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Course Information & Credits

Welcome to Reay Golf Club

Reay Golf Club, established in 1893, is the most northerly seaside links course on the British mainland with a truly remarkable feature that from every hole you can see the sea along with stunning views of the Pentland Firth and over to Orkney. Nestling in Sandside Bay there are excellent views to 'Beinn Ratha' and rolling hillsides.

It has rich and diverse botanical interest, as well as being a scenic and challenging test of golf. It is the key to the unique character of the course that its naturalness is retained and cherished. There is a wide range of wildlife found on the course and a great number of species of wild plants. The geographical location means the course is very rarely closed even throughout a highland winter.

The Course

The Reay course at 5831 yards has the unique distinction of opening and closing, with a par three. Not a popular start on any course and at Reay the 235 yards can be quite damaging to a medal score if you catch the trouble on the right of the tee but, safely negotiated, the next seven holes are interesting, varied and the best on the course. Two are par fives, the 4th (at 581 yards) always a three-shotter and the 6th, named 'Braid's Choice' after comments by James Braid the renowned golf course architect who laid the original 12 holes had played it and remarked on its quality.

The 581 yard par five 4th hole "Sahara" requires a solid tee shot and fairway wood to set up an approach to a sheltered green protected by a burn. The 196 yd. par three 7th "Pilkington" is a beautiful short hole played across "Reay" burn to a raised green. The two tiered 18th protected by it's greenside bunkers provides a formidable finishing hole. A modern clubhouse provides picturesque views overlooking the whole course and where a warm welcome can be assured to all visitors.

The club's leading players have voted the par 3 seventh as not only the best hole on the course but perhaps one of the most testing in the country. The tee and green, some 190 yards distant, are about the same level, but between them there is a burn, and over it a steep escarpment to the green - this gives the impression of closeness but do not be deceived, the 198 yards is all carry and there is no relief from being short.


James Braid - course architect who laid the original 12 holes. The 6th hole is named 'Braid's Choice' after he advised on the layout of the course and declared the 6th was his favourite hole.

Location

  • From East:- 11 miles West of Thurso on A836, on entering Reay village, Golf Club can be seen on the right hand side of road.
  • From West:- 7 miles East of Melvich on A836.

Sponsors

Daily Record's - Sherlock Holes reports from Reay Golf Club - May 19 - Season 2004-2005

Sports Week's golf course detective hits the fairways THIS week our sleuth's long slog to Caithness uncovered a cracker of a course.

Preliminary Inquires

WATER, water everywhere and plenty to spare for wayward shots with the Reay Burn criss-crossing the course. Tucked alongside Sandside Bay, the Pentland Firth can be seen from every hole with Beinn Ratha providing a stunning backdrop on this natural links.

I found a watery grave but had a swimmingly good time. Because of its location on the most northern tip of the land, the course rarely closes except in the worst of a highland winter.

Heading for the Tee

THERE'S so much flora and fauna you wouldn't be surprised to see botanist David Bellamy rumbling around the rough.

Unusually, the links starts and ends with par threes but the unmistakeable stamp of James Braid, who designed the original 12 holes, ensures a classic test. Modern-day architect Donald Steele reckons it is the most natural links he's ever seen and must remain untouched because of its authentic value.

Best Holes

THE 235-yard first is a monster par three that sets a stiff standard it proved unreachable into the breeze with a booming drive.

The locals rate the 198-yard seventh the best of all but it would grace any course in the country. You must carry the burn in front of a raised green or you'll drown. Watson was wishing he'd put on his wellies by the time he reached the 581-yard fourth hole called Sahara. A true three-shotter with the green guarded by water.

Worst Holes

YOUR 'tec tried hard but couldn't find one on this superb links.

Vital Information

  • 18 holes, par 69.
  • Address: Reay GC, Caithness, Scotland, KW14 7RE.
  • Directions: 11 miles west of Thurso on A836 and seven miles east of Melvich.
    Course can be seen from the middle of Reay village.
  • Contact tel: 01847 811288.
    Fax 01847 894189.
  • E-mail: info@reaygolfclub.co.uk. Visitors: welcome at all times.
  • Green fees: Sun-Sat £20 per day £60 per week ticket.

Verdict

  • AN unforgettable experience.

Rating

  • 4 out of 5

Green Keepers recognition
Reay go for 'BIGGA' things...

  • click here to view report and certificate or go to the 'Green Keepers section.

Highland Sports Club of the Year Award (2006)

Donald Steele - Golf Architect
Passes his remarks...

Donald Steele, International Golf Course Architect, from a world authority on links golf succinctly encapsulates the character of the course on which we have the privilege to play.

"It was a great delight to visit Reay Golf Club and admire a links that is as natural as any that I have ever seen. In a different location, it would enjoy wide acclaim. It is a wonderful example of a classic links with typically wiry turf, a fast running character, a glorious setting and excellent green positions. It must be preserved, at all costs, for its authentic value.

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