I just returned from a five day visit up to Dornoch. We played two days at Dornoch and one each at Brora, Golspie and Nairn. It had been a few years since my last visit that way and a few of my previously held (mis)perceptions were altered. Usually, I find that when I change my mind about a place it is to downgrade it a bit from the previous visit(s). In this case, the modification of my opinions is on how good Brora is. I previously thought it was a good little course, certainly worth a day away from Dornoch. Now I think if the front nine had a bit more to it in terms of topography and green contours Brora could rival Dornoch's quality. Don't get me wrong, the front nine of Brora is good, but like adding a drop of water to single malt brings out the flavours, a 20mph wind helps the outward nine come to life. The best holes on the front are #s 1, 5, 6 & 8. The 2nd & 9th & 18th are also very fine and to be honest there isn't a poor hole on the front - indeed that could be said of the back nine at Brora as well.
We played in a ~20mph wind and as suggested earlier, it is enough to focus one's attention without placing too much strain on the golfer. Additionally, the course has no markers and all in my crew were instructed not to purchase the nasty little stroke saver. I reckon we had a result - all three 3 balls as a combined group went round in less than 4 hours and this was including a a guy with about a 40 handicap - if there is such a thing.
The 1st green viewed from the angle of a player who drank three pints for lunch.
A proper view of the 1st green. The camera is negating the back left to front right slope.
A good cape hole type drive on the 2nd.
The approach to #2 - I like the upslope just shy of the green.
The approach to #4
A shot of #5, one tough hole into the wind. It is essential to drive to the left to have much of a chance to attack this green.
#6 from the tee - this is the Brora's best short hole.
The 7th is a bit of a strange hole because the fairway drops just about where a good drive into the wind would finish. On the right is a great feature of raised fairway just after the dip (it can just be seen to the right of the bunker). You can imagine trying to hit an approach where the player is forced to throw the ball up miles into the air! I was certainly caught out and my ball flew well right near the burn. I was lucky to get a 5 from 140 out in the fairway.
Here is the offending slope!
And the burn awaits for anybody who likes to throw the ball up. These two features are a great 1-2 punch.
The short 9th. The contours run from right to left, where the flag is requires quite a nifty shot to get close.
The approach to #10 after a bit of a dull drive.
Drives were travelling amazing distances downwind. I reckon Brora was the keenest course we played on this trip which didn't surprise me from out last visit. The burn on #11 is reachable despite the break in the fairway. I reckon the break was incorporated to help save balls from tumbling down this bank and into the water some 325 yards off the tee.
The 12th is a wierd hole. The terrain (and usually the wind) takes everything right. To try and reach this short par 4 requires an ultra precision draw.
I really liked this wee par 3 - the 13th. 108 yards long and I could have hit anything from wedge to 6 iron.
You can see the trouble here after a pushed drive on the 14th. The contours take the ball to the left bunker and there is another bunker awaiting over the dune on the right.
I am not quite sure of the correct way to play the 16th downwind. It matters not, because it is the start of a terrific finish at Brora.
The approach to #16.
Without a shadow of a doubt, I think the 17th is the best hole at Brora. This pic says it all.
This approach was the only time I was badly caught out by misgauging the yardage without artificial assistance. This hole convinced me that we should be playing the game without artificial yardage aids. The hole is ~440 and downwind. I reckoned I had (just guessing from how I hit the tee shot which was well) about 175. I went with an easy 5 iron and came up 20 yards short! I was befuddled to sat the least. I don't think it mattered even if I hit enough club to get home. Trying to hold that upturned saucer with a swale in the middle green downwind, over a bunker and with the approach losing arc because of the uphill nature of the shot is a skill I haven't bought yet.
A closer look at the green - what a great, great hole.
Finally, the 18th. A fitting finish to a wild back nine. Nothing but a very well hit shot will do here. There is no hope to kick one up.
As I stated earlier, among many surprises, Brora was the biggest on this trip. The great variety on the back nine more than makes up for the relatively flat front side. Given the price difference in green fees, I would play Brora more than Dornoch.
Ciao