Category: Course Type (Page 42 of 45)

This is the course type; where a course is a mixture, i.e. parkland/heathland, the predominant type is used.

15. Braemar. 10th April 2015

June 8, 2015 / Moly McMillan

Highest course in Scotland is well worth a visit

Summary: £26 (18 holes); £13 (9 holes); £32 (day). Par 68. Value (out of 5) – 3.5

Braemar Scorecard with Historic Cover Picture

Detail; As the claimed highest course in Scotland, and competing with a Snowdonia course for the highest in the UK, Braemar is a surprisingly flat and open parkland type layout. However, surrounded by the Grampian mountains, and at the bottom of the glen from the Glenshi ski centre, Braemar merits a “highland” classification, not least for its exposure to the elements – beware of the prevailing wind down the glen.

Braemar was one of the first 18 hole courses I played as a 13 year old, so I must admit that I may be nostalgically biased.

The formidable 2nd at Braemar – into the prevailing wind with an elevated green – pray for bogey and survival!

As long as you get over the burn at the first it’s a pretty easy first hole, but the 2nd hole represents one of the toughest par 4s in the Highlands; played into the prevailing wind, the approach to an elevated green can easily play 4 clubs longer. A bogey here represents a good score no matter your handicap.

The story goes that there have been several attempts to fill the several bunkers

One of the sand less bunkers at Braemar – the wind kept blowing the sand away!

with sand – all to no avail. However, you still can find some bunkers, albeit sandless ones!

The course at Braemar is always in good condition, and with a very nice clubhouse with views over the course, is a favourite haunt for the many visitors drawn to Braemar each year, especially those also drawn for its famous Highland Gathering. The Royal connection is also with the club, with HRH Prince Andrew, the current Patron.

“Cluney Water”, the name of the river running through the course, is also often in play, particularly on the tough par-4 10th and par-4 15th, which, coupled with the 11th, are the 3 tough holes on the back 9.

A view towards the course from the “Glenshi road”, with Cluney Water in the foreground.

Overall Braemar is a delight to play, with many visitors coming back year after year. I’m sure you wont be disappointed.

Key Facts

Course Type: Highland

Green Fees: 18 holes £26, 9 holes £13, Day £32 (All week)

Par 64 (0 par 5, 10 par 4s, 8par 3s)

Distance(yellow) 4712 yards

Moly’s Gross score: 88

Moly Braemar Scorecard – Gross 88

14. Kinloss Country; 9th April 2015

June 3, 2015 / Moly McMillan

Young “American” style parkland course close to Findhorn Bay on the Moray Coast

Summary: £20 (18 holes); £12.50 (9 holes); £30 (day). Par 68. Score 90. Value (out of 5) – 2.5

Detail; Kinloss Country is a bit like the proverbial Curate’s Egg – “good in parts”. It is an unusual parkland find on this links laden Moray coastline.

The difficult par 3 third, with sweeping views to the North

It has a very unusual start of 3 par 3s, the first 2 of which are very straight forward; indeed if you don’t pick up a scorecard, you might be forgiven for thinking you were on a par 3 course.

But things get better with the 3rd played downhill with sweeping views, with challenges ahead on the 5th and 7th two of the more difficult holes.

12th hole – with lake in front.

The 12th hole, most likely characterised as the signature hole, has a manufactured lake in front of the green, so make sure you take enough club.

The course was in reasonable condition when I played with special note for the good condition of the fairways and bunkers. The course is quite open to the elements though with the 11th being aptly named “Windy Hills”.

15th – A bit of a Pig!

In fact, please take heed of the hole names! Although I must admit the 15th hole, a bit of a pig, should be renamed.

I played pretty steady throughout, and shot 90, despite having two 8’s on the back 9.

I was also caught out at the 17th, called “Carnoustie Twist” – needless to say I found the hidden green side bunkers!

17th “Carnoustie Twist”

Kinloss Country also has a nice little clubhouse with reasonably priced food and drink; the staff were also particularly friendly.

I wouldn’t go out of my way to play again, but it is a nice holiday venture and is close by the wonderful Findhorn bay, an ideal spot for a nice pub meal or picnic.

Findhorn Bay, close to Kinloss Country GC

Key Facts

Course Type: Parkland

Green Fees: 18 holes £20, 9 holes £12.50, Day £30 (All week)

Par 68 (2 par 5, 10 par 4s, 6 par 3s)

Distance(white) 5321 yards

Moly’s Gross score: 90

Moly’s Kinloss Country Scorecard – Gross 90

13. Rothes; 8th April 2015

May 23, 2015 / Moly McMillan

9 hole course in the heart of the Speyside Whisky Trail – suggest you play before you tipple.

Summary: £20 (18 holes). ; £15 (9 holes) Par 35. Score 48. Value (out of 5) – 2.5

Detail; This is a nice course especially if you are holidaying in the highlands and just “fancy a game”. Although potentially classed as a “highland” course, its has a typical “parkland” feel, without any of the characteristic heather found on other highland courses.

The course sits to the North above the village of Rothes, and is close to many of the local distilleries which make up the famous “whisky trail”. Indeed, it’s just a couple of miles from “The Macallan”, often cited as one of the great single malts.

As to the course, it is on a fairly exposed bit of land, so check the weather forecast for the wind and rain forecast. A north easterly wind in particular, which is what I faced , makes the first 2 holes up a slight hill very formidable, with out of bounds done the left. My main tip is to forego length on the first 2 holes and get it on the fairway.

The fine 3rd hole, probably the course signature – beware the hidden ditch

The 3rd hole, the first played downhill, is one of those holes that is more difficult from the yellow tee (played as a par 4), rather than the white tee (played as a par 5). Watch out for the hidden ditch which will catch a well hit drive from the yellow.

The fairways and greens were well kept and in good condition for the time of year. There is a nice clubhouse with bar and snacks available.

My main gripe with Rothes is the relatively expensive cost of just wanting to play 9 holes – £15 versus £20 for 18 holes. I think these highland course depend on the holiday golfer for

The short 6th – one of the better birdie opportunities

income and often holidaymakers just want to have a 9 hole round. Perhaps a fee around 60% of the full fee is more appropriate.

Nonetheless, don’t let that put you off playing, between visits to the local distilleries. It has some lovely open views of the countryside to make your round enjoyable.

Key Facts

Course Type: Parkland

Green Fees: 18 holes £20, 9 holes £15 (All week)

Par 35 (1 par 5, 6 par 4s, 2 par 3s)

Distance(yellow): 2472 yards

Moly’s Gross score: 48

Moly’s Rothes Scorecard – Disastrous start an understatement!

12. Buckpool; 8th April 2015

April 25, 2015 / Moly McMillan

Accessible Links golf with good views of the Moray coastline – A terrific warm up for golfing tourists before attempting some of the nearby monsters!

Summary: £30 (day), £25 (18 holes). Par 70. Score 88. Value (out of 5) – 3.5

Detail: Buckpool Golf Club is in the small fishing town of Buckie in Moray. Its links style course, elevated above the sea, has views across the Moray Firth towards the hills of Caithness.

View to Portgordon from the 15th tee

The course is built on sand, and has fast, rolling fairways, invariably lined by tall mature gorse bushes, which makes finding balls a touch painful.

The typical Buckpool terrain from the short par-4 12th tee

The approaches to fast tricky greens, are protected by several deep score-wrecking bunkers.

This was my first round of golf since August 2014, having suffered a back relapse, so I was absolutely delighted by my general standard of play. I was also blessed with one of the nicest April days one could imagine in this part of the world.

The Moray coastline has some outstanding links courses at Nairn and Lossiemouth, plus the majestic nearby Aberdeenshire links of Cruden Bay and, recently, the Trump International.

“Drive of the day” in front of the short par-4 12th, with moray firth in the background

For golfers not used to Links golf, Buckpool would be a nice start to a golfing break in the area. It has a friendly staff at the “golf club”, which is actually a local Sports & Social Club.

Course planner on back of local scorecard – great idea

Apart from 2 very bland holes (the 10th and 18th) played towards the unattractive clubhouse, the rest of the course is a delight to play. Tees, fairways and bunkers were all good, and the greens were excellent.

View from behind the 16th Green

With the severe gorse, it’s crucial to concede length for accuracy to score well.

Key Facts

Course Type: Links

Green Fees: Day £30. 18 holes £25 (All week)

Par 36 (2 par 5s, 12 par 4s, 4 par 3s)

Distance(yellow): 5826 yards

Moly’s Gross score: 88

Moly’s Buckpool Scorecard, 88 with 3 lost balls!

Category: Course Type (Page 42 of 45)

15. Braemar. 10th April 2015

Par 64 (0 par 5, 10 par 4s, 8par 3s)

14. Kinloss Country; 9th April 2015

Par 68 (2 par 5, 10 par 4s, 6 par 3s)

13. Rothes; 8th April 2015

Par 35 (1 par 5, 6 par 4s, 2 par 3s)

12. Buckpool; 8th April 2015

Par 36 (2 par 5s, 12 par 4s, 4 par 3s)

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