Brora Golf Club

For the vast majority of golf travelers, the journey to The Highlands of Scotland reaches its northernmost point in the Royal Burgh of Dornoch. Those willing to venture a little further up the A9, however, are assured a truly singular experience at the wild and breathtaking Brora Golf Club.

Founded in 1891, the original course at Brora was laid out by John Sutherland, the meticulous Club Secretary who served at nearby Royal Dornoch for over 50 years. Some three decades later, five-time Open champion James Braid visited Brora to design the links as it is played today. While his name is firmly etched on the Claret Jug, it was Braid’s second career as prolific course designer which left an indelible mark on the game. A mark that many argue is at its very best in this sleepy town along the shores of the North Sea.

The links at Brora is an out and back affair, with the outward nine pressed hard against the sea. The inspiring stroll begins on a relatively gentle note, with the front-9 filled with an abundance of quirk, intrigue and distracting views. Those distractions reach a crescendo at the short par-3 9th hole, where a delicate approach makes par a hard-fought number. On the inward nine the ground becomes more interesting and the test of golf more exacting. The 13th is another pint-sized one shotter that’s sure to find a place in the memory banks. Meanwhile, a trio of demanding par-4s lead to the uphill par-3 closing hole, which is made even more difficult thanks to the many watchful eyes inside the clubhouse bistro.