Golf in Scotland
Golf is the national sport of Scotland and not surprisingly you can find some of the best golf courses in Scottish regions. Mansion House Country Hotel has many courses nearby including Elgin Golf Club.
Elgin Golf Club
Founded in 1906, Elgin Golf Club is a testing heathland course measuring 6401 yards with par of 69 and a standard scratch of 71, fully justifying its claim to be one of the finest inland courses in the northern part of Scotland. This course, a test to low and high handicap players alike, is always kept in immaculate condition by the greenstaff. There is the added beauty of the panoramic views looking north over the city of Elgin, and to the south the hills stretching to the distant Cairngorm Mountains.
In recent years, the club has hosted a number of Pro-Ams, and received great praise from the Tartan Tour professionals with regard to the standard of the course and conditions of the greens. One of the main features at Elgin are the eight par 4 holes over 400 yards, which are a severe test to all.
Forres Golf Club
Situated just off the A96 about 27 miles east of the Highland capital of Inverness, the town boasts impressive parks and gardens with outstanding floral sculptures as well as its own 18 hole parkland golf course.
Designed by Open Championship winners James Braid and Willie Park, the Par 70 course is just less than 6300 yards from the tips and although not the longest by today’s standards it provides a good test for golfers of all abilities. Well known for its spectacular views over Findhorn Bay and the Moray Firth, Forres Golf Course is a beautifully maintained, picturesque and interesting layout that will satisfy all who play it. The course is full of memorable holes; none more so than the 16th, aptly named ‘Pond’ this is a spectacular hole where a watery grave awaits errant tee shots.
In its recent history Forres has been honoured to host events such as the Scottish Professional Championship, the Northern Open, and the Scottish Young Professionals Championships - a testimony to it’s quality.
Moray Golf Club
Follow in the footsteps of Old Tom Morris and Henry Cotton. The old course is considered to be one of the finest links courses in Scotland. A classic links designed by Old Tom Morris with deep revetted bunkers, undulating gorse lined fairways and smooth fast greens. It is a superb test of golf with seven par fours over 400 yards.
Henry Cotton's preference for precision golf can be seen with the shorter but somewhat tighter new course with greens smaller than the Old but every bit as good, and equally challenging and rewarding.
Moray Golf Club is truly one of Scotland's gems, a fitting tribute to the artistry of Old Tom Morris and Henry Cotton and a must for golfers visiting the area.
Kinloss Country Golf
This exciting parkland course offers the golfer the choice of playing one of two very different 9-hole courses or the opportunity to play all 18 holes.
Course 1: Par 34 2535 Yds.
A gently undulating course offering enjoyable but challenging play together with magnificent panoramic views across the Moray Firth to the distant Caithness mountains.
Course 2: Par 35 2909 Yds.
Longer and more challenging than Course 1, demanding the concentration of the more experienced player.