Golf Towns - Nairn
BY ED HODGE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSS COOPER
6 MINS READ
Think of the household golf-related town names in Scotland and Nairn perhaps doesn’t spring immediately to mind. Others may have a more persuasive pull, others more rooted in the national psyche.
The Highland town, though, should emphatically sit high up the list for any golfing visitor. After all, how many of Scotland’s golfing towns have two championship courses within their confines? How many boast two links courses with decorated histories that continue to grow in reputation?
With its long, sandy, beaches and promenades Nairn became known in Victorian times as the ‘Brighton of the North’. Today, it’s appeal endures, especially in golfing circles. With The Nairn and Nairn Dunbar Golf Club’s both set close to the shores of the Moray Firth, the attractive town is blessed with a duo of 18-hole layouts that delight and inspire.
It’s simply a great venue for a family holiday offering a range of B&B accommodation, hotels and holiday parks – with bags of golf clubs a regular sight in all of them!
Despite the challenges of 2021 on and on the course, both clubs have enjoyed a notable year. Nairn hosted The Amateur Championship in June, producing one of the most remarkable finals in history, while Nairn Dunbar has caught the eye of awards’ judges – winning the Environmental Course of the Year and recently shortlisted for a Business Award at the Nature of Scotland Awards in November.
Nairn GC
The slightly older of the town’s two clubs – The Nairn GC – was founded in 1887, with its designers including Archie Simpson, Old Tom Morris and James Braid.
The links has hosted various prestigious tournaments, with Colin Montgomerie victorious in the Scottish Amateur in 1987. The Walker Cup of 1999 and the 2012 Curtis Cup also spring to mind. The young trio of Paul Casey, Luke Donald and Matt Kuchar were among those to take early steps in their golfing journey at Nairn in ‘99. “I’ve always considered it a great test of links golf and one of Scotland’s best courses,” said Donald.
Its slightly younger neighbour, Nairn Dunbar GC, was founded in 1899 and has been earning itself a growing reputation among the game’s connoisseurs, especially in recent years thanks to a series of course improvements.
The course is a haven for wildlife, a sign of a healthy environment, while members and visitors are enjoying more of a ‘links experience’. Course manager Richard Johnstone implemented a rough management plan to return the links roughs to their natural condition, allowing native grasses, wildflowers and heathers to regenerate to a dominant position and leave open and wispy roughs.
“We have communicated to the community to ensure they know we are more than just a golf course, explaining what we do to encourage wildlife and natural habitats and sustainable practices,” said Johnstone.
Nairn Dunbar
Nairn Dunbar – also host to leading amateur and professional events where Russell Knox and Kelsey MacDonald are honorary members – offer Nairn and Moray Tickets at excellent value for the visitor, with the opportunity to play Nairn and Nairn Dunbar for £210 before the end of October through the Nairn Ticket.
Both clubs retain strong links with the local community, working hard to promote themselves and the area. The town is renowned for its festivals, music and book among them, while a visit to Nairn isn’t complete without some dolphin spotting! The Moray Firth is home to one of only two colonies of dolphins in the UK and they are often spotted from viewpoints when enjoying a walk along Nairn’s beautiful shore.
Situated just east of Inverness, Nairn makes an excellent base for exploring the Scottish Highlands. The town is closely linked to the Battle of Culloden, the last land battle on mainland Britain, with a visitor experience well worth the trip. Nairn, rich in history, rich in golf. Town golf at its finest.