Tain Golf Course

This Old Tom Morris links is something of a hidden gem – probably not surprising considering its remote location – but is nevertheless a true shining star of the Highlands. Bordering the River Aldie and the Dornoch Firth, it’s the longest course in Ross-shire and is well worth paying a visit en-route to Royal Dornoch. Like mighty Dornoch, Tain is a ‘mustplay’ though it’s imperative your driver is working well – the fairways are tight and generally-speaking if you haven’t given the ball a good thump, you’re going to be left with a long shot in. If not, just admire the stunning mountain and sea views. Tain is a coastal classic undoubtedly a tough nut to crack when the wind is blowing along the Moray Firth. Which is quite often. 

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The Championship length links overlooking the Dornoch Firth arguably offers one of the best settings imaginable in the highlands for a round of golf.

Old Tom Morris raised Tain from the linksland in 1890, and the windswept golf course still has a timeless atmosphere. The River Tain comes into play on three holes – though it might look like six after a visit to the neighbouring Glenmorangie malt whisky distillery.

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course does not have: Driving Range
• Course does not have: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course has: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course does not have: Handicap

• 4 out of 5 A fine scottish links ! 29 October 2015

  By Ken S

  One of the links we played in the highlands amongst others, of course not in the same class as Royal Dornoch or Castle Stuart thatwe played, nevertheless it was most enjoyable !

• 3.5 out of 5 Fanastic 04 July 2010

  By gslack

  Wow, great course. Played 36 here and can't wait to get back.

• 4 out of 5 if you like pain play tain.you could lose your game 15 June 2009

  By toppermangolf

  .i played tain last week what a golf course,you want to get your head together very quick this course wil bite your backside,you stand on 2 tee and you will feel lost you must trust your swing or you will have had your chips,but one  thing for sure its what golf is all about you against one hard great golf course,you may end up with only two balls.

• 4.5 out of 5 As good as it gets! 27 September 2008

  By Derek Bremner

  Firm greens and fairways, beautiful scenery which the course adds to, spectaclar Alps hole. I cannot find anything negative to say about the golf course. More sympathetic than it's more illustrious neighbour but a tough challenge for any standard player.

• 5 out of 5 Lovely 30 July 2007

  By dwightet

  What a treat. I was on my annual golfing holiday headed for Brora and points north when I decided to add Tain to my trip. It proved to be a fine choice and a memorable round. I shall never forget coming to the Alps, a hole with two large mounds 7-8 meters high hiding the green. The greenkeepers were out mowing the mounds and when I indicated should I simply hit a blind shot over the mounds, they all nodded (3 lads if I recall). To make a long story short, a 7 iron landed ever so nicely 2 feet from the pin and a round of applause greeted me as I finally saw the green. A perfectly executed "I have no idea where this is going!" strike.

• 5 out of 5 Tremendous deal 26 March 2006

  By Anonymous

  Excellent. We played on the club's winter package and got a tremendous deal - £25ish for rolls, golf and a pretty decent 3 course meal. The weather for the first nine was horrendous but the course was in tremendous nick for the time of year esp. the greens. Lovely setting with some holes with fantastic features. Overall a beautiful links course. Everyone at the clubhouse couldn't have been nicer.

• 5 out of 5 Perfect! 01 February 2006

  By Anonymous

  Tops

• 4 out of 5 Forget Royal Dornoch 16 August 2005

  By Anonymous

  Forget Royal Dornoch this course is affordable and a real test for any handicap golfer.   The club house has all the facilities you require for a days golf and the staff are most accommodating.