this layout poses a challenge for every golfer. The River Spey comes into play on several holes adding an extra layer of difficulty and charm to the experience. Boat of Garten’s design demands accuracy and thoughtful shot-making, with Braid’s influence evident in the course’s strategic bunkering and green complexes. The combination of outstanding natural beauty and its challenging layout makes “The Boat” one of the highlights along the trail.
There are exceptional golf hotels along the trail’s scenic route. Among these, The Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch and the Royal Marine Hotel in Brora are part of the Highland Coast Hotel Collection. The Royal Golf Hotel, located adjacent to the first tee at Royal Dornoch, offers excellent accommodation and stunning views of the course. The Royal Marine Hotel in Brora provides a luxurious and comfortable stay near the Brora Golf Club. Additionally, Marine & Lawn's renovated Dornoch Station offers a unique, stylish lodging experience overlooking the first hole at Royal Dornoch, perfect for golf enthusiasts exploring this historic trail.
Dornoch Station Hotel
The James Braid Highland Golf Trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse and challenging courses created by one of golf’s greatest architects. Each course along the trail showcases Braid’s talent for blending complexity with natural beauty, giving golfers a memorable and fulfilling experience. From the coastal links of Brora, Reay, Fortrose & Rosemakie and Golspie to the scenic parkland of Inverness and Muir of Ord to the picturesque setting of Boat of Garten, the trail highlights the rich golf history and stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Golfers who venture onto the James Braid Highland Golf Trail will not only enjoy exceptional golf but also develop a deeper understanding of James Braids’ legacy and long-lasting impact on the sport.
For more information on the trail visit jamesbraidhighland.golf.