[Kevin Markham]

Interesting thread. As someone has said, it's chalk and cheese and I immediately compared it to the Portmarnock vs. The Island debate, which are far closer together than Nairn and Cruden Bay. I'm hoping to play CB later this month, but I have played Nairn.

Nairn doesn't look exciting off the tee - it's got plenty of subtle undulations but it is just a little too flat to the eye... but it requires guile and patience to play the course well. It just depends what kind of golf you want to play. I prefer big dunes that embrace holes and fairways, and wrap around greens, take you to high points for vistas and dramatic views over the hole... so Nairn was a disappointment to me as I knew it was highly rated in rankings and spoken about in hushed tones. Judging by other comments on here, the majority are of the same view. It's a classic Scottish links but one where you will be educated, not exhilarated. But agreed about the greens: peachy

37 photos of Nairn, on a rather cloudy day, for anyone who wants a tour. https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinmarkham/sets/72157629085884026/

[Julian Wise]

Thanks to everyone for their views--interesting how divergent they are.  The good thing is I have worked out a way to play them both so come September, I will follow up with my thoughts (for what they are worth) on whether Nairn or Cruden Bay is the better (more enjoyable) course along with whether many of the "experts" are correct that Trump (finally) has a great course--in Scotland.  Although I may pass out by the end of the trip, we have managed to schedule Cruden Bay the day we land, then the next morning, 18 at Trump and then 18 in the afternoon at Royal Aberdeen.  Next day--36 at Dornoch and then final day 18 in the morning at Castle Stuart and then 18 in the afternoon at Nairn.  We fly home the following day and my guess is I will be passed out the entire flight home.  Again, thanks for all of the responses. 

[Jon Wiggett]

Julian,

you are aware it is a 4 and half hour drive from Aberdeen to Dornoch? After 36 holes that is a long drive especially on a road like the A96.

Jon

[Carl Johnson]

Thanks to everyone . . . guess is I will be passed out the entire flight home. . . .

If not before.

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