Sᴛʀᴀᴛʜʟᴇɴᴇ GC

Perched on the cliffs between Strathlene and Findochty, it was a glorious setting to play on a sunny October day.

The clubhouse is perched on the edge of the cliffs, honest and welcoming - and full of members on our arrival. We were made to feel at home as soon as we walked in.

The original 9 holes were laid out in 1877, and extended to 18 in 1936. Clifftop on free draining pebbles, rather than pure sand, it is nevertheless undoubtedly links. The round begins alongside the cliffs, playing out towards Findochty and back again - the last four holes on the other side of the road.

Whilst these are further from the water, the land is arguably more interesting. Playing over and around ravines makes for an enjoyable end to the round.

For the main body of the course, the terrain is gently undulating. Excellent use is made of a lone hill in the centre of the property, with three par 3s playing up to it. The Fourth, Tenth and Thirteenth greens are all cut into it, playing from different directions and at different yardages.

I really enjoyed Strathlene. Another unassuming club that is true to the simple ideals of the game. It’s not long, less than 6000 yards in fact. If you can stay out of the gorse (and avoid the cliff edges!) it isn’t particularly challenging either. But it is beautiful, honest and a hub for the local membership to enjoy our great game.