Today I had the privilege and absolute pleasure of playing Strathpeffer Spa Golf Club. Just a mere 24 miles from the town of Tain, it was always on my list to play but it certainly does not get the recognition it so justly deserves.
I will just come right out and say this has got to be one of the nicest little courses I’ve ever played… and I’ve played a bunch.
Upon my arrival completely unannounced and with no tee time I was made to feel very warmly welcomed by Julian, who got me checked in and offered some friendly course advice. After a brief discussion, Julian advised me to take a cart for my first time around. I’m glad I did as this course has 4-5 holes with some major changes in elevation. I could easily have walked it with my push cart with some laboring uphill, but the ride was nice to have since I was unfamiliar with the layout. The first hole, a par 4 starts out with a dramatically elevated tee shot from a spectacular vantage point just outside the simple but well appointed clubhouse. This is a Heathland style Willie Park / Old Tom Morris design and although not long, the par threes have teeth and every shot presents a challenge due to the rolling terrain. Every tee is like a post card view with stunning scenery in every direction. Julian said just two guys take care of this course and they do a remarkable job. Greens, surrounds and fairways that were so incredibly nice you feel guilty taking a divot. “Please refer to the pic of my ball sitting on pristine fairway turf”. Midway thru the round I had a brief shower but due to the elevation I could see it coming from afar and had plenty of time to slip on the rain gear. The showers were short lived and the sun was back out warm and shining brightly for the last 3rd of my round.
I managed to make a few birdies to offset my bogeys and closed with a -1 score for the day. Oftentimes these smaller courses get overlooked in lieu of the big names which is a shame.
There is absolutely no way I would skip this course if playing golf in the Highlands.
Strathpeffer Clubhouse
Course Layout
Some of the nicest turf you could ever play on!!
Card of the Day!
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