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!