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