High5: James Braid Highland Golf Trail
Inverness Golf Club, Inverness
Inverness is an impressive parkland course. Established in 1883 and designed by George Smith and JJ Fraser, with alterations made by James Braid, the course provides a challenging test.
Muir of Ord Golf Club, Muir of Ord
Muir of Ord is a heathland/moorland 18-hole course set in stunning scenery with impressive views of Ben Wyvis. The course has undergone significant change and improvement since its inception in 1875. In the 1920s, renowned golf course designer James Braid worked his magic and what he altered and recommended remains intact to this day. An interesting and challenging feature is the Inverness to Wick and Kyle of Lochalsh railway line which runs through the course, adding to the need for accuracy on a number of holes!
Boat of Garten Golf Club, Boat of Garten
The Boat is set alongside the River Spey in the Cairngorms National Park. James Braid’s design features 18 individual holes, cleverly and sensitively shaped fairways, lined by birch trees, heather and broom producing a beautiful yet challenging course.
Reay Golf Club, Reay
Britain’s most northerly 18-hole links course was originally established in 1893. In 1933, James Braid was invited to visit Reay so he could suggest how the course could be extended to 18 holes. Braid made a number of recommendations which shaped the course into its present form. Also on the Trail, in Sutherland, is Golspie Golf Club and Brora Golf Club.
Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club, Fortrose
Located on the Chanonry Peninsula on the Black Isle, this championship links golf course is the 15th oldest recorded club in the world (1793). The course was redesigned by five-time Open champion James Braid in 1932. The greens are fast and deceptive, with tight fairways and strategically placed bunkers – the trademark of Braid, the all-time master of bunkering.
