Up early this morning to make the drive way northbound to Reay Golf Club. Mandy, my host, whips up some specialty pancakes to make sure I’m adequately fueled up for walking and pushing my club trolley. Much of the drive up is along the North Coast 500 which many tourist follow because of the stunning cliffside views over the sea as the road snakes its way up through quaint villages filled with ancient stone cottages. Up this way, sheep definitely outnumber people.
It’s a beautiful drive and at just under 2 hours finds me unloading by sticks at the Golf Club. I’ve been diligently watching the weather and selected today for the trip based on wind and rain, and lack of, on this day. For once, the weatherman is correct and it’s just a banner day for golf.
I was warmly greeted in the clubhouse with a lot of questions regarding where I’m from and where have I played... etc by some local members who are truly proud of their course. There are not many people this far north, much less an American. Most golfers play Dornoch and make it a bit further north to play Brora, but that’s where the golf ends for most visitors. What a shame, as Reay Golf Club is a place I’d be happy to play every day of my life. Conditions A++, knock out ocean side scenery that is post card worthy and darn challenging golf. I didn’t find a weak hole on the course. I caught this course on a bluebird day and can only imagine the bite it would have when the wind gets up.
I was around Reay in just over 3 hours, thought about playing it again, but then decided since I was up this way, I’d give Thurso Golf Club a try. It’s a parkland course about 10 miles down the road from Reay and on the way home. It was also in remarkable condition, with near perfect turf, as you play between the pine and spruce trees that line the fairways. Unfortunately, I left my phone in the rental when I teed off so no pics of this track. Tomorrow, I’ll be back on the road and headed to the northernmost course in Scotland which is Durness. All Scotts I have talked to say it’s absolutely a must see and play…. And it’s only 9 holes with 2 sets of tees. Weather is supposed to hold out, so I’ve got the car fueled up and I’ll be ready to head out in the morning.
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Breakfast of Champions |
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