Nairn Golf Club
Nairn Golf Club | Highlands
Set along the Moray Firth just east of Inverness, Nairn Golf Club is celebrated for having some of the finest greens in Scotland—smooth, true, and famously fast. This reputation was confirmed on the global stage when Nairn hosted the 1999 Walker Cup, where future legends battled across its storied fairways. The course begins with seven spectacular holes hugging the shoreline, demanding precision when the wind is up, before transitioning inland to a heathland style with gorse and pines that provide variety and character.
Strategic design and natural beauty are evident throughout, with highlights including the downhill par-3 14th, played from an elevated tee back toward the sea, and the closing stretch that brings you home beneath the clubhouse with sweeping views over the Firth. Nairn is a course that builds in strength, rewarding players who navigate its subtleties and save their best golf for the finish.
The clubhouse experience is equally memorable, offering snooker, pints, and panoramic views of the 1st and 18th. With luxury hotels just minutes away, Nairn is both a world-class golf course and an ideal base for exploring the Highlands. Cypress & Salt curates itineraries that pair Nairn with Royal Dornoch and Castle Stuart, along with bespoke whisky tastings, fine dining, and private event planning for groups and corporate retreats.
Course Stats
Par: 71
Yardage: 6,832 yards (Championship tees)
Course Rating: 73.6
Slope Rating: 134
Designer: Archie Simpson & Old Tom Morris (1887); later refined by James Braid
Type: Classic seaside links with heathland influence on the back nine
Signature Holes:
1st–7th: Opening stretch hugging the Moray Firth coastline—scenic and strategic.
14th: Glorious downhill par 3 from an elevated tee back toward the sea.
Finishing stretch: Strong closing holes culminating beside the clubhouse.
Championships:
Walker Cup: 1999 (Great Britain & Ireland victory over the USA)
Host of the Curtis Cup, Jacques Léglise Trophy, and Scottish Amateur events
Frequent venue for elite national and international competitions.
Season / Best Months to Play
Overall, Scotland is a year-round golf destination, but conditions vary dramatically:
May – September: Prime season with fast, true greens and firm links turf.
June – August: Long daylight hours and warmest Highland conditions.
September: Still mild, with softer light and fewer crowds—perfect for a luxury travel experience.
