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Scottish Highlands are renowned as one of the last wildernesses of Europe and
one of the scenic wonders of the world. Great mountain ranges etched by river
valleys, foaming salmon rivers and rugged coastlines with mighty sea cliffs and
secluded sandy bays. The great Highland golf courses lie amid the sand dunes,
carved out of heather and gorse; earning Highland golfers a reputation for being
some of the most discerning in the game. |
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One of the worlds' great courses and only the remoteness of its location precludes
it from being an Open venue. Dornoch is possibly Scottish links golf at its best,
whatever the time of the year. In spring, the sea of yellow gorse is truly something
to behold. On a summers evening or in the still of an autumn afternoon when the
heather is in full purple bloom, Dornoch is as close to a golfing paradise as
one can get. Golf has been played here since the 17th century but it was the influence
of the legendary Tom Morris in 1886 that made it the spectacle and challenge that
it is today. |
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Although Nairn was founded in 1887 it was made the great links challenge that
it is today, firstly by Tom Morris and then by the renowned James Braid of Earlsferry.
Their great achievement was to leave well alone. Nairn seems merely a track through
whins and heather but one only has to play it once to appreciate why it is considered
one of the best championship courses in Scotland. Nairn is far from a casual walk
through the dunes, it requires that you call on the whole spectrum of shots available
in the golfers repertoire. Nairn has hosted the Walker Cup and the British Amateur
Championship among other prestigious tournaments. |
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The township of Lossiemouth
has two courses of high quality and of a championship standard sufficiently high
to host the Northern Open. The courses are set along the wild sandy beaches of
the Moray Firth and were built at a time when the Victorians considered sea bathing
essential for good health and well-being. Lossiemouth is certainly a bracing place
for the courses are hard and running with characteristic sea beech grasses that
make for tight lies requiring the deft bump and run approach shot of sea side
golf. The Old course is demanding and requires resolve and thought rather than
power. A deft putting touch also helps.
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