Nairn Dunbar Golf Club

Nairn Dunbar is a championship par 72 of 6,691 yards or about 6,119 metres behind the dunes of East Beach on the Moray Firth. Long par fours, four par fives, four par threes and firm corridors of gorse and sandy waste demand strategy as well as power.

Nairn’s second club began in 1899 when Sir Alexander Dunbar of Boath provided sixty acres for nine holes. Lady Dunbar formally opened the course on 24 May 1899. Additional land from the town and local estates allowed extension to eighteen holes in 1924. The final major restructuring, including three new holes, was completed in 1994. Social history matters too: the eastern club was associated with more affordable golf for working people than the older western neighbour. The course sits behind rugged dunes at Nairn East Beach. The clubhouse looks toward the Black Isle, Sutherland mountains and Cawdor Hills. Not every hole touches the shore, but the Moray Firth governs wind and turf. Gorse corridors, natural sandy areas, selected trees and a burn at seventeen create greater landscape variety than a completely open links.

Nairn Dunbar has a balanced championship structure with ten par fours and four holes in each other category. Fairways accommodate different standards, but the truly advantageous zone is narrower. Greens contain run-offs, plateaux and deep sections. Holes four to seven form a demanding sequence, while the closing par five finishes on an elevated surface with a punchbowl feature. From the white markers the course measures 6,691 yards, with forward options down to 5,467. Ground is normally firm, although dune rough and sandy waste alter lies. There are few forced carries except the notable seventeenth tee over a burn. Par fives and long par fours become substantially longer in wind from the Firth.

The modern 1997 clubhouse, professional shop, dining, changing rooms and practice create a complete visit. Nairn Dunbar remains a welcoming members’ club rather than a resort. Environmental work recognised in 2021 and 2023 is visible in rough, gorse, habitat and firm-surface management. Inverness Airport makes it convenient within a Highland Golf Links journey.

Play it to discover Nairn’s other major course beyond the most famous names. Length, balanced pars and landscape variety provide a genuine championship examination, while multiple tees preserve enjoyment. The club’s popular social roots and environmental commitment add a distinct identity. 18 holes; par 72; 6,691 yards or about 6,119 metres; nine holes opened 1899; extended to eighteen in 1924; three new holes completed 1994; Scottish Women’s Amateur 2024; PGA Northern Open 2018 and 2024; environmental awards in 2021 and 2023.

Scottish Women’s Amateur, PGA Northern Open, Boys Amateur and national championships — Boys Amateur 2017; PGA Northern Open 2018 and 2024; Scottish Women’s Amateur 2024 Opened by Lady Dunbar in 1899; course won Environmental Golf Course of the Year in 2021 and 2023