Reay Golf Club

Reay Golf Course is a par 69 of 5,854 yards or about 5,353 metres in the low dunes of Sandside Bay on the Caithness north coast. Described as the most northerly eighteen-hole links on the British mainland, it opens and closes with par threes and combines strong wind, firm turf, Reay Burn and sea views from every hole.

The club was founded in 1893 with a twelve-hole course, and a clubhouse followed in 1899. James Braid visited and alterations were implemented in 1933. The Second World War forced closure in 1940 and the site entered a period of interruption. Reay Golf Club was reconstituted in 1962, a new clubhouse opened in 1963 and the course was progressively developed to eighteen holes. Closure and revival are central to its identity. Reay lies in Scotland’s far north between Thurso and the Atlantic coast. The course follows dunes and grassland at Sandside Bay with beach, distant cliffs and horizon visible throughout. Reay Burn crosses the property and affects several holes. Dunes are lower than at Dornoch or Machrihanish, but exposure is complete. Wind changes from cross to head after simple directional turns. Sandy ground drains well and runs strongly.

The structure is unusual, beginning and ending with a par three. The opening hole of roughly 235 yards immediately tests wind control. The fourth, Sahara, is a 581-yard par five protected by the burn. The sixth, Braid’s Choice, reflects the architect’s influence. The seventh, Pilkington, is a 196-yard par three across Reay Burn and stroke index one. Eighteen returns to a two-tier green where the correct level matters more than simple distance. The white card is 5,854 yards at par 69. Wind, demanding par threes and firm fairways compensate for modest total length. Downwind run can be extensive, while a crosswind miss quickly reaches rough, sand or dune slopes. Greens are small to medium and exposed. The burn creates carries and placement decisions. Temperature and sea air change club selection beyond the stated yardage.

Reay is a community club on the North Coast 500 with clubhouse, visitor welcome, catering according to hours and direct booking. Distance from major cities makes the journey part of the experience; it combines naturally with Wick, Thurso or travel toward Orkney ferries. The setting is simple, wild and lightly commercial. Plan around weather, opening hours and remote-area services.

Play it for one of Scotland’s most authentic and northerly links experiences. Reay combines resilience, Braid influence, the burn and complete coastal exposure. Opening and closing par threes create memorable structure, while Sandside Bay gives every hole a direct relationship with the sea. 18 holes; par 69; 5,854 yards or about 5,353 metres; club founded 1893 with twelve holes; James Braid alterations in 1933; closed 1940 and reconstituted 1962; most northerly eighteen-hole links on the British mainland; first and eighteenth are par threes; seventh Pilkington crosses Reay Burn.

Caithness championships, club opens, North Coast events and regional amateur competitions — Club founded 1893; Braid work 1933; reconstituted 1962; annual open calendar Reay is described as the most northerly 18-hole links on the British mainland; the course opens and closes with par threes