Rᴇᴀʏ GC
On the North Coast of Scotland, just a few miles West of John o' Groats, is Reay GC.
Founded in 1893, it was originally a 12 hole course laid out by the local Pilkington family. The course was extended to 18 after James Braid's visit in the 1930s. The first few are quite benign, but from the 4th onwards, you are in the 'true' linksland.
The 6th hole, aptly named Braid's Choice, is probably the pick of this stretch. A par 5 through the dunes, skirting the dunes and the Reay Burn on the inside line.
The 9th is another lovely par 3. Looking back across Sandside Bay.
From here, we venture up the hill and away from the beach. The views we receive in return are beautiful. The golf had a different feel on the back. Slightly less linksy, but with greater elevation changes.
The 11th was probably the pick on the back. Long and tight, the approach to the green is blind - going for it in two requiring a confident second. Otherwise it's an anxious walk over the hill to see if you can spot it!
From the slightly lusher turf as we closed out the round, I kept looking back over to the hills by the Bay. This was undoubtedly the best bit of land, it was a slight shame we weren't able to spend a little longer there.
Overall, a worthy stop if you are driving the NC500 route.
Founded in 1893, it was originally a 12 hole course laid out by the local Pilkington family. The course was extended to 18 after James Braid's visit in the 1930s. The first few are quite benign, but from the 4th onwards, you are in the 'true' linksland.
The 6th hole, aptly named Braid's Choice, is probably the pick of this stretch. A par 5 through the dunes, skirting the dunes and the Reay Burn on the inside line.
The 9th is another lovely par 3. Looking back across Sandside Bay.
From here, we venture up the hill and away from the beach. The views we receive in return are beautiful. The golf had a different feel on the back. Slightly less linksy, but with greater elevation changes.
The 11th was probably the pick on the back. Long and tight, the approach to the green is blind - going for it in two requiring a confident second. Otherwise it's an anxious walk over the hill to see if you can spot it!
From the slightly lusher turf as we closed out the round, I kept looking back over to the hills by the Bay. This was undoubtedly the best bit of land, it was a slight shame we weren't able to spend a little longer there.
Overall, a worthy stop if you are driving the NC500 route.
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